The worlds of haute horology and precision motorcycling have converged in an unprecedented collaboration that promises to redefine luxury craftsmanship. Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille and British motorcycle manufacturer Brough Superior have unveiled the RMB01, marking the first collaborative effort of its kind to successfully bridge the gap between timepiece artistry and motorcycle engineering.
This groundbreaking partnership emerged after eighteen months of intensive development, during which the founders of both brands worked closely to create a machine that embodies the meticulous attention to detail synonymous with ultra-high-end timepieces. The RMB01 represents more than a simple branding exercise, instead offering a genuine fusion of manufacturing philosophies that have rarely intersected in the luxury goods sector.
Drawing inspiration from the pioneering board track racers of the early 1910s, the RMB01 reinterprets vintage American racing aesthetics through a distinctly modern lens. The motorcycle features a sculptural 997cc twin-cylinder engine that has been dramatically lightened through precision machining, reducing the original 352-pound engine block to just 50 pounds of essential components. This weight-saving process, borrowed directly from watchmaking principles, results in a powerplant that delivers 130 horsepower while maintaining the mechanical transparency that defines Richard Mille’s design philosophy.
The collaboration extends far beyond surface aesthetics, with watchmaking DNA embedded throughout the motorcycle’s construction. Divided rims mirror the gear trains found in complex watch movements, while titanium components are machined using techniques typically reserved for timepiece manufacturing. The carbon fiber chassis functions as both a structural element and visual statement, exposing the mechanical artistry that drives both industries.
Perhaps the most striking manifestation of this partnership lies in the instrument cluster, where Richard Mille’s expertise truly shines. The rev counter and speedometer display visible gear mechanisms and intricate inner workings beneath glass, directly translating the brand’s signature aesthetic philosophy from wrist to handlebars. This transparent approach to mechanical design creates a mesmerizing visual experience that celebrates the beauty of precision engineering.
Limited to just 150 individually numbered units, each RMB01 is handcrafted in France and will be available in three distinctive finishes: Nocturnal Sapphire, Selene, and Pearl of Speed. The motorcycle incorporates extensive aerodynamic enhancements designed to provide stability and downforce, emphasizing track performance over pure power output. While the pricing hasn’t been revealed, but the stunning creation can easily carry a price tag above $200,000.
Brough Superior, the historic British marque recently revived under new ownership, has established itself as a creator of exceptional V-twin motorcycles that push the boundaries of craftsmanship and performance. The company previously collaborated with Aston Martin to create the supercharged AMB 001, demonstrating its capability to work with other luxury brands while maintaining its commitment to engineering excellence.
