Why Do Watch Enthusiasts Love To Hate Richard Mille?

[@anthonystevens8683]

I remember when I first saw the name Richard Mille was on the side of formula one cars, initially I wondered what it was all about, a bunch of drivers that strangely all had the same name. Joking aside until some geezer hit a tennis ball at a watch I didn't really know anything about the name. Many years later knowing what these watches are I can appreciate the strides the brand made to develop mechanical watches in a way that pushes the engineering extremes. The brilliant marketing strategy targeting high profile sports people has also permitted the brand to push on with very expensive development while delivering a limited number of pieces. For that they can be applauded. An income stream from the very well off people finances the development and with (anti) social media jumping on every bandwagon pulls in the as you say 'I want what is unavailable to the every day Joe Soap' and show it off as a status symbol driving up the used market for a bunch of wannabee owners lusting for the same. Anyway less of my slight rant, would I get one? No, I do not really like the design (but do appreciate it) regardless of the price. I buy a watch to tell the time easily. I also don't wish to be liberated from my time piece because of the name on the dial by some social media follower that sees it as an opportunity to make a quick buck. If I did get one would I be wearing in in 70 years time? No chance with the way my health is going, I'll be a pile of ashes by then scattered somewhere maybe helping to make daisies grow. If by some miracle I was alive in 70 years I'd like to be looking at the dial of my old pie pan Omega Constellation when I want to know what the time is and not having to get someone to try and read an RM dial. Apologies for the long post..

[@ID-Guy]

A way better description than I could've ever given. Brilliantly said Anthony and I think you sum up a lot of our thoughts in this too!

[@hathaway.1166]

The Omega you wear is quite a piece itself, bravo

[@nvalle104]

Esta suelta la ninfa

[@richardwell6822]

Richard Mille watch is a sign of stupidity when it on your wrist.

[@georgehave]

Seems like a very expensive fashion watch. The technology obscured by the glitz. Kind of like the grandmother sitting on her porch, looking at the tattoo she thought was so cool as a teenager, that is now wrinkled and saggy.

[@ID-Guy]

Ah, classic Grandmother analogy! We could do these all day ;) Thanks as always for the laughs George!

[@kronikinsomniak]

In a sense, all watches are fashion watches.

[@ngengtat3541]

Fashion doesn't stay told long...

[@michaelmorgan3415]

Great overview of the RM phenomenon. What comes to mind for me as I see the pieces, prices and who is buying them is the "Emperor's new clothes". And no grandpa Jones won't be rocking a RM in his rocker.

[@ID-Guy]

Might be a part of the "Franck Muller" craze we'e seeing again, but it's difficult to tell judging by how "Future forward" we're seeing so many brands move today. 100 years from now? Who knows? Thanks for this Michael!

[@hellper198]

I can imagine the people who like Richard Mille also like Hublot.

[@ID-Guy]

You'd be surprised! Some are Hublot diehards that still can't get behind RM. It's all a preference thing. Monetarily, I reckon Hublot offers a much bigger bang per buck (pun intended)

[@kjakan79]

The 1% dont buy Hublot.

[@RiseUpToYourAbility]

Those two companies have completely different target demographics.

[@blessedlion5329]

(Hew-blot)

[@DirtFather407]

@@kjakan79 Yes they do, Hublot makes minute repeaters and tourbillons it’s not just some fashion watch company

[@richio2525]

The heavy use of colors (especially the primary colors: red, yellow, and blue or green) seem to shout that they are intended to interest children, and so to me - they appear to be mere toys.

[@ID-Guy]

They're often compared to toys for that very reason. Entertainment at its finest!

[@etebol]

@@ID-Guy you have to be a callus person to seek out entertainment that goes on your wrist worth hundred's of thousands of dollars.

[@demosthenes1296]

Couldn't put it better myself. I also find them too fussy/busy and hard to understand.

[@DirtFather407]

@@etebol You gotta have a narrow perspective to judge rich people for buying nice things. Anyone with a Richard Mille already has a house and car and probably other watches

[@kronikinsomniak]

@@etebol replace your own statement with just thousands or even just hundreds of dollars and you've described this entire hobby.

[@dogbearglobal9258]

I’m glad that so many people are enthusiastic about the brand and if it brings them joy, then that’s great…but aesthetically, for me, I don’t quite understand the look, size, and scrunchy material straps…and I agree, that it in the near future, these may look like parachute pants or acid wash jeans from the 80’s - a must have then - but not sure, I could envision a scene where a young man thoughtfully looks up to his grandfather and aspires to be able to own a similar pair of ‘sport trousers’ 🤔 can you imagine the Patek tag line replaced by RM? You never really own an [RM], you merely look after it for the next generation??? I’m not sure I could… instead, I think, this is a game of “hot potato” or “musical chairs” and personally, I wouldn’t want to be the one who paid gray market prices, when the music stops.

