By 
THE MAN BEHIND THE WATCHES
Richard Mille watches are in incredibly high demand. When a Richard Mille watch is advertised as ‘pre-owned,’ it implies that the watch belonged to another person. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s been worn or is in poor condition. Acquiring a pre-owned Richard Mille can be a bit of a challenge.
This is why a boutique such as Avi & Co. is known for having the most stocked RMs in the Diamond District. All watches are guaranteed 100% fully functional and authentic. Each watch is backed by our two-year warranty. Watches listed as ‘unworn’ will include the original box, instruction booklet, and warranty paperwork/card, unless otherwise noted.
Richard Mille is also one of a few brands that has a Certified Pre-Owned Program. This allows people to buy used watches from official dealers. Each timepiece is accompanied by a warranty card embedded with a holographic security seal on its surface. This enables easier detection when spotting fake RMs.
Entrepreneur Richard Mille wanted to start his own luxury watch company that did not compromise on technique, artistry, or architecture. With Mille’s ambition in managing and launching meticulous chronographs, he officially launched his company in 2001.
That same year, he introduced the RM 001 Tourbillon at Baselworld. Creating luxury watches with a focus on state-of-the-art materials was not a decision the watchmaker took impulsively. For decades, Mille managed elite watch and jewelry companies in designing and spearheading a variety of successful high-end projects. This powerful development emerged from his love for Formula 1 racing and compassion for watch dynamics, ergonomics, and design.
Richard Mille RM 030
MOST EXPENSIVE RICHARD MILLE WATCHES
On average, the retail prices on Richard Mille watches can go up to about $1,300,000 MSRP. The lowest Richard Mille watch, RM016 Automatic Winding Extra Flat, costs $60,000 MSRP. However, just because it’s the most affordable of the Richard Mille models doesn’t mean it lacks quality. Simply put, the RM016 just doesn’t use the rare materials and complications found in most models.
According to JamesEdition, these are the ten most expensive Richard Mille Watches:
- RM 008 Tourbillon: $7,206,000
- RM 11-03 2018 McLaren: $3,992,000
- RM 57-03 Dragon Sapphire NTPT Tourbillon: $3,992,000
- RM 52-01 Blue Sapphire Skull Tourbillon: $3,349,500
- RM 50-04 Kimi Räikkönen Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph: $2,641,000
- RM 056 Jean Todt Sapphire: $1,650,000
- RM 52-03 Paris St. Germain Tourbillon: $1,200,000
- RM 27-04 Rafael Nadal Tourbillon: $1,050,000
- RM 52-05 Tourbillon Pharrell Williams: $1,000,000
- RM 59-01 Yohan Blake Tourbillon: $934,000
Pre-owned Richard Mille watches are worth more than new ones due to their high-end production value, limited production number, and popularity. This feat is even more impeccable because not many brands can say their watches sell more used than new.
Richard Mille RM 010
RICHARD MILLE LIMITED EDITIONS
Collectors pursue limited edition timepieces because they tend to increase in value over time. Collectors don’t need to seek limited edition RM watches because they are produced in small quantities.
Less than 5,000 Richard Mille watches are produced annually, and there is about a 2-month waiting period. Their superior level of exclusivity is impacted by how young the brand still is, mixed with their exquisite craftsmanship. A smaller quantity also makes the collection more desirable, thus creating a demand that far outweighs the supply.
Richard Mille himself understood the importance of image and lifestyle while making sure customers wanted to keep coming back for more. He also realized high-end watch consumers who sought luxury typically sought out value. Mille made sure he produced modern products over the typical classic pieces seen on people’s wrists.
Richard Mille RM 055
THE EASE OF BUYING RICHARD MILLE WATCHES AT AVI & CO.
Retail outlets appeal to people due to their simplicity. When watchmakers are on site, they can make immediate quotes. Customers can walk in and leave with their new timepiece on their wrist. Collectors enjoy that upscale environment when purchasing a luxury item.
The same is no different for a pre-owned Richard Mille. Browsing the selection online or in person is exciting for a watch enthusiast. The purchase is more fulfilling than being waitlisted or hoping you are selected through a sea of already established customers. While in person, you can ask a sales associate questions about the specific timepiece, brand, or watches in general.
Richard Mille only produces a handful of watches each year and not everyone that wants one will receive one. There is also a possibility that a client joined the watch world late and missed out on some historical pieces. Purchasing a pre-owned watch makes the client feel like they are a part of Richard Mille’s history.
