With an accredited experience in the industry of luxury products, Richard Mille worked for the Maltra group as the director of export and French jewelry house Mauboussin, which he became the president of the watchmaking division as well as the CEO of the jewelry division. At the age of 50, Richard Mille decided to start his own journey by launching his own brand with an aim to tackle boundaries that the world of horology has never witnessed before. In collaboration with acclaimed movement maker Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi, Richard Mille was finally able to fulfil the production of his very first dream watch, RM001 in 2001. Having already established a strong relationship in the past during Mille’s time at Mauboussin, it was inevitable that both parties would collaborate again. According to Papi, Mille wanted to create timepieces inspired by high-performance auto racing machines and aerospace technology with an aim to associate haute horology with the future. In agreement, the two set out to create timepieces that would revolutionize the industry, such as the world’s first wristwatch to incorporate a carbon-fiber baseplate to the lightest wristwatch worn by Rafael Nadal whilst winning multiple Grand Slam victories.

Inspired by the rules and regulations of the world of Formula 1, Mille believed that the constant strive for innovation is of extreme importance to his brand. Persistently seeking for new and alternative materials, in 2013 Mille and North Thin Ply Technology presented to the world the first wristwatch (RM35-01 Rafael nadal) to be encased in carbon TPT, a new material with a high strength to weight ratio fused with a distinct appearance. The construction of the material is achieved by a solid block of carbon formed by using 30 micron layers of carbon fiber prepreg cured in an autoclave with immense pressure. After their successful reception of the RM35-01 Rafael Nadal, the pair set out to push their boundaries even further by introducing the RM27-02 Rafael Nadal encased in the new white Quartz TPT in 2015. In the following year a red TPT quartz case was introduced via RM35-02 Rafael Nadal.

Finally in 2018, the brand introduced the RM11-03 Jean Todt, the first wristwatch to be encased in blue Quartz TPT and forged carbon. It was launched as a limited edition of 150 pieces to commemorate 50 years of the lauded former rally driver and CEO of Scuderia Ferarri. The RM11-03 Jean Todt flyback chronograph wristwatch with a date feature is powered by the new automatic caliber RMAC3. Constructed with grade 5 titanium bridges with a satin brushed finish and incorporating a 4hz free sprung balance, the caliber is able to withstand greater amounts of shock compared to traditional balances. Furthermore, a new variable-geometry rotor in grade 5 titanium is featured and inspired from the aerodynamic front spoiler wings seen in Formula 1 automobiles.

The present example numbered 46 is presented in excellent overall condition and is further charmed by the full set of accessories. Regarded as one of the grail limited edition pieces with extreme interest in the market, the present Richard Mille RM11-03 Jean Todt will most certainly develop a holy status in the lineage of the famed manufacturer.