[@ID-Guy]

Hey hey hey! No Patek marketing here! ;) Great thought around "hot potato" etc. it could just be a watch that everyone wants to get into now BUT judging by the "future focus" and the tech going into these, the might last for a lot longer? Who knows. Great points as always DogBear! Thank you for this

[@chriszivoder2650]

Lol your comment made me chuckle, completely agree.

[@amundbjerve]

I like to say that what you are paying for in high horology is time. Time the watchmaker used to carefully craft the watch, to polish and finish the case and movement, to make the dial and hands etc (in addition to deveoping the movement in the first place). RMs are well engineered, but the use of modern materials should not be that expensive. Technology is becoming less expensive over time, while highly skilled labour remains expensive. RM is basically ripping people off. If you want a $100k+ watch, you are much better off buying a watch from Urwerk, MB&F, Voutilainen or some other low volume high horology watch with a lot of man hours in it. RM is arguably the most overpriced product in the history of mankind, along with the tulip bulbs in the 17th century Netherlands.

[@ID-Guy]

Masterful commentary Amund, paying for time and effort. We could say that "research and development" factors in there somewhere when looking at RM, BUT I prefer you point ;)

[@APOSTA-pz7vs]

@@ID-Guy Ok, but, to play devil's advocate... and let me say, I own 0 RM but multiple watches by URWERK and MB&F. I hear the same things about my watches of choice also. I disagree - but, I hear the same things (toy/stupid/etc). Is RM hated more bc they are truly worse? I think they ARE. But, the finishing is not THAT much worse on an RM than say, an MB&F. AND Sure I like my Patek's and Lange's, etc... at the end of the day, are people just upset in reality for a mix of reasons: 1) can't afford it 2) it's more difficult to source than their own fav brands even in the same "avant-garde" design (which btw, I agree is all mostly RETRO-FUTURIST) 3) Don't look like Patek/Lange/etc... point being, any combination of 1-3 here doesn't really allow the critic all that much space on that high horse.

[@daytonarol3x]

Well said particularly about the 17th Century tulip blub's in the Netherlands 😂😂👍🏿 I live in Amsterdam to wear a Richard Mille watch here you would be crazy, most people hear prefer the vintage rage of watches, unless your a rapper or athlete of course

[@rosomak8244]

No you don't. You pay most of the time for the exuberant marketing. Production is automated and not done by hand. The minute finishing done by hand still doesn't justify the stellar pricing.

[@amundbjerve]

​@@rosomak8244 Say that to Philippe Dufour, Kari Voutilainen or Greubel Forsey. GF's "Hand Made" model takes 6000 hours to make. These examples are very high end, but they are in roughly the same price bracket as RM. I don't think RM uses nearly as many man hours to make one watch as the watchmakers mentioned above. I agree that there are overpriced watches out there, but some watches take so much time to make that they have to charge the prices they do. Find a less popular model from a less popular brand and get it second hand. That's my strategy.

[@underachievingwatchcollect1878]

My butler tells me the time………….wait that was just a dream 🛌!😎

[@ID-Guy]

So does mine! How useful are they??

[@jonahb2149]

My Alexa tells me the time…!

[@jasonbarlian3721]

Regardless of any perceived innovative qualities their watches may have, their design aesthetic makes RM the Franck Muller of today. That is, they are popular amongst trend obsessed non-enthusiasts and their designs are in no way timeless, meaning that their appeal will inevitably fade and disappear within five to ten years. And I say that as someone who was initially drawn to horology as a teenager after seeing the RM 032 on Sly Stallone's wrist in The Expendables 3.

[@ID-Guy]

The FM of today is a very interesting analogy and you could be spot on (partly why I included it in the beginning of the video) Imagine the pandemonium in the grey market when people start losing interest in these?

[@russell996]

Superb video throwing light on the current RM phenomena.

[@ID-Guy]

Ah, thank you Russell! Feel like I could've added another 4 minutes to this... there are so many more points worth adding. As for Green dial Patek Nautiluses... ;)

[@russell996]

@@ID-Guy 😂😂🥃

[@Weakeyedominant]

The good thing about RM is that I will never cry about not being able to get one at retail. I'm sure their movements are high end but I will never find the design desirable.

[@bobone6554]

Any truth these watches are the preferred choice for money launders? Great video, as always!

[@ID-Guy]

Lots and lots and lots of evidence points to it, Bob. I'm not one who follows that news but it doesn't take a lot of braincells to see through it all ;)

[@n0w3lly90]

Probably the insane pricing. I mean - yes, okay - they are meticulously engineeered and made by hand, but I still struggle to look at a Richard Mille vs a Patek Phillippe or an A. Lange & Sohne watch, and justify £500,000 + price tags

[@arthurluz5356]

I really like some Richard Mille watches, however I wouldn’t buy one unless I had many watches. I like the more conservative models better, though - the ones that are too bulky, too colorful and too flashy seem a bit “cheap” to me and give off the “I want to flex my RM” vibe. I really like the Bubba Watson, the 67-01, the 27-04 and the first model, though.

