The Most Lavish and Unique Richard Mille Watches Owned by Celebrities
In the world of luxury timepieces, few brands command as much attention and admiration as Richard Mille. Synonymous with innovation, craftsmanship, and exclusivity, these watches have become the ultimate status symbol among the rich and famous. We take a look at the most expensive celebrity-owned Richard Mille watches.
Founded in 2001 by French entrepreneur Richard Mille alongside co-founder Dominique Guenat, the brand quickly gained recognition for its 17-piece limited edition first drop, the RM 001 Tourbillon. The brand’s vision was to create timepieces that not only pushed the boundaries of horological engineering but stood at the conjunction of high-performance sports and cutting-edge technology.
Over the years, Richard Mille watches have captured the imagination of discerning collectors and celebrities alike, earning a reputation as the epitome of luxury and sophistication. From iconic sports figures to Hollywood A-listers, the allure of a Richard Mille watch is inescapable, especially among celebrity circles. As symbols of achievement and aspiration, these opulent accessories have become coveted treasures for the who’s who of the world, even if that ownership comes with constant caution.
So prestigious is owning an RM creation today that the brand is facing one unique problem: It reports some of the highest numbers of theft globally. Speaking to the New York Post, Christopher Marinello, CEO and founder of London-headquartered Art Recovery International said, “All of a sudden, more and more of these high-end Richard Mille watches started showing up stolen, being reported to me every single week, from holiday locations like Monte Carlo, Milan, London, and New York.”
One of the more public cases happens to be that of Formula 1 Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr, who was robbed of his RM 67-02 Alexander Zevrev, valued at USD 629,717, while he was still celebrating his win at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Read on as we explore the world of celebrity Richard Mille watches, deep-diving into the stories behind and prices of some of the most expensive and extravagant timepieces ever made.
The most expensive and luxurious Richard Mille watches owned by celebrities
1. Michelle Yeoh: RM 07-01 ‘Intergalactic’
Michelle Yeoh’s partnership with Richard Mille began with a chance introduction by her partner, Jean Todt, one of the most prolific figures in motor racing and the former director of Scuderia Ferrari. Yeoh, known for her strong, independent persona, found an instant connection with the brand’s bold and innovative approach to watchmaking. In an interview with Richard Mille, Yeoh recounted, “I used to only wear very big, masculine watches because for me it is a statement. A watch isn’t just about telling the time. I don’t agree that women should only wear small watches.”
The collaboration between the two forces took the form of RM 051, a timepiece that seamlessly blends jewellery aesthetics with cutting-edge technical performance. The RM 051 features a baseplate made from onyx, symbolising strength and resilience. At its heart lies a diamond-covered phoenix, a mythical symbol of rebirth and renewal, which moves in harmony with the watch’s intricate mechanisms. This combination of symbolic decorative elements and technical prowess encapsulates Yeoh’s vision of a watch and exudes power.
Yeoh’s affinity for Richard Mille watches was further exemplified when she accessorised her Schiaparelli gown with the RM 07-01 ‘Intergalactic’ watch at the Screen Actors Guild awards in 2023. Making history as the first woman of Asian descent to win the award for Best Female Actor, Yeoh’s watch selection uniquely blended her love for haute horology and haute couture. The RM 07-01 ‘Intergalactic’ embodies the brand’s signature tonneau case design, complemented by advanced materials such as Carbon TPT, known for its lightweight and durable properties. It’s adorned with diamonds and features the CRMA-2 movement with 50 hours of power reserve.
Her collection with Richard Mille can be found here.
2. Rafael Nadal: RM 27-03 Tourbillon
If there’s any sportsperson who needs to check his time in style, it’s none other than Rafa! Rafael Nadal’s endorsement of the RM 27-03 Tourbillon elevated this timepiece to iconic status within the sphere of celebrity Richard Mille watches. Designed specifically to withstand the rigours of professional tennis, this extraordinary watch combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional craftsmanship. It’s also the watch he wore while collecting his third US Open trophy in 2017.
