In the same way that Godard initiated the “New Wave” in cinema, Richard Mille has turned the conventions of prestige watch making upside down by coming up with a revolutionary concept to meet the high expectations of a handful of wealthy enthusiasts, ready to pay any price for their dream watch. Unique design, high-tech materials and ultra-innovative architecture, every detail makes a RICHARD MILLE watch an exclusive timepiece full of character and a look that is instantly recognisable. The delivery of the 1000th example of the Richard Mille RM005 in Paris, has given us the opportunity for an admiring glance in the direction of this contemporary master of the art, and you the chance to discover what could justly be called “a symbol of exceptional watch making”…
Since 1999, when he decided to launch his brand, Richard Mille has consecrated his time to becoming familiar with the high expectations of privileged clients. Many hours of discussion with Laurent Picciotto, recognised as an enthusiastic discoverer by the most elite of an international clientèle, have resulted in marketing solutions for his project and the new brand’s position right from the start at the top of the scale of already very high prices.
The idea is to put revolutionary watches onto the market, using the most modern technical materials and putting into practice an absolutely unique architecture. Inspired by automobiles and leading edge technology, Richard Mille has called upon the best watch makers of Geneva to develop a wristwatch to a specific design: the RM001 Tourbillon.
From its launch in 2001, the RM001 Tourbillon, sold for almost a million French francs, immediately found a clientele, as well as causing much amusement in the watch making world. But how was a new watch making brand able to achieve such miraculous success to the detriment of brands established for generations on this market? Truly a textbook case.
Richard Mille rapidly consolidated his success by developing a whole range, creating the RM002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 007, 008 and RM009.
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At between 28,000 and nearly 500,000 euros tax included, the RICHARD MILLE range has become the cherished baby of all the wealthiest people in the world. There isn’t a single star, dynamic company director or crowned head of state now who doesn’t fall for a RICHARD MILLE!
Last September, during the last Only Watch sale in Monaco, a unique RICHARD MILLE piece (RM005-1 Case by Stark) estimated at between 90 and 120,000 euros found a taker for 285,000 euros, thus setting a record for the evening’s auction!
Having summed up the history of the brand, let’s get into the heart of the subject and the details of our RM005 N°1000 with our photographer’s zoom.
As we have already said in our test bench on the RM008 in January 2004…beautiful photos and full technical details speak louder than words!
A sufficiently rare pleasure deserves to be highlighted by The Watch Quote. Wearing a RICHARD MILLE is of course a question of money, but not exclusively so… it is also, and above all, the absolute pleasure for every lover of modern watch mechanics to contemplate an exemplary architecture and movement, set off by the design of every part that goes into the making of the watch. The beauty and contrast of the materials, strength of the screw, hands and all its movements make the RICHARD MILLE an exceptional and out -of-the-ordinary object even at entry level…
Strong points
• Concept
• Personality, character
• Finish
Weak points
• Price*
Our rating: *****