Richard Mille RM 11-03
RICHARD MILLE & CELEBRITIES
Typically, it takes several years for luxury watch brands to acquire an amicable reputation on a global scale. However, Mille’s vision rose to dramatic heights in such a short amount of time. His enormous experience, vision, attention to detail, and superior watchmaking standards are attributed to his quick rise to popularity. His roster now consists of some of the most prominent, famous, and powerful ambassadors in the world.
Jay Z’s custom RM 056 Blue Sapphire
Drake owns the RM056 Tourbillon Sapphire, which is Limited Edition to just 10 pieces and cost $2.2 million. Jay Z owns a custom RM056 Blue Sapphire, which cost $2.5 million and 3,000 hours to produce.
Richard Mille enjoys putting watches on race car drivers, golfers, and runners to show how confident he is with its performance. From celebrities like Michelle Yeoh to Rafael Nadal, Richard Mille continues to partner with the best of the best.
It wasn’t until 2015 that Nadal sported a luxury watch on the court. “Rafa and I have a lifelong commitment,” Richard Mille says of his ambassador. “We are there come rain or shine. It is more than just watchmaking – it’s life!”
Their friendship grows constantly from their mutual trust, and they are both unstoppable in achieving the impossible. Nadal never considered wearing a watch while playing, however, it didn’t take much for Mille to convince him. Together, they developed the lightest tourbillon in the world at the time. It is now second nature for him to wear a watch on the court.
Rafael Nadal sporting his RM 27-04
The only people you will see walking around with a Richard Mille are equally as successful as you are. It’s a statement piece and a racing machine for the wrist. As the ultimate expression of wealth, the most elite members of society wear RMs.
WHY RICHARD MILLE WATCHES ARE SO EXPENSIVE
Comfort was an essential feature when designing the Richard Mille. A seemingly bulky RM defies physics with its featherweight feel at 1.41 ounces. Richard Mille achieved this by working with the University of Manchester and McLaren. Both brands are known for their expertise in lightweight materials.
After 20 years of research, the stylish watches were crafted with materials seen in Formula 1 racing and the aerospace industry. The lightweight material is shock-resistant, hard, and stable, improving the efficiency of watchmaking.
The Richard Mille is instantly recognizable because of its tonneau shape. This ensures no interference with the owner’s physical movements. The case is comprised of three decks: front and back bezels with a middle section, all in the style of a sandwich. The curved surfaces prevent moisture or dust from entering the case.
Even the skeletonized dials are complex, involving an intricate layer of sapphire crystals for legibility. The cutting-edge technology mixed with strong architectural dimension and handcraftsmanship makes the brand easy to use and highly sophisticated. Every piece of the watch has a purpose. Months of studying and investing, including the visible screws around the bezel, went into every detail.
With the use of the delicate tourbillon mechanism, there is clear proof of Richard Mille’s dedication to advancing haute horology. Even the movement materials are complicated. 90% grade 5 titanium, 6% aluminum, and 4% vanadium (a special alloy used in very hi-tech industries). The functional design of the RM left watch enthusiasts with a luxury work of art for the wrist.
Richard Mille RM 057, Jackie Chan Edition
INVESTING IN RICHARD MILLE WATCHES
An RM is manufactured with complex materials such as titanium, carbon nanofibers, aluminum-lithium, anticorodal 100, phenoxy, TPT carbon, and antimagnetic metals. The process is also time-consuming, as most of the work is done by hand. These materials will ensure the timepiece maintains the same appearance as if it was just taken out of its box.
As stated previously, less than 5,000 Richard Mille watches are produced each year. Models such as the RM 52-05 are limited to 30 pieces worldwide. This makes the value increase an average of 10% each year. Its exclusivity and scarcity make investing in a pre-owned Richard Mille worth the money simply because it’s an impressive timepiece that will only appreciate over time.
Richard Mille RM 11-03
CONCLUSION
From a broader perspective, it’s easy to realize there is nothing quite like the Richard Mille watch. The components and materials used in designing and manufacturing these watches are extraordinary and unparalleled. This assures RM owners that they will have nothing but the best adorned on their wrists. The quality and resale value make the pre-owned Richard Mille a great investment.
Be sure to schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable sales team. We look forward to assisting you in the purchase of a pre-owned Richard Mille timepiece!
