Description

The present reference MBZ010 is an exceedingly rare and historically significant limited edition from Richard Mille, created to commemorate the inaugural 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix held at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit. Seamlessly marrying the adrenaline of motorsport with high-performance horology, this commemorative piece stands as a coveted trophy for both dedicated Richard Mille collectors and racing enthusiasts.

The watch is housed in Richard Mille’s signature tripartite tonneau-shaped case, crafted here from lightweight grade 5 titanium and measuring a versatile 40mm. Ergonomically curved to hug the wrist with supreme comfort, the satin-brushed and microblasted finishes reflect the aerodynamic principles of modern racing machinery. A transparent sapphire crystal caseback offers an open view into the mechanical engine within, held securely together by the brand’s characteristic spline screws in grade 5 titanium.

Beneath the sapphire crystal, the openworked skeleton dial commands attention with a vivid, stylized red rendering of the Yas Marina track layout traversing the center. The architectural depth of the dial allows the wearer to admire the underlying gear train and skeletonized calendar mechanism, complete with an integrated date display framed cleanly within the layout. The vibrant red outline provides an electrifying contrast against the dark, technical tones of the movement plates and the luminous hour markers.

Beating inside is the automatic Calibre RMAS7, an exceptional skeletonized movement engineered to withstand extreme shock and G-forces. Featuring Richard Mille’s innovative variable-geometry rotor, the movement optimizes winding efficiency to adapt directly to the wearer’s level of physical activity, complete with meticulous hand-finishing, wet-sandblasted titanium baseplates, and burnished pivots.

Fitted to the maker’s blue rubber strap and secured by a signed titanium folding clasp, this reference MBZ010 represents a definitive moment in modern motorsport history, capturing the inaugural spectacle of twilight racing in the Emirates through pure avant-garde horology.

Richard Mille – Bio

Richard Mille (born 13 February 1951, in France) started work at Finhor, a local watchmaking company in 1974. The company was bought by Matra in 1981 and Richard Mille rose to manage Matra’s watchmaking business, which then included the brands Yema and Cupillard Rième. Matra’s watchmaking activities were sold to Seiko, who Mille left in 1992 to start a watchmaking business for jewellery firm Mauboussin. In 1999 he founded the company Richard Mille SA in collaboration with Audemars Piguet. Its first product, the RM001 went on sale in 2001