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
BEST OF THE BAY
China's Greater Bay Area is dialling up the luxury, especially when it comes to five-star accommodation
A Future Interwoven
Emerging Spanish Chinese designer Yayi Chen Zhou reflects on the tapestry of her multicultural influences that define the eponymous label, weaving together identity, craftsmanship and the immigrant experience
Tastes of Southeast Asia
At the third edition of Off Menu Luxe, Tatler Singapore's signature culinary event held in partnership with UOB Private Bank, three of Asia's top chefs crafted an exclusive six-course menu that celebrated the diverse flavours of the region
Good Morning
With nearly 15 years in the coffee industry, Morning's co-founder Leon Foo knows more than a thing or two about crafting the perfect cup of Joe. And, it all started with a simple dream, a spark of curiosity, and, of course, a great cup of coffee
Rise Above
Angela Sim, co-founder and CEO of Cloversoft, shares how she is building a sustainable business, from lessons learnt from her grandfather to prioritising profit over rapid growth
A Fragrant Legacy
Diptyque turns back the clock and recaptures the heady days of 1960s Paris with its olfactory creation, Orphéon Eau de Parfum
The Female Force
For Dior's spring-summer 2025 collection, creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri takes inspiration from the legendary Amazons and the house's rich sportswear archives for a collection that embodies female strength and power
Jane Goodall-THE NATURE OF RESILIENCE
Jane Goodall has seen some dark days yet retains an unshakeable sense of hope. A month before she received the US Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden, she sat down with Tatler to share how her education impacted her life mission and why she believes younger generations can still save the planet
Fashion in Reverse
Maison Q founder and creative director Suhana Ab shares insights from a decade of creating reversible childrenswear and forging collaborations with iconic brands
Serpentine Style
Continuing its tradition of commemorative Lunar New Year watches, Swatch has released a Year of the Snake collection