[@ID-Guy]

There's one that always gets me! It's at 3:44. I'd happily own this example given the chance! So even through the depths of RM and all their quirks, there are a few gems ;) Nicely said Arthur. The Bubba is also a great (understated) example too

[@bboth4029]

@@ID-Guy agreed mate! The 67-01 is the one i am proud to own. Size is great and the details are amazing. Great to wear when on sports activities. Try wearing a nautilus playing golf. it wil die before end of hole 6. On a rocking chair, both will do ok. i guess😉

[@vishalrao9189]

I am 1000% agree with you, my friend. I like to watch your content it's really informative and great quality.

[@ravianantharamaiah7567]

Not only RM, but also Hublot watches are frowned upon by watch enthusiasts.

[@gluon8760]

Some of them are nice, I would personally get a FPJ or a defour . RM would not be a watch I would buy even having the cash but is an interesting brand IMO

[@ID-Guy]

Something about the model at 3:44 always speaks to me. Definitely one the pieces I'd happily own (if it was possible) BUT there's so much more out there... sure is an interesting brand though without question. Thanks for this Gluon!

[@hambone988ubet]

Great out take ending to a well thought out RM analysis.

[@ulifluhme]

Great video, thank you! However, I don’t think you can talk about Richard Mille and the grey market without talking about drug money and money laundering. These two are the main drivers of everything this brand is today.

[@Good_Luck11]

u think so?

[@Vuchatra]

It sucks for us ordinary folk that we can't get one, but if totally shitty personalities can make millions of the internet, why someone that's actually made something so gorgeous can't ? Those watches are a thing of beauty, pretty steep but hey... innovation has no price tag. Great video, cheers.

[@joshs3916]

Love the brand and the unique look. The classic watch shape (circle) and the Cartier square models I’m not a fan of. The tonneau shape is classic and timeless. Not sure if this is the next FM but it just might be, which would be great since it will be more in my price range

[@Zotrax1946]

Nicely put👍🏻. I agree, thank you for articulating it.

[@blueshirtbuddah1665]

Richard Mille, I'll pass. Another excellent video IDGuy!

[@ID-Guy]

Nothing grabbed your attention Blueshirt? I'm surprised ;) Hope you're still resting up well, sir!

[@blainecole5452]

I have never given much thought to Richard Mille. But I must admit to liking the ladies' watch shown @7:35. And the watch @11:05 is quite beautiful.

[@smitnkp]

They are kind of a hyper luxury Swatch, reminds me of the time when Swatch hit the market in the 80's, fun colourful with gazillion designs.

[@esk9europeanstark980]

Yes, Swatch Trend of modern times👍

[@MyVideosWillCalmU]

The end part had me cracking up the "Grandpa analogy" 😂😂

[@MrZZooh]

Awesome video. Very honest. You cracked me up with your ending. I have seen a few in person and they kinda look like toys! They don't exactly look like serious watches and they're not made for suit and ties either. They're just this fad, status symbol nonsense. But I do like the use of exotic materials and the innovations.

[@anthonyk423]

It’s worth whatever people are wiling to pay for it. Most luxury products aren’t worth what they sell for cause the luxury market is mostly about overcharging. For example that Mercedes’ that sold for over $100 million last year, the painting that experts couldn’t agree was an authentic painting by Da Vinci that sold for half a billion, that mansion in France MBS paid $300 million for, or the penthouse in Monaco that listed for $300 million.

[@nabilkhan5836]

No matter how you put it. A watch should never be worth more than a house unless it has cancer healing qualities.

[@thetaingsto]

I love the brand. One of the few brands that will shape the watch industry in the future, when we will look back to the past. Just innovation, excellent marketing and amazing color combinations, paired with exceptional movements. I even see many similarities to Rolex to be honest.

[@ID-Guy]

The brand is excellent, no denying it and the watchmaking is world class. I think what bugs most of us is that they're incredibly overpriced and the "crowd" that are into them sours it a little. There's one model that really catches my eye though ;)

[@doubletee5250]

They are beautifully made and a true horological work of art. BUT, they are a design of their time and will, sooner or later, fall out of favour. That's when the price will fall through the floor. Twenty years after that, people wont be able to get enough of them.

[@msbelindapls]

7:09 .. so are ppl chasing after all the hot PP AP and Rolexes 🙄 Honestly speaking.. You really need to own one to understand what is RM all about.

[@simmysharma6845]

Great video. 👍

[@ID-Guy]

My pleasure as always Simmy and thank you for taking the time to watch the clip!

[@papawoody9597]

They look like something that came out of a claw machine game. Designed by a 9 year old with ADD who was given an extra large Monster energy drink and a set of colored pencils. They prove the adage that money cannot buy taste. I especially love the ones with so much disjointed visual nonsense and clutter going on that the watch cannot perform its actual function, telling time. To me, they're a garish and crass cash grab. Intended for people who only want something with which they can "flex". Flexing being a euphemism for douchebaggery. I actively try to not engage in hero worship, but I simply cannot imagine Steve McQueen, Jim Clark, Pedro Rodriguez, or Michael Schumacher wearing one of these rodeo clown, funhouse watches. I find it distressing that Kimi wears one.

