Richard Mille is a watch non-owners love to hate, mainly because of the price. Are they hideously expensive, yes. Are their designs cutting edge, yes again. But the quality and uniqueness of materials and complications can't be challenged, case work is impeccable. I've been fortunate to own three Mille's over the years, a joy to wear, very reliable and construction that is state-of-the-art. Most people haven't seen one in person or handled one so they are just speaking from pictures which we know is often very deceptive. But strap one on and wear it, you'll better understand.
Here is my RM-11 in rose gold and titanium, flyback chrono, annual calendar. And my RM-028 in all gold, most intricately machined case I've ever seen, all perfectly finished and assembled. And if you have a problem with RM, take it up with Stallone.
I don't hate RM because of the price, I don't care for the way they look, plain and simple. I respect the brand and, as you mentioned, the quality, uniqueness, the complications and the case work can't be challenged. I believe some individuals will pay more for something, just because they can and others can not, is it an ego thing, probably, maybe, I can't say for sure. There is a law of diminishing returns, and at some point you are buying for exclusivity and bragging rights.
Good article about the Richard Mille hype... worth a glance or read:
Link:
https://www.chrono24.com/magazine/richard-mille-why-all-the-hype-p_60713/#gref
A few quotes:
"Nearly everyone I know has an opinion about this brand: I often hear people refer to Richard Mille as (too) loud, (too) colorful, and (too) expensive in one breath, and then as innovative, desirable, and successful in the next."
T"he clever thing about Richard Mille is that their watches are actually worn in competition, thus underscoring their durability. The short-term effect is evident in the case of football star Odell Beckham Jr., for example, who wore a $300,000 RM 11-03 during an NFL game in September."
"Richard Mille uses high price tags so that their customers belong to an even smaller, more elite group within the luxury watch segment – extreme luxury, “the billionaire’s secret handshake,” if you will."
"So, is Richard Mille’s clever sponsoring and media buzz really enough to beat all the “old” brands when it comes to the cold, hard numbers? Probably not. But, in order to set themselves apart, those who can afford a Richard Mille also want the world how much their watch is worth."
"In case the wearer would like to justify wearing the equivalent of a nice family house with a pool on their wrist, Richard Mille offers all kinds of more convincing arguments than just, “I had the money.” These watches really have a lot to offer in terms of technology. "
"Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to like the watches and their price tags. The upside to all the Richard Mille hype is that particularly the younger generation may be getting interested in (mechanical) watches again."
