Press Release dated 10.23.18 Swiss watch manufacturer Richard Mille opened its largest boutique in the world this month, in New York City. Located at 46 East 57th Street, in the heart of Manhattan, the 4,200-square-foot flagship becomes the ninth Richard Mille boutique in the Americas. A two-story o
Press Release dated
10.23.18
Swiss
watch manufacturer Richard Mille opened its largest boutique in the
world this month, in New York
City.
Located
at 46 East 57th Street, in the heart of Manhattan, the
4,200-square-foot flagship becomes the ninth Richard Mille boutique in
the Americas. A two-story oasis of sleek contemporary design, bathed in
abundant natural light, the boutique represents a new architectural
standard for the luxury
brand.
“From the
company’s earliest days, a standalone boutique in New York City has been
a top objective for me,” says Richard Mille, founder and CEO of the
company. “But I am never one to rush a project if it isn’t perfect. For
New York, where the boutique is an important showcase with global
visibility, it was well worth waiting for just the right location, and
the right
space.”
Mr.
Mille and John Simonian, CEO of Richard Mille Americas, started the
search for the ideal boutique location in New York a decade ago. As it
turned out, the property they ultimately selected did not even exist 10
years ago. Today, the New York flagship resides on a stretch of 57th
Street that has since gained the moniker “Billionaire’s Row,” thanks to
the development of ultra-luxury residential skyscrapers in the
vicinity.
The
extreme technicity and artistry that defines Richard Mille timepieces is
also evident in every element of the boutique, starting with the
30-foot-high glass façade that is visible a city block away. The
two-story transparent wall is illuminated by 156 feet of LED lights, to
create a glowing presence at the foundation of the tallest residential
tower in the Western Hemisphere. Twenty-four massive panels of
glass—totaling 37,000 pounds—are individually engraved and arranged
three-deep to form an ethereal sculpture based on Richard Mille’s RM 008
Tourbillon movement. Itself an engineering feat, the façade required
the development of metal cladding that could hold the panels in place,
including 13 tons of glass suspended from the
ceiling.
Inside
the boutique, visitors enter a phalanx of individual vitrines, each
displaying a masterpiece from the collection that together illustrate
the history, and breadth, of the Richard Mille universe. Cracked glass
louvers, black leather wall coverings secured with zippers, plush white
carpet, Macassar and glass showcases create a powerful yet comfortable
setting for discovering the timepieces.
A custom
elevator in the center of the store delivers visitors to the mezzanine
level. Like Richard Mille watches, the elevator’s cab and shaft are
transparent to allow a full view of the machine at work and the fine
details of each part inside. Encased in curved, three-layer glass panels
with metal cladding that is brushed, polished and chamfered in the
manner of a Richard Mille case, the illuminated elevator creates the
illusion of a floating
capsule.
A
mid-floor bar, VIP consultation rooms, displays of the collection’s
ladies and automatic timepieces, and a lounge overlooking 57th Street
create the ideal milieu for enjoying the Richard Mille lifestyle on the
boutique’s mezzanine
level.
The
New York boutique was designed by Richard Mille’s Paris-based in-house
team, and constructed by New York-based TPG Architecture, and Viridis of
Norwalk,
Connecticut.
The
Richard Mille New York City boutique is open Monday through Saturday
from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
About the Richard Mille Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ref. RM008
The Richard Mille RM008 represents the brand's approach to high-complication watchmaking, featuring both a tourbillon and split-seconds chronograph function within a single timepiece. This reference combines two significant horological complications in Richard Mille's distinctive contemporary case architecture.
The 39mm titanium case houses the manual-winding RM008 caliber, providing a substantial 70-hour power reserve. The skeletonized dial construction reveals the movement's architecture, while sapphire crystal protects the face. Water resistance extends to 50 meters, and the watch is completed with a rubber strap. The fixed bezel maintains clean lines consistent with the overall design.
Produced between 2005 and 2010, the RM008 appeals to collectors seeking advanced complications in a modern presentation. The combination of tourbillon and split-seconds chronograph functionality positions this reference for enthusiasts focused on technical complexity rather than traditional dress watch aesthetics. The titanium construction and rubber strap reflect Richard Mille's contemporary material choices during this production period.
Specifications
- Caliber
- RM008
- Case
- Titanium
- Diameter
- 39 mm
- Dial
- Skeletonized
- Water Resist.
- 50m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