The RM 27-03 Tourbillon features a lightweight construction achieved through the use of innovative materials such as carbon TPT and Quartz TPT, ensuring maximum comfort and durability during intense matches. With a price tag of approximately USD 750,000, this timepiece obviously does not come cheap. Nadal’s choice to wear the RM 27-03 Tourbillon not only showcases his appreciation for fine craftsmanship but also reinforces Richard Mille’s reputation as a brand synonymous with excellence in sports luxury. His collection is brimming with several pieces from the brand and consequently led to a collaboration between the two powerhouses.
In an interview with Mille, the watchmaking genius added, “When Rafael met Richard Mille in 2008, he didn’t want to wear a watch and it certainly hadn’t occurred to him to wear one during his matches. Nadal was resistant to the idea and it took Richard a long time to convince him. Together, they developed the world’s lightest tourbillon at the time of its release: the RM 027 – the first watch to bear the King of Clay’s name.”
The collection can be found here.
3. Pharrell Williams: RM 52-01 Tourbillon Skull and RM88 Tourbillon Smiley
When it comes to owning a discerning range of Richard Mille watches, few celebrities come as close as Pharrell Williams. On his way to becoming one of the biggest music producers and the Men’s Creative Head at Louis Vuitton, the ‘Happy’ singer picked up several iterations of the RM Tourbillion, two of the most ornate being the Skull and the Smiley.
As loud luxury would have it, Pharrell wore the 50-piece limited edition RM88 Tourbillon Smiley while doing a mukbang session on YouTube. With a casual price tag of USD 1.2 million, the ceramic and gold watch featured ornamental components like a blooming flower, the rays of the sun, a succulent pineapple, a cactus, a pink flamingo, and a rainbow of bright colours.
When it comes to the RM 52-01 Tourbillon Skull, the striking watch takes the form of a skull motif, symbolising both mortality and rebellion, juxtaposed against the intricate mechanics of the tourbillon movement. Crafted from lightweight and durable materials such as titanium and carbon TPT, the RM 52-01 Tourbillon Skull offers an eclectic blend of form and function. Priced at around USD 900,000, this timepiece serves as a bold statement piece that reflects Williams’ fearless approach to style and creativity.
Like the names that preceded him, Williams too, has a Richard Mille original to his name — the RM 52-05 Manual Winding Tourbillon and can be found here.
4. Jackie Chan: RM057 Dragon Tourbillon
Capitalising on the star-studded collaboration between two pioneers, Richard Mille and Jackie Chan’s collection resulted in one glorious, limited edition watch, the proceeds of whose sales went to the ‘Dragon Heart’s Foundation’ in China. The RM 057 Dragon Jackie Chan stands as a testament to the fusion of horological excellence and Chinese cultural heritage. This extraordinary timepiece features an intricate dragon motif, meticulously crafted in gold and diamonds, symbolising power, strength, and good fortune.
The RM 057 Dragon Tourbillion Jackie Chan showcases the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation, with its complex movement housed within a visually stunning case lined with precious gemstones. Priced at approximately USD 1.2 million, this watch is not merely a costly accessory, it’s a sign of quiet, powerful luxury. By wearing the RM 057 Dragon Jackie Chan at the Oscars in 2017, Chan not only paid homage to his roots but also reinforced the status of celebrity Richard Mille watches as coveted treasures for avid collectors.
More about the watch here.
5. Neymar Jr.: RM 68-01 ‘Cyril Kongo’ Tourbillon
Brazilian football sensation Neymar Jr.’s might have several Richard Milles up his sleeve but it’s the RM 68-01 ‘Cyril Kongo’ Tourbillon that takes home the prize for being the most ostentatious. In 2016, Richard Mille and street artist Cyril Kongo collaborated to produce the remarkable timepiece that captivated audiences with its vibrant colours and homage to graffiti culture. Each watch in the limited edition series was meticulously hand-painted by Kongo himself, showcasing his unique artistic vision and mastery of the craft. The process, which took over a year of experimentation, resulted in an otherworldly fusion of contemporary art and haute horology.
