Pharrell Williams Is Auctioning Off a Signed Richard Mille Watch
Pharrell Williams is hardly ever photographed without his red-strapped Richard Mille RM UP-01, which, at 1.75 mm, is the thinnest watch in the world. (At the time, it beat Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo record holder by 0.05 mm, but has since been eclipsed again by the Italian house.) A long-time friend of the brand, he even collaborated on the RM 52-05. Now he has collaborated with Richard Mille on a red-strapped RM 65-01 sporting his signature.
The piece, open for bidding through December 13th on Williams’ ultra-hip auction platform Joopiter with a starting bid of a whopping $320,000, has serious provenance. Not only is it one-of-a-kind, but the caseback also sports the artist’s signature. Beyond these rare attributes, the timepiece is a highly complex piece of horology. Five years in the making, the RM 65-01 debuted in 2020 and is the most extraordinary piece, from a technological standpoint, the brand has ever created. With over 600 components, it comes equipped with a split-seconds chronograph (a notoriously difficult complication to craft) and a rapid automatic-winding system in the skeletonized caliber RMAC4 based on the Vaucher VMF 6710. Operating at 5 Hz or 36,000 vibrations per hour, it boasts exceptional precision. All of this is packaged in an intricate architecture while elements of the watch incorporate ultra-durable Carbon TPT—both hallmarks of the brand.
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Richard Mille collectors will notice the starting bid of the 18-karat rose gold piece is about the same as the original retail price of the original non-Pharrell-signed models. Still, it not only comes with Williams’ stamp, but it also comes with a unique experience. Richard Mille will invite the winning bidder to attend one of its ultra-VIP global events, which could mean anything from its Rallye des Légendes cross-Atlantic car rally to one of its annual yachting events such as the Richard Mille cup, its classic yachting race or its sponsorship of Les Voiles de St. Barth’s Regatta. The winner can bring a guest and choose which event best fits their schedule.
Unfortunately, this RM 65-01 does not come with a meeting with Pharrell Williams himself, but it does come with plenty more bragging rights than recent versions of the timepiece to pop up on the market. Tom Brady will also auction his RM 65-01 on December 10th in “The GOAT Collection” sale at Sothbey’s. His version, estimated at $250,000-$450,000, does not come with his signature. Another was sold at Christie’s “Rare Watches Including Watches for ELA” sale for CHF 403,200 (approximately $456,600) on November 11th, with proceeds going to benefit the European Leukodystrophy Association. Proceeds from the sale of Williams’ RM 65-01 will also be donated to charity. The proceeds will benefit Black Ambition—a non-profit founded by the entertainer to invest in start-ups created by black and Hispanic entrepreneurs.
Happy bidding!
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