Richard Mille has launched its second Ferrari-themed timepiece, the RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph, following the 2022 UP-01. With prices ranging from $1.3 million for the titanium model to $1.53 million for the Carbon TPT variant, the watch rivals the cost of Ferrari’s rarest production cars. Only 150 units will be produced, ensuring exclusivity.
A Price Tag Beyond Supercars
The RM 43-01’s cost eclipses that of current Ferrari models like the Purosangue SUV ($400,000), the 296 GTB hybrid ($320,000), or even the SF90 Stradale ($625,000). To match its price, collectors would need to target limited-edition classics such as the F12tdf (2015–2017), of which only 799 were made. While some F12tdfs sell below $1.3 million, pristine examples command premiums well above the watch’s starting price.
Technical Specifications
Both titanium and carbon versions share identical dimensions: 42.9 mm width, 17.1 mm thickness, and 51.2 mm lug-to-lug. The watches feature rubber straps with titanium folding clasps and offer 50 meters of water resistance—sufficient for daily wear but not deep diving.
Design Inspired by Ferrari’s Iconic Models
The RM 43-01 incorporates design cues from Ferrari’s SF90 and Daytona SP3, including intake-shaped hour markers and a subtle 499P Le Mans hypercar wing endplate motif beneath the Ferrari logo at 6 o’clock. The movement showcases a tourbillon, split-seconds chronograph with dual column wheels, and torque indication—a nod to both precision engineering and automotive performance.
The Luxury Watch Market’s Shifting Landscape
While the RM 43-01’s price reflects its exclusivity, it doubles the cost of Richard Mille’s non-Ferrari tourbillons like the $715,000 RM 17-02. The release contrasts with earlier collaborations, such as Hublot’s $20,000 Classic Fusion Ferrari GT, highlighting the luxury sector’s escalating price ceilings. As flagship watches breach seven figures, the era of six-figure pinnacle models seems increasingly distant.
Verdict: Exclusivity at a Premium
The RM 43-01’s value ultimately hinges on collector demand. For those seeking a fusion of haute horology and Ferrari’s legacy, the watch delivers—but at a cost that redefines the boundaries of luxury.
