Simply Abu Dhabi XXVIII

1 0 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I R ichard Mille’s watchmaking genius has been applied to a range of sports – the man and his brand have formed meaningful partnerships with a slew of athletes at the top of their game. Rafael Nadal and tennis, Pablo Mac Donough and polo, Yohan Blake and running, Bubba Watson and golf, Sébastien Loeb, Romain Grosjean and Felipe Massa in Formula One – the list goes on and on. Each partnership is characterised by true commitment and participation from the ambassador – these aren’t merely promotional partnerships but rather long lasting personal relationships that result in exceptional timepieces. Each watch is developed to perform in the most extreme real world conditions of the respective sport. The latest star in Richard Mille’s illustrious list of collaborators is the four-time winner of the Formula One drivers’ championship Alain Prost – a true living legend in the world of motorsports. However, the RM 70-01 is not just another watch inspired by the world of Formula One. As unpredictable as he is uncompromising, this time it’s a timepiece for the sport of cycling. “I like to go where people don’t expect. I want to surprise,” Mille says. The watch has been three years in development and the complication at its heart is a mechanical odometer capable of recording total kilometres cycled – up to distances of 99,999 kilometres. The two Frenchmen are both keen cyclists and the collaboration grew from their shared passion. The silhouette of the stunning watch is based on the original signature tonneau shape of Richard Mille watches, but this time it has been adapted into an asymmetrical form specifically for comfort and legibility when worn riding in the typical downward handlebar-holding cycling position. The brand says, “As always at Richard Mille, function dictates form. In order that they may fully enjoy the dynamic and mechanical qualities of the RM 70-01, each buyer will receive as a gift their very own bespoke road cycle. Developed by Alain Prost and RichardMille in partnership with the prestigious Italian bikemaker Colnago, these individually numbered bicycles are made by hand and painted in the watchmaking brand’s colours.” The RM 70-01 Tourbillon Alain Prost is available in a limited edition of 30 pieces, each priced at US$815,500. RICHARDMILLE RM 70-01 TOURBILLON ALAIN PROST