The term ‘luxury watch’ generally conjures up images of classically styled mechanical timepieces, with well-polished cases in precious metal, and featuring traditional methods of construction and finishing.
In 2001 however, a series of watches with high-tech materials and cutting-edge movement construction was launched in rapid succession. The audacious Richard Mille RM001, RM002 and RM003, developed through processes more akin to those in Formula One than those of watchmakers in ateliers, shook up the horological landscape. A new era in luxury watchmaking was born.
Inspired by the product development and design processes of high-performance cars, Richard Mille left his position as CEO of Mauboussin to launch his eponymous brand. Eschewing conventional wisdom, Mille built upon the principles of cutting-edge materials and technical design to lead his brand to great success.
The RM009-1 Felipe Massa is a prime example of Mille’s approach. Developed in collaboration with F1 driver Felipe Massa, Mille sought to create the world’s lightest mechanical watch, one that would be able to withstand the tremendous stress of an F1 race.
To this end, the RM009 utilized the world’s factually most expensive and probably most high-tech watchcase, as well as a radical new movement design for shock resistance. The result: one of the world’s most sought-after timepieces, in a limited edition set of 25.
