Many high-end watches from the past were often clunky and to be handled with great care, up till Richard Mille made his unforgettable debut in 2001 by slamming his first timepiece, the RM 001 tourbillon watch, to the ground. After it absorbed that devastating impact, monsieur Mille showed the bewildered onlookers at the now-defunct watch and jewellery trade show Baselworld that the six-figure watch continued to keep time.
By leveraging high-tech proprietary case materials and a circuitous system of cables and shock absorbers, the intrepid Frenchman introduced watches that shunted fragility in favour of ultra-toughness-slim and lithe accessories that could be worn for any activity.
He emphasised that his watches could withstand immense G-force, by strapping them to the wrists of top athletes, and this was how the Richard Mille timepieces grew to become a common sight at Formula 1 and the Olympics.
BEFITTING A KING
In the 2000s, Mille tirelessly pursued Rafael Nadal, trying to convince the tennis champion to wear a Richard Mille watch on the court, and he developed numerous prototypes to appease the latter's lofty expectations for comfort and durability. Today, Nadal is one of the brand's most devout ambassadors, who has worn his Richard Mille watches to almost every single one of his French Open victories.
Denne historien er fra February 2024-utgaven av Tatler Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 2024-utgaven av Tatler Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Mathew Leong
As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option
Asian Inspirations
Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine
State of the Arts
Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand
Through a Curator's Lens
Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage
Second Nature
Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes
Wine Down
Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign
To Have and to Hold
With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility
Scent of Strength
Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage
Nocturnal Revival
Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream
