Join me as I explore some of the best Richard Mille watches ever invented.
Richard Mille watches are some of the most beautiful and lavish in the entire world. They’re also some of the most expensive. Recently, Christie’s “Important Watches” sale auctioned off some impressive Richard Mille pieces.
The brand’s story of success and prestige began in 2001 when it released the six-figure RM 001 Tourbillon. This watch acquired the nickname “the billionaire’s handshake”; no prizes for guessing why!
Have you ever heard of the RM56-01 model with the completely transparent sapphire case? How about the RM 52-01 Skull Tourbillon?
These are the kind of watches I’m talking about. Exquisite, memorable, and associated with some of the richest people on the planet. Speaking of rich people:
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Richard Mille Anant Ambani Watch
Anant Ambani is the son of Asia’s richest billionaire Mukesh Ambani. He also happens to own one of the most expensive watches in the world.
The successful green energy businessman had Richard Mille exclusively design the RMS-10 Tourbillon Koi Fish watch for his wrist.
Although only in his 20s, Ambani is the proud owner of an insane watch collection. Among his delights are several gem-set Pateks and the covetable Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon.
The Richard Mille Anant Ambani watch (RMS-10) may not be to everyone’s tastes. But it is quite the spectacle. It creates the illusion of 3D swimming koi fish underneath the glass and boasts an array of scintillating diamonds.
Its 18k rose gold case holds a skeletonized movement inside, complete with a 50-hour power reserve and titanium bridges. Oh, and it’s worth a very “reasonable” $1.25M.
Richard Mille Skull Watch
Here’s another example of one of Richard Mille’s finest designs — the Richard Mille Skull watch.
The watch’s concept is to encourage the wearer to pause and experience the present moment. If you ask me, the RM 052 makes it hard to do anything but stop in your tracks! The model captivates with its alluring design and avant-garde finishes.
The brand isn’t the first to incorporate a skull concept into its watch. The Bell & Ross BR-01 Laughing Skull watch springs to mind. That design is pretty iconic, with its animated mandible driven by the mechanical movement sitting behind it.
But in the Richard Mille RM 052 design, the skull nestles itself deep into the case. It somehow feels part of the design as a whole.
The grade 5 titanium head holds the ruby of the tourbillon movement between its teeth. Meanwhile, the rest of the design shows an incredible level of craftsmanship.
The brand tests the baseplate and bridges beyond normal limits, and the hand finishing throughout the watch is divine.
If you fancy adding this watch to your collection, prepare yourself. This Richard Mille watch will cost in the region of $6-700k, so you should start saving!
How Much Is a Richard Mille Watch?
If you’re considering buying a Richard Mille watch, your wallet will know about it. This manufacturer creates some of the most expensive watches in the world.
You should also be aware that some models are worth more than their original retail price on the pre-owned market. I’ve discussed the effect of the “supply vs demand” chain before. If a watch is scarce, it instantly becomes more desirable to an enthusiast.
On the whole, Richard Mille watches demand a high price tag. I’ll outline a few reasons for this in the next section. But there are definitely some affordable alternatives to choose from.
The ones you see getting a lot of media attention are understandably some of the most expensive. (I’ll also highlight one of these as an example a little further on.)
But how much is a Richard Mille watch on average? Well, you can expect to pay an average of $200,000 for an RM watch. Models that lean towards an accessible price point include the RM 028.
The Richard Mille RM 028 is in keeping with the exciting and bold aesthetic appeal of the brand’s entire catalog.
These are not watches for small wrists by any stretch of the imagination. Moreover, thanks to their powerful, masculine proportions, they create a huge wrist presence.
The RM 028 is available for around $90k and features automatic movement with a 55-hour power reserve.
The movement also features grade 5 titanium bridges with a sleek black PVD coating that you can admire through the case.
For me, this watch boasts an almost-motorsport aesthetic. The legible hour markers are sporty and generously lume-coated, and the splashes of red give me racing vibes.