The RM 68-01 Tourbillon Cyril Kongo owned by Neymar Jr. features a striking design, with the movement’s baseplate resembling a splash of paint frozen in motion. From every angle, the watch exudes dynamism and energy, reminiscent of the wild brushstrokes found in street art murals. Encased in NTPT Carbon and black ceramic, the watch not only pushes the boundaries of mechanical engineering but also serves as a canvas for Kongo’s expressive artwork.
Powered by the caliber RM68-01, the watch boasts 19 jewels, a frequency of 21,600 vph, and a 42-hour power reserve. The baseplate and bridges are meticulously finished in grade 5 titanium, ensuring both precision and durability. With a price tag of USD 685,000, the RM 68-01 Tourbillon Cyril Kongo is one of the most colourful and expensive Richard Mille watches owned by any celebrity.
6. Jay-Z: RM 056 Blue Sapphire and RM 56-01 Tourbillion Green Sapphire
Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z‘s affinity for luxury watches comes a long time in the making. If anything screams exclusivity in the world of horology, it’s owning customised colourways of your favourite Richard Mille and Jay-Z’s bank balance allows him to do just that.
His most worn iterations are his two RM 056 watches adorned with blue and green sapphires. Each extraordinary timepiece features a transparent sapphire crystal case, offering a glimpse into the intricate mechanics of the movement within. Crafted from the finest materials and adorned with exquisite details, the RM 056 is a true masterpiece of horological artistry. With a price tag exceeding USD 1.5 million, this watch is a symbol of Jay-Z’s unparalleled success and penchant for one-of-a-kind watches.
7. Nelly Korda: RM 07-04
Nelly Korda’s ascent in the world of professional golf is nothing short of remarkable, propelled by her innate talent and unwavering dedication to the sport. Born into a family of athletes, with both parents and her brother excelling in tennis, Nelly chose to forge her path on the golf course, quickly making a name for herself with impressive victories early in her career. Her accomplishments, including multiple LPGA wins and notable performances in prestigious tournaments, have solidified her status as one of the brightest talents in women’s golf.
In recognition of her exceptional achievements and her commitment to excellence, the 25-year-old golfer was chosen to test out Richard Mille’s groundbreaking RM 07-04, the brand’s first women’s sports watch. This timepiece, meticulously crafted over three years of development, embodies the essence of high-performance luxury. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of professional athletes, the RM 07-04 seamlessly combines ergonomics with ultra-lightness, performance with resistance, and extreme skeletonisation with architectural aesthetics.
The CRMA8 caliber, housed within the RM 07-04, represents a triumph of engineering, boasting shock resistance up to 5000g and exceptional precision. The compact and skeletonised movement not only enhances the watch’s visual appeal but also underscores its technical sophistication. Every detail of the RM 07-04, from its extreme finishing to its flawless integration of case and movement, speaks to the uncompromising standards of the brand. As Nelly Korda herself acknowledges, “You never think about how much work goes into a single watch. It’s like surgery. As an athlete, your sport is your art. This means we can appreciate all the more how much work the Richard Mille watchmakers put into their art.”
Which of these most expensive celebrity-owned Richard Mille watches are your favourite?
(Main and featured image: Mauricio Santana/ Getty Images)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Which celebrity has a Richard Mille watch?
Many celebrities from a diverse range of professions own Richard Mille watches. Some of the most prolific names on this list with the most expensive and coveted Richard Mille watches would include Michelle Yeoh, Jay-Z, Rafael Nadal, and Nelly Korda, among others.
Why Richard Mille is so expensive?
The brand’s exclusivity plays a big role in its pricing. Richard Mille is known to produce a limited number of watches each year, with many iterations only created by the dozen. This rarity combined with the high-tech materials and intricate design of the watches, makes them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
Source: Prestige Online
