The 5 Most Expensive Richard Mille Watches Sold by Sotheby's

Richard Mille has cemented its status as one of the most innovative and sought-after watchmakers in the world, blending cutting-edge technology with artistic excellence. Known for their bold designs, lightweight materials, and groundbreaking mechanics, Richard Mille timepieces have become synonymous with luxury and performance. Sotheby’s has presented a remarkable selection of Richard Mille timepieces at auction, each exemplifying the brand’s groundbreaking craftsmanship and the compelling stories that define its creations. Discover the five most expensive Richard Mille watches sold at auction since 2024.

Richard Mille Prototype 3 Reference RM27-01 Rafael Nadal Circa 2014, 1,270,000 CHF

Richard Mille Watch — Richard Mille Prototype 3 Reference RM27-01 Rafael Nadal

The Richard Mille Prototype 3 Reference RM27-01 Rafael Nadal was sold for 1,270,000 CHF in May 2024. This model showcased an exceptional blend of innovation and athleticism. A product of the collaboration between Richard Mille and tennis legend Rafael Nadal, this model represented the culmination of extensive research and development. Weighing only 19 grams with the strap, it was one of the lightest tourbillon watches ever produced. The movement, weighing just 3.5 grams, was rigorously tested by Nadal throughout his tennis season, proving its resilience against extreme shocks and movements.

Constructed from grade 5 titanium and aluminum-lithium alloy, the movement was suspended by braided steel cables, allowing it to withstand accelerations of up to 5000 G. The case was crafted from grey anthracite polymer injected with carbon nanotubes to ensure exceptional durability. Limited to 50 pieces worldwide and further rarefied by its prototype status, this piece was a coveted collector's item.

Richard Mille Kimmi Räikkönen Reference RM50-04 Circa 2019, 10,623,000 HKD

The Richard Mille Kimmi Räikkonen Reference RM50-04 sold for 10,623,000 HKD in April 2025. This exceptional timepiece celebrates the legendary Finnish Formula 1 driver and reflects the brand’s long-standing dedication to engineering excellence in partnership with elite athletes. Crafted from an advanced combination of Carbon TPT and Quartz TPT, the RM50-04 features a bold 49.5 mm case and showcases a red color palette inspired by Räikkönen’s 2019 season with the Alfa Romeo Racing Team. Its dial is punctuated by an oversized “7” at the hour marker—a nod to the driver’s racing number—infusing this already dynamic design with a distinctive and personal touch.

Beneath its striking exterior lies the ultra-lightweight RM50-03 movement, a skeletonized marvel constructed from Carbon TPT and titanium, weighing only 7 grams. This hand-wound mechanism powers a 30-minute split seconds chronograph, a tourbillon, and displays for both function and torque, with an impressive 70-hour power reserve. Engineered to withstand shocks of up to 5000 g, the RM50-04 is not only a technical triumph but also a symbol of Richard Mille’s vision to merge the worlds of sport and haute horlogerie. Limited to just 30 pieces, it stands as a rare and powerful fusion of speed, innovation, and exclusivity.

Richard Mille Reference RM026 CA Tourbillon Serpent Circa 2011, 6,000,000 HKD

The Richard Mille Reference RM026 Tourbillon Serpent was sold for 6,000,000 HKD in October 2024. Introduced in 2011, this exquisite timepiece showcases a harmonious fusion of fine watchmaking and high jewelry. Inspired by the timeless themes of nature and the passage of time, the RM026 features two intricately crafted serpents coiled around the tourbillon, both securing and enhancing its visual appeal. The serpents, made of 18k white gold, are adorned with rubies and diamonds, with one featuring a striking red coral tongue. The baseplate, crafted from pure black onyx, adds a touch of elegance and symbolism to the watch, while the serpents’ engraved scales highlight the meticulous handcrafting required for this masterpiece.

This particular piece is believed to have been specially commissioned for a prominent collector, making it a unique creation. The case is lavishly set with baguette and pavé diamonds, totaling approximately 7–9 carats, further elevating its grandeur. The RM026 Tourbillon Serpent stands as a testament to Richard Mille’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of both luxury and innovation in horology, offering a one-of-a-kind blend of artistry and technical precision.

Richard Mille Reference RM051 Circa 2011, 5,520,000 HKD

The Richard Mille Reference RM051 was sold for 5,520,000 HKD in October 2024. This special edition timepiece, created in collaboration with Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, embodies a seamless fusion of luxury, artistry, and technical precision. The RM051 features a striking phoenix motif, a design inspired by Chinese legend, where the phoenix symbolizes grace, beauty, and strength. This mythical bird, known as the emblem of the Empress, represents five human virtues: virtue, duty, justice, goodwill, and reliability. Adorned with diamonds, black diamonds, and emeralds, the watch exudes elegance and sophistication, making it a true statement piece.

The phoenix motif is ingeniously integrated into the watch’s intricate mechanics, harmonizing with the barrel, power reserve, and tourbillon. This blend of artistry and engineering elevates the RM051 beyond conventional timepieces, transforming it into a poetic masterpiece of haute horlogerie. The meticulous craftsmanship and symbolic design of this watch stand as a testament to Richard Mille’s commitment to innovation and collaboration with extraordinary figures like Michelle Yeoh.

Richard Mille Perini Navi Reference RM014 CA-FQ Circa 2019, 3,810,000 HKD

The Richard Mille Perini Navi Reference RM014 CA-FQ was sold for 3,810,000 HKD in April 2025. A tribute to the world of elite sailing, this limited edition model marks Richard Mille’s foray into the nautical realm, drawing inspiration from the renowned ‘Maltese Falcon’ yacht built by Perini Navi. Made exclusively for the Japanese market, the RM014 embodies the brand’s signature blend of cutting-edge materials and mechanical mastery. Its semi-skeletonised dial reveals the intricate movement beneath, set within a striking case crafted from blue and white Carbon TPT—a lightweight, high-performance composite that reflects the dynamic nature of the open sea.

Beyond its bold aesthetics, the RM014 is a technical powerhouse. The movement, derived from the RM002 calibre, is anchored by a tourbillon on a carbon nano-fibre baseplate and showcases a relocated power reserve, torque indicator, and function selector on the right side of the dial. Extensive use of steel and black-polished steel pays homage to the construction techniques found in luxury yacht building, merging maritime engineering with haute horlogerie. This particular example, numbered 00/07, is especially notable as a possible prototype, underscoring its rarity and collectability within the Richard Mille legacy.

Buy or Sell Your Next Richard Mille Watch with Sotheby's

Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest luxury watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, and Hong Kong. Sotheby’s is proud to feature a diverse selection of Richard Mille watches exclusively through its auctions. These sales showcase a wide range of Richard Mille timepieces, from sport-driven designs like the RM035 “Rafael Nadal” series to sophisticated models such as the RM26-02 Tourbillon Evil Eye, known for their bold aesthetics and groundbreaking engineering. Each auction offers collectors the opportunity to acquire rare and limited-edition pieces that exemplify the brand’s fusion of luxury and innovation.

Prices for Richard Mille watches at Sotheby’s auctions vary based on model, rarity, and condition. Entry-level models typically start at around $100,000, while highly sought-after pieces featuring intricate complications or celebrity provenance, such as the RM56-02 Sapphire Tourbillon, can command prices well into the millions.