The Most Expensive Richard Mille Wrist Candy

When it comes down to luxury timepieces, only one name comes to mind: Richard Mille. Since its inception in 1999, the Swiss watchmaker has been shattering norms of traditional watchmaking. And dare we say, we’re all here for it!

If you haven’t already guessed, we’re going to take a look around at the most expensive Richard Mille watches that will make even the wealthiest do a double take. These watches scream luxury — and a little bit of, “Oh my God, I may have splurged a little too much!” 

But hey, does perfection really come with a price tag?

1. Richard Mille Skull Tourbillon, RM52-01

The RM52-01 Skull Tourbillon, also known as ‘Vanitas Vanitatum’ is arguably the most expensive Richard Mille watch. It’s literally limited to just 30 pieces across the globe, which means it’s as rare as it gets! This masterpiece is the only wrist candy in the Richard Mille collection that’s made with a striking sapphire crystal case. 

It’s no surprise that the skull has been a powerful symbol — both in art and politics. For Mille, however, the skull represents the importance of slowing down every now and then to truly appreciate the fleeting nature of life. 

The Skull Tourbillon has a hand-winding calibre set on a Grade 5 Titanium base plate. The case back, the bezel, and the case itself are all bedazzled with Carbon Nanotubes. If you thought your wrist couldn’t turn heads, you may want to think again. 

2. Richard Mille Tourbillon Sapphire, RM56-01

To say Richard Mille was ahead of his time when he came up with this crystal-clear beauty in 2013, would be an understatement. Yes, it’s made almost entirely of sapphire crystal — but here’s where things get really crazy. This wrist candy takes up to 40 days just for its carving and another 350 hours for polishing. 

If that wasn’t mind-boggling enough: there are only 5 of its kind in the world. The impeccable craftsmanship, the intricate inner workings, and the manual winding Tourbillon movement are breathtaking. If you struggle to strike up a conversation with someone in public — this watch will have them reeling in. Guaranteed! 

3. Rafael Nadal RM035

With beautifully designed hours, minutes and second hands - encaged in a skeletonised body, this timepiece is a true trendsetter. This watch is the first from Richard Mille, which is Chronofiable® certified. Simply put, Chronofiable® certified watches are made to withstand the toughest conditions without compromising on the quality.

RM035’s case is made from alumagnesium - a very lightweight but rugged material. The strong yet elegant case protects all the high-end movement inside.

4. Richard Mille Tourbillon Sapphire Limited Edition, RM56-02

Mille didn’t stop there after his successful launch of RM56-01 — he came out with an even better version (we’re not too sure if that’s even possible) in 2015. If you’re on the hunt for a sleek, high-tech, and practically ready-for-anything timepiece, this is it. 

And who better to sport this wrist candy than Jackie Chan? Yes, you read that right, the martial arts legend himself! Since it’s crafted from sapphire and has a unique movement suspension system, it’s shock-proof. 

And even if you’re not jumping off buildings and into all those crazy moves, this showstopper is unmatched. The best part? The all-sapphire case isn’t just for show; it’s incredibly durable and bound to last you a lifetime. 

5. Richard Mille Diamond Tourbillon Panda, RM26-01

Who doesn’t love pandas? They’re cute, lovable, furry, and unfortunately — endangered. If you love pandas enough to want to wear them, the Diamond Tourbillon Panda is your best bet. It’s probably one of the most expensive Richard Mille watches and it’s clear why. 

The Diamond Tourbillon Panda boasts a diamond and black sapphire finish, and it’s got an adorable panda sitting in the middle of a gold bamboo forest. This piece is incredibly rare, only 15 people are fortunate enough to call this masterpiece their own! 

6. Hommage a Boucheron, RM018

The Richard Mille Hommage a Boucheron is the type of masterpiece that makes it difficult to distinguish between a watch and a fantastic jewellery piece. Back in 2008, Boucheron approached Mille for a watch to celebrate its 150th anniversary, and Mille, as usual, didn’t disappoint. 

If Boucheron wanted a simple bezel with diamonds, Richard clearly had something else in mind. Think of gears for the movement, but set with stones instead! The gems include coral, Tiger’s eye, and jade. 

7. Richard Mille Pink Lady Sapphire, RM07-02

Okay, hear us out: Richard Mille doesn’t always make pink watches, but when he does, he comes up with the absolute stunner; Pink Lady Sapphire. We’d be lying if we said the sight of this didn’t make us squeal with joy. 

This conversation starter is made from a single block of pink crystal, takes 350 hours to polish, and has hand-cut rose gold plates. What do we love so much about it? It breaks all the rules of traditional watchmaking. 

It’s fun, bold, and funky, all hail the Pink Lady Sapphire! 

