The Richard Mille x Ferrari RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph has changed the way we view watches, cars, and the process of creating them together. It’s a milestone in engineering and design, a collaboration that merges motorsport’s raw energy with the fine art of horology, setting a new standard for both industries.
Unveiled last Thursday at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, the RM 43-01 is the product of a partnership between two icons - Ferrari and Richard Mille - bringing together Ferrari's performance legacy with Richard Mille’s relentless pursuit of precision. Every aspect of the creation from the inception to execution comes together to create a timepiece that exemplifies mastery, passion, and boundary-pushing excellence. Though function was at the forefront of its design, the beauty of the watch from the inside and out was born through the genius of functionality.
On the night of the launch, MOJEH got to see the debut video of Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, showcasing the pieces for the very first time. Their authentic reaction was just as engrossed as ours, making it clear that this collaboration is an alliance of alignment, and a long-term partnership ready to accelerate.
Felipe Massa, Formula 1 driver and the first sports partner of the Richard Mille family, has also been the long-term watch tester for the brand. Before MOJEH was about to see the watch for the very first-time pre-launch, he warned us of its brilliance: "It is beautiful, but also the technology inside, when you see it, you will see an engine becoming a watch. It is genuinely a mind-blowing piece." And, with no surprise, Felipe was right.
The Family Behind the Magic
When Amanda Mille, Brand and Partnership Director of Richard Mille spoke to MOJEH about the Swiss brand and the latest collaboration, she emphasised the family spirit behind it - a group of innovators with a singular vision: to push the limits of what’s possible. “When you have the right people by your side, success is inevitable,” she says, capturing the essence of the brand. Every piece is a collective effort, driven by a commitment to excellence and a refusal to compromise.
Amanda recalls how the journey with Ferrari began: “The RM UP-01 Ultraflat Ferrari, released in 2022, was the beginning of the relationship with Ferrari. It was the start of understanding each other, both brands, and our values.” This mutual understanding, she explains, formed the foundation of a partnership that has allowed both brands to thrive. “When you see the design teams from both sides working together, you can see how the relationship has matured and feel the synergy building from one another. For me, this piece shows the communion between Richard Mille and Ferrari. Each person working on this has brought something very different and internal that, I believe this piece shows the best way of making a true partnership.”
She also highlights the balance the collaboration strikes between both brands: “It shows a complete harmony between both brands. No one takes over the other, and everyone brings something unique.” For Amanda, the key is passion: “It’s about having passionate people around you; that’s when the magic happens. But also having fun. It annoys me when the world antagonises people for admitting they enjoy the work they do, as it makes it seem that you are not really working. I think the opposite. Inspiration comes from the passion and joy you feel from what you are doing, and we are lucky to have two teams coming together that lives that."
Ferrari’s contribution to this partnership injects precision and performance. From the beginning, both brands shared a common vision - a harmonious blend of Ferrari’s motorsport heritage with Richard Mille’s expertise in watchmaking. The RM 43-01 represents this fusion, both cutting-edge in performance and luxury.
Innovation Without Compromise
The RM 43-01 is a true feat of innovation. Limited to just 150 pieces - 75 in microblasted and polished grade 5 titanium, and 75 in pure Carbon TPT® - this watch is crafted for those who understand that performance drives beauty.
The split-seconds chronograph is a mechanical marvel, allowing for the precise timing of multiple events with Formula 1 accuracy. The tourbillon, designed to counteract gravity’s impact on time, takes performance to the next level. It’s not just about keeping time; it’s about mastering it.
The design, sculpted for speed, ensures the watch fits comfortably on the wrist, whether you’re in a race car or navigating everyday life. Its lightweight structure delivers remarkable comfort for such a sophisticated timepiece.
It's hard to imagine being part of creating such an iconic piece. With over a three-year development of conducting something truly legendary, Gianfranco Saracino, Partnerships Project Design Manager of Ferrari, gave MOJEH an insight into the feeling, "It's like a dream come true. We start with imagination and when you see it in front of you, it's so exciting - it's a feeling that cannot be described."
Ferrari’s Racing Legacy - Redefined
Lilou Wadoux, the first female driver to join Ferrari’s GT Competizione, is at the forefront of this change. Her inclusion represents a broader transformation in the motorsport world, one that Richard Mille is proud to support. When asked about the latest collaboration, Lilou, who is also a Richard Mille Ambassador, put it quite simply, "I love the watch. The movement is something special and really unlike anything else I've ever seen. Before my partnership with Richard Mille, I wasn't as exposed to the artistry and work that goes behind watch making. This latest piece is the definition of it."
“In my world, in modern sport, every day, we prove that women can fight for the same things and achieve the same goals as a man. Yes, it’s more difficult to be physically ready specifically in this field, but if you can work for it - you can do it.”
Lilou’s journey is emblematic of the changing tides in motorsport - a space that’s long been male-dominated. The partnership between Richard Mille and Ferrari goes beyond performance; it represents a shift in the sport’s culture, opening doors for those breaking barriers. The RM 43-01 captures that change and stands as a symbol of progress for the future.
A Legacy of Excellence
Precision. Power. Innovation. At the heart of the RM 43-01 lies a commitment to excellence that pushes beyond convention. It's not just a watch you wear; it’s an experience, a statement of engineering and luxury that will continue to set the bar for years to come.
For the fortunate few who secure one of the 150 pieces, the RM 43-01 is a piece of history. A reflection of two brands who refuse to settle for anything less than perfection, and a tribute to the dauntless vision that drives them to redefine the limits of what’s possible.
