For many Richard Mille fans, the introduction of the RM014 Perini Navi and the yachting dimension came as a surprise. The Richard Mille marque had drawn early inspiration from motor racing, so why the change? Personally, I will admit that I had thought that the pinnacle of Richard Mille design and manufacture was in the RM001/RM006/RM009 line; implementing elements from the Formula 1 racing world into the watch to create ?a racing machine for the wrist?. I was wrong!
The RM014 is as much as the RM001 was revolutionary and to understand why, you have to see the watch along side the superlative Perini Navi yachts. Two incomparable products produced by firms that depend on the passion of the company founders, technology, design, and exacting finish to create something that has no equal in their chosen arena. The RM014, perhaps more than any other watch linked to a sport, is the very embodiment of the Perini Navi yacht in horological form.
As I mentioned, to appreciate why the RM014 is such a unique creation, you have to see the watch in conjunction with the Perini Navi yachts. This opportunity was afforded to me in the company of Richard Mille himself. I now think that the RM014 is perhaps the finest Richard Mille creation to date and proof positive that the Richard Mille brand is (to my mind) the leading innovative company in the watch world.
If God is in the details, then perhaps it would be expected that the RM014 and Perini Navi yachts are heavenly. With the launch of the ?Seven Seas Racing? series, Richard Mille chose to join forces with Perini Navi and the Perini Navi Cup race competition. Details of the event can be found at: http://www.perininavicup.it/eng/index2.html. A trophy, especially designed by Richard, was handed out to the overall victor, and the most magnificent yachts in the world competed on the seas around Sardinia for the prize.
Around the clubhouse for the Yacht Club Porto Rotondo (YCPR), a small village from tents was constructed for the Perini Navi competition. Sponsor flags were flown from the masts at the edge of the village.
In the village, Richard Mille watches were on display:
Invitations were sent out:
The yachts arrived from all corners of the globe:
And were moored at the clubhouse dock, with the exception of one?