Cars & motorsport
In Pursuit of Speed: Racing Machines on the Wrist and Tarmac
A watch and car collector reflects on the intriguing connection between the Italian performance car brand and racing-driven Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille.
By A London based Collector
Watches and cars share a profound, almost mystical relationship. But what underlies this bond? Many can describe the parallels, but few uncover the underlying connectivity. Yet, physics provides an obvious nexus between the two:
Velocity. Velocity is composed of two elements: the measure of distance and the element of time, providing an obvious metaphysical link between cars and watches. Progress is life’s driving force, and our endeavor to accelerate drives a fascination for speed and its expression in physical objects, including watches and cars.
Over the years, many brands have sought to find the ultimate formula of this shared expression, but often with limited success. However, 2022 witnessed a game-changing alliance: Ferrari and Richard Mille.
But why them? Because both are built on the bedrock that fuels success: Passion, innovation, and family.
Passion Through Personality
How can an intangible entity, such as a watch or car brand, embody a powerful emotion like passion?
The key is the founder’s personality and passion. This force is so potent that even if the founder has passed or stepped away from the brand, their legacy remains. A passionate founder transmits their dedication and fervor to those they work with, who, in turn, embody that message and pass it on to others, keeping the founder’s spirit alive.
Enzo Ferrari and Richard Mille are two iconic examples of people driven by the utmost passion, and that relentless passion has achieved the extraordinary. Enzo Ferrari once eloquently remarked: “We cannot describe passion; we can only live it.”
Innovative Driving Excitement
Advancing the boundaries of what is possible in performance sports has created ground-breaking innovations at both brands: innovative materials like carbon fiber, lightweight construction, and resilience under intense pressure.
While you may ponder on the ultimate rationale and justification of such advancements, it's worth noting that history has always been propelled by those who dared, not by those mired in skepticism.
Of course, both Ferrari and Richard Mille hold little regard for critics or for the risks involved in bold innovation. Both conquered new frontiers by turning the unthinkable into reality, generating recognition and excitement among their peers and collectors.
Part of The Family
Both brands have a robust collector base, amplifying their ethos. They have created a foundation for a circle of like-minded individuals that meet to share their joint passions and to form broader connections. The allure of the objects involved swiftly transcends into a shared mindset, lifestyle, and experience.
Ferrari fosters its clients to enter into its rich racing heritage through live events such as F1, Le Mans, or localized cup car races (as well as through exhibitions). Similarly, Richard Mille invites its clients to experiences such as the Le Mans Classic, The Richard Mille Cup, and The Rallye des Légendes.
Engaging personal relationships lie at the heart of both Ferrari and Richard Mille, creating real connoisseurs. This distinguishes them from brands that cater to the merely status-conscious.
The RM 67-01/Ferrari 296 GTB Connection
The RM 67-01 timepiece, released in 2016, and the Ferrari 296 GTB, first shown to the public in 2021, seamlessly symbolize the shared ethos of the two brands. Each expresses a blend of harmonious elegance and sophisticated simplicity, while simultaneously projecting an unmistakable character, gravitas, and athletic poise.
At the heart of both masterpieces lies a commitment to ground-breaking innovation. The 296 GTB, with its pioneering V6 engine and hybrid system, is heralded as one of the most exceptional driving experiences on the market. The RM 67-01 is fine and thin, and, the newer RM 67-02 iteration rates among the lightest watches in the world at 32 grams.
Though the RM 67-01 and the 296 GTB were conceived before the formal partnership between the two brands was even announced, their striking synchronicity underscores the shared ethos. It's as if, before even officially connecting, the two brands have long resonated on the same frequency.
Thank you to everyone for contributing to this article in one way or another: Richard Mille (@richardmille) & Richard Mille London as well as Ferrari (@ferrari) & H.R. Owen Ferrari (@hrowenferrari) for great long-term relationships and hosting me at various events - Dillon Bhatt (@luxforte) for the introduction to Watchonista - Jaggy (@jagyy) for modelling - Krishan (@masterkrishan) for taking amazing photos.