[@ManfromJapan12]

I own a RM-052 . It is not just a watch. I don't expect most of you to understand my reason for purchasing such a watch nor do I feel the need to justify my action. I find that forums like this interesting but at the same time a little sad. I will say this and that is I got my RM for the same reasons that you here purchased your watches . If you like it , get it.

[@terjemyller6573]

I am tempted to think that watch enthusiasts who are very anti-RM have the same narrow mindset as art lovers a century ago, who thought Picasso’s cubist paintings were ugly and distorted, basically meaningless. Well, they were not. They have inspired countless artists and have an important place in art history. Just as RM will have in the watchworld in the decades to come.

[@blissfulbeats3690]

elegant and eloquent comment

[@joshs3916]

Agreed. A lot of close minded people in these comments lol

[@ChaosMcCain]

I have seen watches like this come and go . Example; 5 time zone Jacob and Co watches from the early 2000’s

[@dexterousling1875]

Is very interesting they advertise me some Richard mille which I cannot get and is a limited edition

[@L.A.C_Santos]

Richard Mille is also art. Crazy modern art. I think two or three are even elegant, classy, crazy but cool enough. The rest are wild, crazy, extravagant, made to use and enjoy today, and tomorrow, but not in ten years. They are the easy money that also will go easy. They are not a Cartier Tank Louis.

[@TheCronan]

See Hodinkee's interview with RM brand ambassador John Malkowich(!) here on YT. 😅😬

[@ID-Guy]

IDGuy Store: teespring.com/stores/the-idguy-store Channel Support - Patreon: www.patreon.com/idguy Latest Releases: kzbin.info/door/zf6rqsEBni5G2TSevD6F4Afeatured Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/id.guy/

[@PeteMcConvillWatches]

Great video - fascinating in this video next to Adrian's video on Hublot (got to say this is far superior). Love your coverage but I think you opened interesting questions around art/design the purpose of a watch (jewelry vs tool), the balance between timelessness and genericism, challenge vs comfort, satisfying the many vs just trying to reach a select few.

[@jonahb2149]

Prices are completely ridiculous.

[@jonaustin262]

Also why I would rather purchase a nice seiko spring drive or a tag heuer over a Rolex because I buy because I like not to show off as you said flex

[@garymathis6094]

I THINK RICHARD MILLE ARE SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LOOKING WATCHES I HAVE EVER SEEN

[@williamrizzo1285]

Pretty much every reason you gave at the beginning of this video! Lol Having said that I agree with you that RM movements are outstanding!

[@imoafaq]

8:40 love the 67-01 & 02 👌 if only i can find another company does this cheaply with same weight and dimensions. Rest of RM r bulky ❌

[@dominicrichfield]

if you'll pay $1,000,000 for an Andy Warhol print you'll pay $1,000,000 for an RM

[@Apis4]

