- Launched in 2001, Richard Mille has already established itself as a big horological player.
- The close association with the world of sport and high-performing athletes is abundant with RM.
- The Rafael Nadal collection immortalises a legend of the sport.
A racing machine on the wrist, Richard Mille has built an enduring reputation as one of the world’s most innovative and technically profound watch brands in today’s horological market, despite only celebrating two decades in watchmaking recently.
Its founders Dominique Guenat and Richard Mille were committed to applying the pioneering spirit found in the world of motorsport and aerospace to all the timepieces their new brand created, using only the best materials available in each of their celebrated releases to become one of the most sought-after brands on the market.
The only catch? Well, Richard Mille isn’t cheap. For the price of the RM67-01, for example, you could pick up a brand-new Urus. But if you’re shopping around for Richard Mille timepieces, you’re undoubtedly driving home in a Lamborghini anyway.
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We spoke to Jonathan Tu, director of Circle Red Watches here in Sydney, about the growing interest in this ultra-premium watch brand and which Richard Mille models are driving aftermarket demand right now.
Richard Mille RM67-01 and RM67-02
Introduced in 2016 and 2018, respectively, as part of the RM67 series, the RM67-01 and 02 models are arguably the most popular Richard Mille watches in Australia today.
The close association with the world of sport and high-performing athletes is abundant with this release, often seen on the wrists of Formula 1 drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris as RM partners with the 2024 Constructors’ Champions McLaren.
“Once again, this is a Richard Mille that comes in a variety of flavours. However, this watch’s thin case design means it can be worn appropriately all year long, which makes it a real winner for me. Always on the wrist of the Formula 1 guys Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri.”
Jonathan Tu, Circle Red Watches director
The standout feature of the RM67-01 includes a slim automatic design with the brand’s signature tonneau-shaped case, featuring a highly skeletonised CRMA6 calibre movement, visible through the dial.
Known for its elegant yet sporty aesthetic the RM67 collection is often seen as a “gateway” Richard Mille for enthusiasts seeking something less ostentatious than some of the Swiss brand’s more extravagant offerings and has attracted buyers for its combination of Richard Mille’s hallmark high-tech materials with wearability for everyday use.
It’s mainly designed to be an ergonomic offering, capable of withstanding the transient conditions of the Formula 1 racetrack, or as seen during the Olympic Games, soaring to great heights on the wrist of high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim when he famously shared the gold medal in Tokyo.
Richard Mille RM11-03 and RM11-04
Debuted in 2017 as a successor to the original RM11 series, the RM11-03 chronograph with an automatic flyback movement the in-house RMAC3 calibre, features bold designs and vibrant colourways that have since become synonymous with the Swiss luxury watch brand.
It carries much of the Richard Mille pedigree, using premium materials like titanium or TPT carbon in each one of its releases; a highly sought-after collection known for its technical excellence and impeccable design. Again, this watch has close ties with the thrilling speed of motorsport, often spotted on the wrist of Brazilian F1 driver Felipe Massa during his racing days.
“Although the RM11-03 and 04 have been discontinued, these celebrated watches are still very popular in today’s aftermarket due to their newer case shape with the 11-03. Replacement RM72-01 went smaller for comfort but at the cost of popularity.”
Jonathan Tu, Circle Red Watches director
The RM11-04 boasts a flyback chronograph designed for timing football matches – which is useful, considering it was developed with Italian football manager Roberto Mancini as a 2020 limited edition release (if that wasn’t already apparent from the bespoke Italian colourway).
Limited availability has made this a grail piece for collectors. Of course, it helps to have an association with one of the sport’s most important figures but reflects the brand’s ability to create bespoke pieces for high-profile sports personalities that also appeal to the wider market.
Richard Mille RM35-01, RM35-02, and RM35-03: The Rafael Nadal Collection
Arguably my favourite Richard Mille release, the Rafael Nadal collection immortalises a legend of the sport with an inherently athletic line of watches.
The first release in 2014 was the “horological incarnation of the innate strength and will of Rafael Nadal, a man always prepared to ignore whatever barriers life might place on his path to success.” In short, it’s a lightweight carbon TPT piece that’s built to endure the rigours of professional tennis.
“These are often referred to as the ‘baby’ Nadal range of watches, the Spanish tennis legend’s signature range of Richard Mille. This line isn’t the one he wears but the more casual, financially accessible version without a tourbillon. Must have been out for 10 years since the original but still the traditional RM tonneau-shaped case hits hard.”
Jonathan Tu, Circle Red Watches director
In the years that followed, more iterations were released in this celebrated line: the RM35-02 and RM35-03. Released in 2016, the RM35-02 was the first Nadal piece to feature an automatic movement, the calibre RMAL1, and a striking quartz TPT case – it was a technical triumph, appealing to collectors who value both aesthetics and innovation.
The 03, unveiled in 2021, came in bright, playful colours, reflecting a youthful energy, but it was under the hood that made the horologists in the room sit up and take notice. This was the first Nadal watch to introduce the brand’s patented “butterfly rotor,” which allows the wearer to adjust the rotor’s inertia for more efficient winding. Naturally, there was an immediate buzz for the latest in the Nadal line and was pushed towards younger, dynamic collectors in the market for RM.
