A Racing Machine on the Wrist: Richard Mille
We explore the secret behind the “racing machine on the wrist” with Richard Mille EMEA CEO Peter Harrison, who reminds us that “watchmaking is steeped in history and heritage.”
In just over twenty years, Richard Mille has become a legend in the world of watches. What is the secret behind this success?
Richard Mille’s success is rooted in its relentless ambition to push boundaries and cultivate a distinct brand identity. From the very beginning, our goal has been to take bold steps not only in watchmaking but also in design, technology and performance. This uncompromising attitude has set us apart and turned Richard Mille into a legend in just over two decades.
I must also mention the remarkable companions who have contributed to this journey. One of the most influential is Rafael Nadal, who has been with us since 2010 and has significantly shaped the technical and design philosophy of our watches. The RM 27-05 Rafael Nadal, engineered to endure impacts, temperature fluctuations, pressure and high g-forces, exemplifies a collaboration deeply aligned with our DNA. The very fact that Nadal wears this watch on the court is a testament to the precision and durability we pursue. Richard Mille watches are true works of art—pieces that combine precision, extreme lightness, distinctive style and master craftsmanship.
According to export figures, you closed 2023 as the sixth brand in Swiss watchmaking. How did 2024 unfold for Richard Mille?
In 2024, we continued to strengthen our presence in emerging luxury watch markets, particularly across Asia and the Middle East. Fully aware of the challenges facing the watchmaking world, we entered the year with a clear aim: to lead the future of luxury watchmaking by producing extraordinary, expectation-defying timepieces. Thanks to our use of materials such as Carbon TPT, sapphire and titanium—as well as our commitment to innovation and exclusivity—we have maintained our place at the forefront of the industry.
At the same time, we continue to appeal to collectors who seek both artistry and cutting-edge technology. Our primary goal remains unchanged: to produce extraordinary watches that seamlessly unite the newest technological advancements with exceptional craftsmanship. As our presence expands in key regions—especially in Asia and the Middle East—we remain steadfast in pushing the limits of precision and innovation with every piece we produce.
Time transforms many things, but there are elements of a brand’s DNA that remain constant. What are the enduring components of Richard Mille’s DNA that will pass from one generation to the next?
Indeed, time moves forward and brings perpetual change, yet every strong brand carries core values that remain unaltered. Watchmaking is deeply rooted in history and heritage, and at Richard Mille we merge this powerful identity with modernity and innovation. Balancing tradition with unconventional approaches sits at the heart of our philosophy. We continuously challenge ourselves to develop lighter, more durable and more groundbreaking watches.
Another element of our DNA that I believe will endure is our ability to create ideal wrist-bound companions for elite athletes. Our partnership with NTPT in pioneering ultra-lightweight materials was transformative and allowed us to realise our long-held vision of extreme lightness. Just as athletes strive to break records year after year, we work tirelessly to refine our craft so that we remain the ultimate watchmaking partner for these extraordinary individuals.
Can you tell us about the inner workings? How are these “race machines on the wrist” created?
The creation of a Richard Mille watch begins three to five years before it reaches a wrist. The process starts with intense research and design, pushing the limits of materials, technology and craftsmanship. This is the stage at which the foundations of an iconic watch are established.
Our state-of-the-art facilities—equipped with the latest equipment—enable us to craft our own core components and experiment with pioneering materials that distinguish us within the industry. Using materials such as carbon nanofibre and Graph TPT®, which we brought into the world of watchmaking, we produce timepieces that are both extremely lightweight and remarkably durable. Drawn largely from aerospace engineering, these materials are developed specifically to withstand extreme conditions.
Each watch is the work of a single watchmaker, responsible for every stage from assembly to finishing. Once design and materials are finalised, the watchmaker undertakes a complex, fully hand-assembled process, combining their craft with advanced machinery to cut, polish and assemble both movement and case.
And then comes the testing phase. Our testing is as exacting as our craftsmanship. Each watch undergoes not only theoretical stress tests but also rigorous real-world trials, including impact evaluations performed with specialised devices such as the Mouton Pendule. These tests—reaching speeds of up to 15 km/h—ensure that our watches are far more than luxury items; they are high-performance instruments.
Richard Mille watches are masterpieces conceived to excel in the most demanding environments. They stand as proof of our commitment to rewriting the limits of horology. I would also like to highlight the importance we place on safeguarding traditional watchmaking. At our ProArt II facility in Vallée de Joux, we run an apprenticeship programme where young talents learn the meticulous art of watchmaking. Our mission is to nurture a genuine passion for the craft and carry the legacy of haute horlogerie into the future.