For its level of finishing and state-of-the-art movement, the RM 028 is one of the best entry-point pieces out there.
Why Are Richard Mille Watches So Expensive?
When talking to anyone about RM, the first thing they want to know is, “How much is a Richard Mille watch?” They also want to know, “Why are Richard Mille watches so expensive?” To answer that question, we need to look at what makes the brand unique.
Part of a Richard Mille watch’s appeal stems from the brand’s associations. Professional sportspeople have been crash-testing these watches in their respective fields for years.
The company has designed watches for many famous faces. Professional tennis player Rafael Nadal is an example.
The RM 27-02 watch can withstand the hammering of a tennis ball thanks to its Carbon and Quartz TPT® construction. Other examples include Pharrell Williams, Michelle Yeoh, and Ed Sheeran.
While alliances with big personalities and athletes are impactful, other reasons add value to these watches. Of course, scarcity fuels desire, and Richard Mille produces many of its watches in a limited supply. These rare timepieces are more expensive.
These watches are also incredibly distinctive looking. You can spot an RM watch a mile away.
As is often the case, a collector will pay a premium for a brand with standout aesthetics. The Richard Mille DNA is unmistakable and looks like nothing else on the market.
The brand also used some of the best materials in the industry. The brand specializes in watches made from Cermet, a proprietary material, and its in-house manufactured quartz TPT.
Let’s not forget carbon TPT, either. Gold carbon TPT exclusively combines gold leaf with carbon, while Carbon TPT® alone promises remarkable strength and robustness.
Understandably, these innovative materials are expensive to produce and require the correct machinery and tools. These unique hybrid materials make Richard Mille watches stand out, adding to their high value.
What Is the Cheapest Richard Mille Watch?
The topic of how much to spend on a good watch remains an ongoing debate. Whether you can justify the piece of a Richard Mille watch or not, like any brand, there are affordable options.
The bad news is the lowest end of the spectrum is still more than the cost of an average luxury watch.
If you’re wondering, “What is the cheapest Richard Mille watch?” take a look at the RM 016. You can buy this watch for around $70k. The Automatic Extra Flat design houses a skeletonized automatic winding movement behind its dial.
This means you can still marvel at Richard Mille’s fascinating horological artistry while enjoying a more affordable option.
Its ultra-thin rectangular case represents a superb technical achievement. The watch has been around since 2017, adding to its affordability.
Since then, Richard Mille has advanced seismically, increasing price tags. Still, this is one of the thinnest watches ever made, adding to its popularity.
One exclusive feature of a Richard Mille watch is its unidirectional rotor with variable geometry. It’s available through the brand’s catalog. What’s so impressive is that you can enjoy technical accomplishments like this at the bottom end of the brand’s price list.
The RM 016 has a 38-mm 18k white gold case, visible Arabic numerals, and a modern black rubber band.
For a little extra, you could own the RM 033 (around $90k). This 18k rose gold extra flat watch features a 2.60mm-thick movement through an open dial and a 45mm diameter.
Wrapping Up
Richard Mille is one of the most expensive watch brands in the world. The Richard Mille RM 052 Skull and RM56-01 Sapphire are some of the company’s priciest innovations. The brand’s modern tech and rare complications contribute to its priceiness.
Elite watch-collecting circles respect the reputation the manufacturer upholds, and many timepieces are sought after by the wealthy. Some of the brand’s ambassadors include successful athlete Yohan Blake and golfer Bubba Watson.
Although expensive, Richard Mille watches are also some of the most well-made in the industry. Looking at it this way, you’re investing your money wisely in a watch from this manufacturer.
These timepieces last a lifetime, and there is an abundance of designs to choose from. Plus, if you don’t plan on keeping your watch forever, its pre-owned market value is likely to increase.
Are you thinking about buying a watch from Richard Mille? Which timepiece do you have your eye on? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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