What’s it like to own a Richard Mille RM 011 timepiece? The truth is, the vast majority of people will never know. The Richard Mille company makes wristwatches for the top 1% of society. The brand is worn by the rich and famous and the RM 011 which is one of its most sought-after timepieces is simply too expensive for most people to buy.
Launched in 2007, the Richard Mille RM 011 is one of Richard Mille’s flagship models. The idea for this watch was conceptualized by French watchmaker Fabrice Namura who took inspiration from the world of F1 racing to create the ultimate racing machine for the wrist. To bring this idea to life, Richard Mille worked closely with Brazilian Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa as part of their decade-long partnership. The Richard Mille RM011 flyback chronograph Felipe Massa wristwatch was born from this partnership and has grown to become one of the most highly coveted wristwatches in the world.
Based on the current Richard Mille RM 011 price, it’ll cost a fortune to buy one for yourself. However, if you’re rich and enthusiastic enough to consider buying an RM 011, you’ll probably want to know what it feels like to own one of these ultra-sophisticated sports watches. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most impressive attributes of this watch to give you an idea of what it feels like to own one.
The RM 011 series has been fondly called the “racing machine on the wrist” because it’s a marvel of technical innovation. This epithet isn’t just because the watch was made with state-of-the-art materials only found in the world of Formula 1 race. Instead, it emphasizes the inspiration behind the watch, which is to create a beautiful timepiece that mirrors the technical ability and performance of high-speed racing cars.
The RM 011 is a flyback chronograph wristwatch, a function that takes direct inspiration from the world of car racing. It has a countdown functionality which you can quickly reset with a button click to time racing laps or pretty much any other activity with great precision.
Under the hood of this watch is the RMAC1 movement. Well, it’s not so much under the hood, since the skeletonized display means the movement can be seen through the case, so you can marvel at the inner workings of the watch through the curved sapphire crystal front - a signature feature of every Richard Mille watch.
In 2007 when this watch was released, the RMAC1 movement was one of the brand’s most advanced watch movements, renowned for its reliability. Today, it is still a pretty sophisticated watch engine. It incorporates advanced features such as date and month functions as well as a variable geometry rotor designed to adjust its winding efficiency based on the wearer’s activity. This advanced feature enhances the watch’s functionality while ensuring that it lasts for a long time. As the owner of this technically complex wristwatch, you'll constantly be impressed by the engineering ingenuity that went into creating it.
Richard Mille makes watches that are exclusive and phenomenally designed. Each timepiece made by this watchmaker is immediately recognizable thanks to various unique visual cues like the signature tonneau-shaped case and the shape of their screws. The Richard Mille RM 011 is no exception.
While the RM 011 series currently has a wide array of models, each one still maintains a distinct personality that makes them impossible to miss on your wrist. It is bold and imposing. Everyone can instantly tell you’re wearing one of the most prestigious luxury brands on your wrist, thanks to its distinctive appearance.
One of the most eye-catching qualities of this watch (in addition to the old tonneau-shaped case) is the intricate details of the dial. The visually striking dial is a conversation starter thanks to its Skeletonized Structure which showcases the intricate mechanics inside the watch.
The watch face itself is decorated with bold digital-style Arabic numerals surrounding three chronograph dials. This watch also displays the date, month, and a tachymeter. The date display is framed in a horizontal aperture, positioned under the 12 o’clock hour marker, with a red outline that makes it stand out. The month display is between the 4 and 5 o’clock hour markers.
The three chronograph dials featured on this watch include a 60-minute countdown timer posited at the 9 o’clock mark, a 12-hour totalizer at the 6 o’clock mark and a seconds display at 3 o’clock. All the dial hands are luminescent offering great legibility even in low-light conditions.
The RM 011’s dial does not feel cluttered or overly busy, which is quite impressive considering all the horological features on the watch face. In all, owning this wristwatch means you’ll be buying a statement piece that reflects your appreciation for luxury and technical innovation. You’ll also be able to personalize this timepiece to your taste by choosing from any of the available case materials and or even sprucing it up with diamond gems.
Richard Mille makes watches that are big and bold. Yet, they’re surprisingly lightweight and super comfortable. So if you’re wondering what it’ll feel like to wear the RM 011, you can be sure you’re buying a super-ergonomic wristwatch.
The titanium case of this watch measures about 40mm in width and 50mm in length. The thickness is about 16mm thick. The use of titanium alloy materials for this watch’s case ensures that it is lightweight, comfortable to wear and also incredibly durable. Richard Mille has always prioritized quality and longevity, so if you need a durable watch for everyday use, the RM 011 definitely fits the bill.
In terms of its overall design, the RM 011 borrowed various aesthetic elements from its predecessors such as the RM-004 and RM-008. It took Richard Mille an entire year to develop the casing alone and each piece goes through more than 202 separate machining operations just to put the watch together.
To complete the sporty look of this watch, it comes with a classic black, vented rubber strap. This is complemented by a smooth-click grade-5 titanium clasp that ensures it fits snugly on your wrist. Again, while there’s no question that this is a big wrist watch to wear, it doesn’t feel bulky at all and it is surprisingly comfortable. The sculpted case conforms to your wrist, making it a watch you'll want to wear all day.
Owning a Richard Mille 011 isn’t just about buying a timepiece. You’ll be entering into an elite watch community that has other watch enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the brand's dedication to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. Notable names like Jason Statham, Tom Brady, Kevin Hart and Felipe Massa himself have been spotted wearing this timepiece.
The Richard Mille brand makes about 5,300 watches yearly. Only a handful of these are in the RM 011 series. The low supply and incredibly high demand of this watch means you’ll be owning a highly coveted timepiece shared by only a few people. It's a mark of distinction and a connection to a world of luxury and exclusivity that everyone rich enough to buy one craves for themself.
Buying a Richard Mille RM 011 (or any other Richard Mille watch for that matter) also goes beyond the initial purchase. The brand is famous for its exceptional customer service. You can be certain you’ll be enjoying great after-sales care and other services that ensure your timepiece remains in pristine condition. Buying a Richard Mille timepiece means you’ll become a part of an elite family, and there’s no better watch to do so than the impressive RM 011.
The RM 011 timepiece is a perfect harmonization of cutting-edge technology and exceptional craftsmanship. While owning this watch requires a significant investment, the aesthetic elegance and functional robustness make up for the high upfront cost in the long run. Plus, it is a durable piece that’ll most likely hold up its value for many more years to come.
As explained in this post, each component of the RM 011 has been put together with meticulous attention to detail. The brand’s goal was to create a unique work of art that buyers can be proud to own. And like every beautiful artwork, only those who can appreciate intricate details and the level of craftsmanship required to bring this luxury timepiece to life will be willing to buy one for themselves.