So my biggest problem with Richard Mille watches, is that the technology is not enough. let us be one hundred percent honest.... almost NO ONE needs timing within the tolerances such complex mechanisms can produce, in their daily lives. As for the very few who DO, well there is equipment which can do it much much better. If you need something so precise and such, you have the choice of a computer which attaches to your wrist, which will be as good or better, if you really need be portable... or if you really need accuracy and to be free from power requirements... you make something as or more accurate, if you want to make it the size of a fridge, which can use all kinds of things, like gyroscopes, you just cannot fit in a watch, that are still completely mechanical, like his watches, but far more accurate than mechanical watch can ever be. So then, what is a Richard Mille? The three things I hear most, is that it is: A) Modernist Art; master crafted, haute horologie at it's most modern, instant, new, peak. An horological virtuoso Artiste's ultimate expression of complications at the very forefront edge of creative expression, as he feels it in the 21st century. Or some sh*t like that along those lines. Or B) Exercises in cutting edge industrial design; the definitive expression of modern materials, advanced engineering. A horological pushing of the envelope in which the essence of tradition associated with clock/watch making, are shed, for the newest ideas, unable to even be conceived five hundred years ago when watchmaking began. Where others cling to those traditions, these watches embrace modernity, futurism even, in adopting complexities born of wholly modern possibilities, manufacturing capabilities, and materials. Blah blah etc etc Or C) The ultimate in luxury sports lifestyle watches. Watches which through being to some extent, both of the aforementioned, provide one with the 'One Watch To Rule Them All" timepiece, for the man who wishes to be aboard that Yacht with RM on the sails, sailing to the Greek Island he going to cliff dive from, before racing his jetski to the mainland, to then climb the cockpit of his own private Mig 21 he will fly to Germany, landing near the Green Hell, which he'll ride a high performance motorcycle to, then race his 2008 McLaren F1 car he owns, around the Ring, before then catching a helicopter to Berlin for a business dinner, then playing a midnight game of hoops, and having a high impact power workout, at his five star hotel before bed... never having to remove or swap out his watch for any of it. OK fantastic. Except there is a problem. If it is A) well are you really bringing the best to table in terms of art watches? I mean PP, VC and Blancpain, or someone like Franck Muller, make some amazing Art watches. Truly Avante Guard Haute Horology, at half the price or less. More someone like J&co, or Van Cleef and Arpels, purely on the exquisite ArtWatch side of things, blow you out the water. Not mention Cartier have been doing 'Art Watch' for over a century... and have things that can match anything the aforementioned others are doing if you really want it... and more... walk in to Cartier's Paris main, and tell them you want to drop 2.2 million on a watch, and ask would they be open to getting the commission? I guarantee you, they'll give you 'Art' on level that would make RM's head explode even attempting to conceive. OK, so maybe it is B)? Again...is it really your best game your are offering at the price? I mean you should be offering something which is inarguably Industrial Design omnipotence if I can buy an Urwerk which aims for that, and in many eyes hit's much closer to the mark.. and their most expensive offering is still cheaper than your cheapest model. Not to mention Devon arguably does it even better, for a TENTH of the price.... or even look at someone like Xeric, which if we just want a class B type watch, offers me something which fits the parameters aesthetically, for *A THOUSANDTH* of the what you are asking. Fine then, lets say it is C). That is what an RM is. Well the other two, we can say it is subjective. This one? I think this is pretty objective. Can I be so sure of your work I can take your watch to the top of Everest, for the first successful simit, as my worst case scenario watch, in case my Smith stops working? Can put your offering on arm, outside my high pressure submarine, as isolated, independent, last option chronometer when I am at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, and see your watch works fine... even at 3k Psi? How about if I am not just walking, but working, collecting specimens, on the Moon? Will your watch handle the 300+ oC temperature differential it will be exposed to, when I drive the buggy from the light, in to the shade? How about if I do not make it to the moon, after an exceptionally rough launch, because my spaceship was damaged, and I have just had an explosion, and oxygen fire? Will your watch still work then? When nothing else does, when I have no other gauges or readings, no other telemetry? Will I be able to use your chronograph to time the burn of my engines to get me an my crew safely back to earth? That is what Rolex and Omega offer. They offer it for about half what you do.... if I buy it in three different tones of gold, with diamond indexes..... or about one hundredth of the cost if I get it high grade steel. So if C is where you are aiming, you had better be the f*cking dogs nuts, ultra, mega God of sports/tool watches... because the above examples I set, were not random, RM.... they were real examples, of what Rolex and Omega have provided watches which could do. The answer being for those, YES, they CAN do those things. As stated, do it better, and much cheaper, in the sports/tool watch category, than YOUR watches have so far shown. This one is not subjective, it is objective fact. If you are not bringing your A game to C reason, you have failed, but if you are charging me RM money... I do not expect your watches to do that.... I expect them to do ten times MORE than that. OK so maybe RM's can argue that they Art Watch better than Devon and Xeric, or Omega and Rolex, and they Industrial Design Futurism better than VC&A or J&Co and Rolex or Omega, or they tool/sports watch better than Devon and Xeric, or VC&C and J&co....... .....well fine.... but anyone who can afford to buy an RM new.... can also afford to buy watches which do the things people say of RM watches, BETTER..... they can buy something like a J&Co, or a VC&A for the Art Watch they want.... and still have money to buy a Urwerk and Devon for the 21stC IndDes aesthetic watch they want, even then have the money to buy a dozen Rolexes or Omegas which cover the sports/tool lifestyle watch thing FAR BETTER than and RM. I mean, can we call a spade a spade here? These are definitely FAD watches. In 100 years, the Big Three, or Rolex or Seiko will all be making their watches, almost all the same.... and they will still be loved watches. Traditionalist bespoke makers like R.W Smith, Voulitainen or J.P Journe, or companies like them, will still be making watches at the highest end of traditional haute horology that people will still be buying. But RM? Rolex and Omega will keep on keeping on, making better and better luxury sports/tool lifestyle watches, companies like J&Co, VC&A and Cartier will still be making Art Watches which f*ck all over the art of the industrial skeleton, but the IndDes watches that are being made, will be so space age as to be unrecognizable, and make RM watches look medieval! How can that be a lasting legacy? I might be wrong, and I openly admit I am no horology expert, only someone who drifts in and out of the scene over the years, inspired some romantic idealism born of an Uncle who was watch maker back in the 30s, and I do not even own a watch at present.... BUT..... at face value, as someone on the outside looking in... this is what I see when I see RM.

[@tackontitan]

I don't care for image or "flexing." If I had the money for an RM I wouldn't buy it. Despite the technology and innovation, they're hideous and they lack refinement.

[@ID-Guy]

I've been fortunate to make acquaintances with some of those who can afford these pieces but choose not to. As always it's down to personal tastes also how diverse this hobby of ours is. Thanks for your comment Alan!

[@00-Fresh-Snow-00]

I can overlook the superfluous image associated with the RM brand; I personally like the hyper, mechanical aesthetics on a timepiece because, well, it's super cool to look at 😀. Heck, I can say the same with Urwerk 👍.

