Eastern PROMISE

Richard Mille explores Japanese art and spirituality in the making of the one-of-a-kind RM 47 Tourbillon.

- TAN SIOK HOON

Samurai culture and folklore have intrigued and entertained enthusiasts of many pop culture genres—from theatre and films courtesy of Hollywood or legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa to literary works, manga and video games and beyond—for countless decades, in and out of Japan. And who would have thought a serendipitous tête-à-tête with twice Formula 1 world champion and Richard Mille brand partner Fernando Alonso would kick-start the creation of the samurai-inspired RM 47 Tourbillon. Alonso’s passion for Japanese arts and samurai philosophy may have led to the launch of the artistic project but it was the avant-garde watchmaking brand’s mastery of haute horlogerie techniques and excellence in working materials, alongside collaborations with talented craftspersons, that brought the exceptional timepiece to fruition.