8. Richard Mille No. 001, RM001

Next in line in our list of the most expensive Richard Mille wrist candy is No.001. We’ll be taking a short trip down memory lane for this one. Back in 1999, Mille partnered up with Dominique Guenat, co-founder of the iconic brand, Richard Mille. They wanted to shake the world up with something truly revolutionary, and the legend was born. 

The tourbillon, known to be the most fragile part of a watch, survived the drop Mille made in Baselworld in 2001 to prove a point. The No.001’s shock-resistant technology intrigued prospective dealers and partners, making the production run of 80 watches sell out in a flash. 

If you’re someone who knows where you started and you’re ready to flaunt it, No. 001 is for you. 

9. Richard Mille AM CA, RM022

The AM CA is as futuristic as it gets and we’re not complaining. The dial forms a sleek, honeycomb structure and the carbon nanotubes make it a whopping 200 times stronger than steel, yet still lightweight and wearable. How is that even possible, you may ask? Well, we’re still busy wrapping our heads around it, so be right back.

As like some of the other most expensive Richard Mille masterpieces, the AM CA is limited to just 5 pieces around the world. If you’re looking for something that’s rare and gets the crowd wooing, this watch is worth every single penny. 

10. Richard Mille AK-CA Prototype, RM027

We’re rounding up all the sports enthusiasts for this Richard Mille timepiece. 

When we say the AK-CA Prototype is built to last, we mean it. Rafael Nadal, the No.1 Spanish professional tennis player, partnered with Mille in 2008 to come up with a watch that could withstand his intense games. After breaking 5 prototypes, the AK-CA was the last watch standing. 

Nadal described it as his ‘second skin’ and if that doesn’t tell you how lightweight and durable this watch is, we don’t know what will. It's sleek, less than 20 grams in weight, shock-resistant, and perfect for any athlete on the go. 

11. Richard Mille Charles Leclerc Prototype, RM67-02

Monocon Motorsports Formula One racing driver, Charles Leclerc, has had a longstanding partnership with Richard Mille. So, when he needed a watch that would be in ‘symbiosis’ with him, it’s no surprise that Mille came through. You’re probably wondering how a watch pairs well with such an intense job, but surprisingly, it does! 

The 32-gram timepiece was one of the most expensive Richard Mille watches to be sold in an auction. The lucky buyers didn’t just get to go home with the watch though, they also got 2 tickets to the Monoco F1 Grand Prix. Did we mention they also met Charles Leclerc in person? 

Athletes need something that feels like a natural extension of them and light, and the Charles Leclerc prototype does not disappoint. In fact, if you’re wearing it, you probably won’t even realise it’s there (or maybe you will, given the compliments you’ll receive). 

FAQs

Who Owns The Most Expensive Richard Mille?

Unfortunately, the owner of the most expensive Richard Mille watch isn’t disclosed. However, we do know that several celebrities enjoy flaunting their Mille watches. Some of these include Rafael Nadal and his RM27-03 Tourbillon, Pharrell Williams and his RM52-01 Skull Tourbillon, and Jay-Z with his RM056 Blue Sapphire. 

What's So Special About Richard Mille Watches?

Richard Mille watches are undeniably expensive, but that’s also because they’re not made from typical stainless steel or gold. They’re crafted from materials such as Carbon TPT and sapphire crystal, which don’t just make them durable but also means they’re incredibly lightweight. The craftsmanship and engineering are second to none, making them the most sought-after wrist candy. 

How Durable Are Richard Mille Watches?

Richard Mille watches are extremely durable and undergo rigorous testing to ensure they’re built to last. Athlete, Rafael Nadal flaunts his watches during his intense tennis matches and F1 driver, Charles Leclerc wears his prototype during his races. If that isn’t a testament enough for Mille watches, then just know, they’ve been dropped at several auctions to prove their durability. 

How Much Does A Richard Mille Actually Cost To Make?

Production costs aren’t something that is readily disclosed. However, if we were to make an educated guess, the high-quality materials and engineering that go behind it would easily cost up to several million dollars. 

How Much Is The Most Expensive Richard Mille Watch?

Almost all Richard Mille watches are quite pricey, given they’re made to target a certain class of people. That being said, some of the most expensive Richard Mille watches can cost up to $2.2 million, give or take! 

Is Richard Mille The Most Expensive Watch?

Richard Mille is not the most expensive watch, especially since several other brands have prices that go up to hundreds of millions of dollars. However, that being said, Richard Mille watches are some of the most expensive in the world and have great re-sale values as well. 

Takeaway

So, there we have it! Some of the most expensive Richard Mille watches out there currently. These timepieces have stories of their own and have made it possible to wear practical art on your wrist! 

At Love Luxury, we understand that you’d want to call some of these amazing pieces your own. This is why, our preloved selection of premium Richard Mille wrist candy, makes it possible for you to flaunt them at an accessible price point. Who says luxury can’t be enjoyed by the rest of us?