[@flippinzippo9670]

Great video bud

[@errolmacdonald3256]

Well me, I can't help but admire the font RM uses for the hour numbers on the dial. They're like early computer numerals and I especially like when they're hollowed. That's not quite where it ends; I also like the daring of some material choices and colour combos. But then I think of the time I saw a news clip of a Mexican cabinet minister/secretary of a certain age - at least 60+ - wearing one as he stood at the podium for a news conference or speech or something. I was shocked. That in a country with such egregious social inequity a man at the highest level of government should sport a watch that could cost as much as a half-million bucks...shameless. I'm Canadian and you'd never see that in Canada, ever.

[@threethrushes]

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should... I know a billionaire who rides a bicycle to work. I once worked with a CFO of a FTSE 100 who wore a Casio. Wear and buy a RM if one loves haute horology.

[@haseebahmed6278]

Jacobs & Co is following the footsteps of Richard Mille. Basically how to make people with disposable income to spend some of their powder. If it is expensive, it does not mean it has class.

[@adeina777]

It's not him they're hating on. It's the fashion of it all. It looks like a watch you would wear to a party and not a gala. Feel me? It looks like a watch you wear with Nike's and not with Givenchy. You see? It reminds me of the Swatch watch. Cute and colorful but not ballroom material.

[@styx4947]

What you mean is that vauche manufacturer puts it to the movement. Lastly, Richard Mille is not a Watchmaker, he was a watch business manager prior to founding his own Brand

[@josephjohnson2387]

This would be one expensive FAD, SHEESE 🤯

[@ted9544]

RM redefined "luxury". From minute repeaters with diamonds and gold, to performance/shock resistance and light weight/comfort on the wrist. instead of using modern tools to make a replica of an 18th century watch, they use modern tools to make a highly technical modern watch you cant just walk into a boutique and get a model you want. hence the grey market prices they are very legible, it sounds like you havent seen one in person in 50 years, you will be on our porch with your gold minute repeater. an RM owner will be on a their private jet/yacht, or mars

[@Psysso]

In 50 years only the biggest watch connosieurs will know what a RM even was... Even know ,noone outside of a small percentage of people know what that even means. Rolex, Omega everyone knows those.

[@Translation-in-Malaysia]

" an RM owner will be on a their private jet/yacht, or mars" - It's like an Artificial intelligence system concluding to be successful in your career you should have been the Captain of the Fotball team in highschool.

[@Number_006]

Great vid and commentary. I am beginning to think that the watch world has lost it’s way. I fear a backlash is coming to over valued brands (soon). And if history is any judge, whatever goes up, must come down.

[@UhrenSohn-ob8eb]

Well, i hope so. 😉

[@KrystianWlr]

Price doesn't equal value, but since there are folks out there willing to pay for it... that's the brilliance of marketing. Any elaboration is just trying to rationalize it. somewhat similar to the automatic vs. quartz discussion, as the latter is better from any angle

[@rickfowler3710]

Think of all the beautiful vintage submariners for the price of one candy laden plastic toy watch. People have lost the plot. I feel they will go out of fashion like anything which isn't timeless, and will probably come back in when they become vintage/semi vintage. Loved the point about being old sat out on the porch. Thats undeniable

[@ID-Guy]

It does feel like a "hot topic" watch but maybe we're wrong? Judging by how great their movements are and the whole "tech" thing is not stopping any time soon. Maybe these are ahead of their time in a different sector? It's so hard to tell...still, they're not for all of us ;)

[@ShashankD137]

The style. I could never. I'd rather wear a casio or a a Citiizen

[@pm.meowth4850]

style wise they aren’t too dissimilar- they are like two sides of “future like” design- id never buy one if i had the money but i do get the style - youd put this watch on some half robot half man future sports athlete in a cyberpunk film

[@bluenote5262]

Coming from someone who keeps a straight face when Rolex (being a mass pruduct) goes 3 times msrp. Makes me wonder who has lost common sense here.

[@DonLee1980]

A Richard Mille being designed not for reading the time, is like a heavily modified and slammed Lamborghini, with its wheels angled at 30 degrees camber, in addition with purple underbelly lights, posing as a "supercar" but in this state, it's a shitbox to drive, slow at everything it does, can't even get past a speedbump, but it's supposed to wow instagram followers and get likes. When asked why did you turn a very capable supercar into an undrivable car, you say, this is not for driving.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I've reached the Grandpa age I'm sitting on my back porch wearing a Datejust 🌄

[@Psysso]

The thing about RM is that theyre a brand chosen by elite, influencers, celebreties,rappers as a status symbol. The moment they jump the wagon to the next fad, RM will just become another brand with a weird person name as their title.

[@Good_Luck11]

i dont think so buddy.

[@Vortex1988]

I don't like them because they're overpriced happy meal toys for adults. They remind me of the jurassic park, holographic raptor eye, digital watch I pulled out of a Burger King bag when I was 7.

[@pedromanuellopez142]

I guess you have to cover this stuff too. On another note, I went to the Tudor AD here in Vienna to look at the 925 and was told the Pelagos cannot be ordered at the moment. I figure they are holding their breath until Sept. 1, to see how buyers respond.

