Which Celebrities Wear Richard Mille? From Rafa Nadal to Jay-Z

I’ve always been fascinated by how a watch transforms from a mere timekeeper to an emblem of ambition and achievement. Richard Mille stands at the pinnacle of this transformation, seamlessly blending cutting-edge engineering with haute horlogerie. Today, I’m taking you on an insider’s tour of the most notable celebrities who have embraced these miniature marvels, from Rafa Nadal’s center-court stunner to Jay-Z’s sapphire spectacle.

Richard Mille: A Brand Built on Innovation and Exclusivity

Richard Mille launched his eponymous label in 2001, intent on redefining luxury watches from the ground up. His vision was simple: fuse motorsport materials with Swiss craftsmanship to create timepieces that look futuristic and perform under extreme conditions.

Every Richard Mille watch showcases a tonneau-shaped case, transparent dials, and visible mechanics that read like miniature racing engines. If you want the full backstory, check out Richard Mille history.

By producing approximately 3,000 examples annually, with about 800 allocated to the U.S., Richard Mille ensures a scarcity that amplifies desirability. Retailers typically see only 25 watches per store, making each model a true collector’s quest.

Pushing Horological Boundaries

When I first handled an RM 27-02, which was shock-tested on Rafa Nadal’s wrist, I realized we’re not talking jewelry but a laboratory on the wrist. These watches incorporate high-tech materials such as Carbon TPT®, titanium alloys, graphene, and even sapphire crystal cases.

Limited production runs are at the heart of this approach, with many pieces released as limited editions. Think of each as a numbered masterpiece that marries avant-garde engineering with the artistry of jewelers.

The Price of Prestige

Anyone stepping into the world of Richard Mille immediately notices one thing: these watches are so expensive. Entry-level models start around $85,000 and quickly escalate past the $2 million mark for sapphire-cased tourbillons and bespoke collaborations.

Yet the premium reflects every detail—from the shock resistance tested to tens of thousands of Gs, to the hand-finished movement visible through a sapphire window. For watch lovers and athletes alike, this level of performance justifies the cost.

The Celebrity Appeal: Why Stars Gravitate to Richard Mille

Luxury icons often choose timepieces that align with their personal narrative. Richard Mille’s bold shapes and vibrant colors make each watch a statement piece—a perfect complement to red-carpet gowns, stadium floodlights, and VIP suites.

From sports heroes to rap legends, these timepieces speak volumes about ambition, endurance, and ingenuity. Let’s dive into the stars who have made Milles their go-to accessory.

Sports Icons in Tonneau-Shaped Marvels

Rafael Nadal revolutionized tennis watch partnerships when he agreed to wear an RM on-court in 2011. The RM 27-01 and its successor, the RM 27-04, weigh less than a tennis ball and are engineered to withstand intense shocks up to 12,000 Gs.

American golfer Bubba Watson has been another trailblazer, strapping on an RM 38-02 Tourbillon Bubba Watson during major tournaments. F1 drivers like Felipe Massa and rally champion Sébastien Ogier also sport their namesake models, each proving the brand’s durability in action.

Music and Entertainment’s Favorite Statement Piece

Jay-Z’s affinity for Richard Mille is legendary. In 2018, he appeared on stage wearing an RM 56 Sapphire Tourbillon that reportedly cost $2.5 million and required 3,000 production hours. By 2021, he celebrated the Fourth of July with an RM 56-01 Tourbillon Sapphire priced at $3.4 million wrapped around his wrist.

Pharrell Williams, a brand ambassador since 2006, flaunts the RM 031 High-Performance ($1.65 million) and collaborated on the RM 52-05 Pharrell Williams, which retails around $969,000. Drake and Ed Sheeran have also been spotted layering these technical beauties under stage lights.

Hollywood’s Red-Carpet Shine

It isn’t just athletes and musicians who covet Richard Mille. Michelle Yeoh kicked off her collaboration in 2011 with the RM 051, encrusted with diamonds and limited to 18 pieces. She followed up with the Caliber RM51-01 Tiger & Dragon, a $650,000 piece limited to 20 units.

Kevin Hart turned heads at the 2015 MTV Movie Awards in an RM 11-01 Roberto Mancini worth over $1.5 million. Actors like John Malkovich, Natalie Portman, and even martial arts icon Jackie Chan have joined Richard Mille’s “friends” roster, expanding its reach across film and culture.

Spotlight on Key Celebrity Collaborations

Beyond wearing existing models, some stars have co-designed pieces that reflect their passions and backgrounds, forging a deeper connection with the brand.

Rafael Nadal and the RM 27 Series

I vividly recall Rafa’s first RM on court. The RM 27-01 introduced in 2013 weighed a mere 19 grams and used braided cable suspension to protect the movement. Its successor, the RM 27-04, pushed the boundary further with a full splint extraction to minimize mass and maximize shock resistance.

This collaboration cemented Richard Mille’s reputation for creating genuine sports instruments rather than mere accessories.

Jay-Z and the RM 56 Sapphire Tourbillon

When Jay-Z announced he’d be wearing an all-sapphire case RM on tour, social media exploded. The RM 56 collection presented a fully transparent case, showcasing a cable-suspended tourbillon movement reminiscent of a bone structure encased in crystal.

This model wasn’t just a watch; it was a spectacle—proof that horology can cross into performance art.

Michelle Yeoh’s Enigmatic Onyx and Diamond Creations

For Michelle Yeoh’s inaugural design, Richard Mille crafted the RM 051 Onyx & Diamond Phoenix. The onyx baseplate symbolized strength, while the diamond phoenix soared within the case, reflecting her dramatic flair and martial arts legacy.

Later, the RM51-01 Tiger & Dragon embodied her duality—power and elegance—through gold engravings brought to life by master artisans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Richard Mille?

Richard Mille is a Swiss watchmaker who founded his eponymous brand in 2001 to fuse motorsport materials and avant-garde engineering with traditional Swiss watchmaking.

What makes Richard Mille different from other brands?

Exclusivity and innovation set Richard Mille apart. With just 3,000 watches produced annually and materials borrowed from aerospace and F1, each model offers performance far beyond typical luxury watches.

Who wears Richard Mille watches?

A-list celebrities across sports, music, and film embrace Richard Mille. Names include Rafa Nadal, Bubba Watson, Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, Michelle Yeoh, Kevin Hart, and many more who use the watches as personal instruments and style statements.

How much does a Richard Mille watch cost?

Entry prices begin around $85,000, while limited and sapphire-cased tourbillons can exceed $2 million. Customized collaborations often fall in the seven-figure range.

Are Richard Mille watches indestructible?

Not entirely indestructible, but many models withstand shocks up to 12,000 Gs and use ultra-durable materials—making them some of the toughest luxury watches on the market