Celebrated American musician Pharrell Williams has shared a close friendship with Richard Mille, which began way back in 2006. The longstanding collaboration also spawned the incredible million-dollar RM 52-05 timepiece five years ago. To further strengthen the partnership, the luxury watch brand has created a one-off version of the RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph signed by Pharrell on the display caseback. According to the official press release, the bespoke watch will be auctioned for a charity. The net proceeds will be donated to Black Ambition, a non-profit by Pharrell focused on closing the opportunity and wealth gaps in entrepreneurship by investing capital and resources into high-growth startups.
The RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph debuted in 2022 as Richard Mille’s most complex timepiece ever. The watchmaker spent five years to develop this extraordinary timepiece, which is made of no less than 600 components. Housed inside the tonneau-shaped case is Richard Mille’s skeletonized Caliber RMAC4 movement with about 60 hours of power reserve.
Its automatic movement is equipped with a split-seconds chronograph and a rapid automatic-winding system. The unique piece that will be auctioned features a case made of 18k red gold and carbon TPT and is fitted with Pharrell’s signature red strap.
Pharrell’s own auction platform, Joopiter, is where the timepiece is being auctioned, which ends on December 13. The signed piece has a starting bid of $320,000, but it has a pre-sale estimate of $350,000 – $380,000, which is not far from the standard version’s official price. In addition to Pharrell’s signature, the watch will also come with a unique experience. The winning bidder will also be invited to one of Richard Mille’s exclusive annual global events.