[@watchsixto]

You are right he doesn't get the credit for creating this one of kind movement that help him get noticed that all I have to say that good things about RM I love skeleton watch this doesn't reach out to me that say I need to have this in my collection thank again for these awesome video

[@villagesautodetail]

I love RM.. they are obnoxious and they are proud of that fact. I am the same. You have to respect someone who doesn't care what anyone else thinks and still push through on innovation.

[@Alexander-x2m7i]

Agreed, i am incredibly fond of the designs and the innovation and how different they are, but i can see why many people dislike them.

[@zeemzok]

Konstantin Weisz has been doing "Richard Milles" before Richard Mille.

[@sirslaythelot6018]

The RM 11 03 is easily the most beautiful watch created in the last 100 years .

[@acronvron9665]

Why is the weight and feel being pointed out as negatives. Thats the whole point it being so light that even golfers can play witht them. Its made to be that.

[@sobeit712]

In a party, you see round faced people, you see oval faced people, you even see square faced people. Then enters a tonneau faced man, the sheer audacity of his barrel façade demands attention and solicit disgust, and oddly enough, respect as well, because he got what it takes to endure the sideway glance his whole life...

[@jasoncollins9640]

If the people that bought the m of got them are happy that's all that matters , sometimes people can over think things .

[@mannyfernandez1713]

I would use the word, vulgar when talking grey market prices of, not only, RM, and yeah interesting design and outstanding watchmaking, movement wise. But… lets face it… they look like toys, almost literally, and they don’t seem practical in any situation…. maybe as a brass knuckle,

[@ID-Guy]

They wouldn't look wrong on a kids wrist ;) Just bizarre how the craze for these things has gone out of control. What will the space look like in 20 years? Thanks for the comment Manny!

[@jaysilverstone7221]

It's a swatch for the narcissist.

[@deceptor99]

Those coin operated claw machines in funfairs are fun and the cheap prizes are a bit naff. That is where Richard Mille watches belong.

[@ljr35]

Yep, you covered it all. kudos. they really are ugly and discordant to my eye, I'd be curious if they meet any pleasing ratios, I doubt it! certainly not the golden one. that Cartier at 3:18 is beautiful and will appear so in 500 years I reckon. the RM's will have been used as fuel in a Delorean time machine....

[@ID-Guy]

It's always that question of thinking what watches will be remembered in 100 years time. We can definitely pinpoint them (with ease) Great shout on the Cartier! Just unmatched when it comes to style / sophistication. Thanks for the comment, brother!

[@joshs3916]

😂😂

[@j.burgess4459]

For me the word that strongly associates with Richard Mille is "vulgar". I don't think the eye-popping asking price or the _flex_ factor are really the thing. After all, there are references from (say) F.P.Journe or Patek which are broadly similar in terms of rarity, exclusivity and value. But if I saw a major Hollywood star or a billionaire international businessman wearing one of those, I would have instant respect for his taste. Yeah, maybe it would also be tinged with mild jealously? But essentially one would respect the individual. But when you see someone wearing Richard Mille...I dunno...one feels a kind of quiet derision. It is as if somebody would have his car crusted with diamonds and fitted with a gold steering wheel - it just feels loud, desperate to be noticed, desperate to impress. It entirely lacks subtlety. (Of course, each to his own - if people want to dress in fur coats and wear big gold chains, etc, they have every right to do that. But equally people who observe them are free to make judgements.)

[@sandman6088]

As someone who is athletic I'm actually a fan of their super sporty look, but their prices are ridiculous. I'm probably just gonna buy a $150 homage to scratch that itch. Haha.

[@aussieexpat]

It's fun dunking on clowns. Movements are intense.

[@mondrayuk]

Beauty is in The Eyes of The Beholder! Setting that aside, whether you like the aesthetics or not, to me that is not the point with these watches. It is all about the engineering for all to see. I will never get one even if I had all the tea in China! With that said, RM watches have brilliant movements of craftsmanship not seen before. I have tons of respect for the watch house for achievement.

[@rosomak8244]

It's not craftsmanship when you do CNC manufacturing alllll the way.

[@Ossory88]

I feel like technological spearheaded-ness is only a good thing if the technology increases the functionality. If the watches had higher precision, higher water resistance or any other asset that would come with the design and the used materials, I could get behind the watch. Even if the added functionality wouldn't benefit me in my daily life personally. But here it's just bells and whistles for having bells and whistles. That's somehow unnecessary yet "not necessary" means luxury, virtually by definition. So they are priced correctly, as the high price is just another asset of the watch. But for someone like me who either appreciates great design or great, functional technology, it's not for me.

[@ID-Guy]

It's very conflicting seeing so many great things added to these pieces (the RnD alone is something remarkable) BUT you're right "Complications for complications sake" comes to mind. They cease being watches and are now seen more as fashion accessories to be shown off. Such a different arena next to what we enjoy looking at. Thanks as always for the comments and taking the time to watch the clip, brother!

