A strong passion and exceptional expertise in watches

Richard Mille was founded in 2001. The concept of "the F1 of watches" and its clear, instantly recognizable design have brought the brand immense success.

However, what truly supported Richard Mille's ascent was not this "simplicity," but rather the founder Richard Mille's intense passion for watchmaking and his exceptional expertise.

Richard Mille states, "Cost is irrelevant to my watches."
In fact, taking the simplest automatic movement as an example, the baseplate and bridges are made of difficult-to-process titanium. Sixty percent of the baseplate is discarded during production.

The distinctive cases are produced by renowned supplier Donzé Cadran. Even this company, known for its technical prowess, admits, "We can never create a better case than this," highlighting the stringency of Richard Mille's demands.

A Long Road to Becoming a Master Conceptualist

Richard Mille was born in France in 1951. After graduating from university and holding management positions at several companies, he served as CEO of the Mauboussin watch and jewelry groups from 1993.
Reflecting on that time, he says, "Seeing other brands busy in the same field, I felt inspired to try it myself."
In 1998, he left Mauboussin and founded the brand bearing his name, "Richard Mille." In 2001, he unveiled his first model, the "RM001."

However, Richard Mille is neither a watchmaker like Franck Muller nor a designer like Gérald Genta. As he himself states, he is purely a "conceptualist." This means he conceives the watch's concept, considers materials, and commissions suppliers. While one might simply call him a product manager, the reason he is a "conceptualist" lies in his intense passion for watchmaking and his exceptional expertise.
It is precisely for this reason that the Richard Mille RM001 immediately garnered admiration from enthusiasts.

The Birth of Innovative Ideas Unbound by Specialization

Richard Mille is not a watchmaker, nor a designer. This is precisely why he perceives things that "specialists" might overlook.

For example, the "RM002." This model features a torque indicator on the dial, visualizing the tension of the mainspring. "A power reserve display is unnecessary in a watch. Instead, it should display the torque that affects accuracy" (Mille). This perspective is unique to someone who is not a "specialist."

Furthermore, the "RM009" utilizes a new material, ALUSIC, for its case, achieving the world's lightesttourbillonrealization. His dedication continues to evolve.

In the latest "RM012," the baseplate and bridges of the movement have been eliminated, and the movement is supported solely by a tubular frame. These numerous innovative ideas, absent in the minds of "specialists," truly exemplify Richard Mille's distinctiveness.

Orthodox Watchmaking for True Connoisseurs

Despite this, Richard Mille watches are by no means eccentric. The "F1 of watches" concept and distinctive design are underpinned by an astonishingly earnest approach to craftsmanship.

Consider the sharply defined case. Upon close inspection, the edges are meticulously beveled to prevent snagging shirt cuffs. Furthermore, various finishes are employed to enhance the three-dimensional appearance of the movement. As Richard Mille emphasizes, his watchmaking is exceptionally sound and represents orthodox high-end watchmaking.

Richard Mille, with its "F1 of watches" concept and clear design, aims for something more profound: to create timepieces for "true connoisseurs."

If you find yourself unsatisfied with ordinary watches, a Richard Mille is certainly worth considering. Beyond its "understandable" concept and design, the meticulous craftsmanship will undoubtedly convey his passion for watchmaking and his exceptional expertise.