[@Ossory88]

@@ID-Guy classy entertainment is classy. How could I resist? ;-) take care. When you ever come to Berlin, let me know.

[@richardman28]

I feel that RM are overpriced for what they are. I feel that every watch maker or brand has something to offer to the watch community. The price to due to great marketing and business strategy and it is only valued what one is willing to pay for it. I actually like a few of them and I feel in this hobby, buy what you like. The design is obviously not timeless so I expect the hype will eventually fade out in years to come. When they drop in value to a price that I feel is worth the timepiece, then I might consider it. At the end of the day, all luxury watches are expensive mechinical toys.

[@RiseUpToYourAbility]

Yeh but so are Rolex. Like it or not Rolex are mass produced watches that are made by mostly technicians on a production than actual watch makers. Yet the market price for a sub is over 14k now. The whole watch market is controlled by hype. I don't think the price of RM is going to tank. The global culture is controlled by consumerism. Before the establishment of social media, the only people that you can show off your brand new watch to were your friends or coworkers, and that was just a handful of people. Now you can showoff to millions of people, and that is what is driving people to buying more luxury goods.

[@richardman28]

@@RiseUpToYourAbility I totally agree with you with Rolex and they are massed produced. However, they are different. Rolex can produce 2, 3 or even 10 million pieces a year and they will sell above retail price because demand exceeds supply. RM are however very different. Demand does exceed supply only because it is controlled by the supply. But I thought the topic was about RM and not Rolex. As a previous advertising executive for a 4A company, I understand your comment about consumerism, but the RM hype will eventually fade. The design and the brand history is not timeless or strong enough to last the distance of time. Everything that goes up must come down. Being a watch collector for over 20 years I have seen enough brands rise, fall and then rise again in popularity. Exposure on social media does not mean it will keep the popularity or hype of the brand. Other brands such as zenith, breguet, hublot, IWC etc are also online. It can actually be the opposite. When these celebrities and influencers stop flexing their RM's it might even reduce the hype all together. At the end of the day they are big boy mechinical toys. Buy what you like and not the hype. Unfortunately, the wrong people have entered our hobby for the wrong reasons.

[@joshs3916]

Hope the hype ends soon. Love a couple of their pieces, but for the price, I’d get some AP, Patek, Vintage Rolex and some vintage tudors

[@naturalLin]

It’s complex for the sake of being complex.

[@michaelfierman3256]

I gotta say that even though I never liked the look of these watches, the fact that they’ve become these outrageous commodities on the grey market has made me actually despise the people who wear them. I think of the fairy tale The Emperor’s New Clothes when I see people fawning over a plastic watch with some stretchy band that looks like it came off of a 60s bra. Entertaining episode. I hope all the speculators lose their money.

[@ID-Guy]

60's bra stretchy band phahaha! Beautiful. This one really made me laugh Michael, thank you

[@jackchueh1231]

RM 50-04 is sick

[@RadoDani]

I don't mind the designs. In fact there are a few that I really like. The less colourful ones. The problem is rubber crowns and other not particularly durable materials are something that really turns me off. Combine that with the fact that you can't even get replacement rubber straps for these and I don't see any longevity or value in these. Other brands have done more with less when it comes to shock resistance (Ball), accuracy (Grand Seiko, Breguet) or case materials (Hublot, Rado, etc.).

[@fabreezethefaintinggoat5484]

roger dubuis?

[@philipsavage114]

Now I won't be able to see an RM without thinking of Gran'pa Walton.

[@ID-Guy]

It was incredibly difficult keeping it together by the end (after trying to be so serious)

[@rockoslong4767]

I don't dislike the brand or the people wearing it. I just find them ugly and looking cheap. But they are not targeting on me, so it doesn't matter what "normal" people like me think.

[@vmarsch]

"Is something any creative person can get behind, even though the end result can be --" Hideous.

[@prada3890]

One day I’ll own a Richard Mille

[@pm.meowth4850]

good luck mate

[@theprince08853]

For the money it just seems so idiotic to get a RM when I could just get a Alonge and Sohne, Patek Philipe, JLC, Vacheron etc etc.

[@eifionwynwilliams-iffy1288]

Technically they are a masterpiece of micro engineering. Would I wear one? No. Are they worth the ludicrous price tag? No again.

[@AbdulRWatches]

RM watches are mostly Engineer feats, but the hype around the brand and the snobbery involved to get one, makes it pretty hard to like.

[@bobbydazzler1780]

They are merely show off baubles for the hyper rich. There’s a market for such status symbols amongst those who want to pose and show off their wealth but not so much for the masses. I guess if I had north of 100 million burning a hole in my pocket then Rolex just wouldn’t cut it and I’d be off to RM for some silly priced nonsense. Guys who can afford these pieces pick them up the same way we buy G-Shocks. I guess if you have to ask how much you can’t afford one. And that’s the whole point of their existence.

[@ID-Guy]

What even is life when we look at these things? Hahaha! Great point there Epster!

[@adolf-8834]

A facade. The consummate metaphor for the emperor's new clothes.