In the echelons of luxury timepieces, the association between Michelle Yeoh and Richard Mille watches isn’t just about celebrity endorsement, it’s a tale of mutual fandom. Having discovered the brand through her now-husband, Jean Todt, Yeoh’s affinity for Richard Mille watches is rooted in shared principles: A commitment to perfection, the courage to defy conventions, and a relentless pursuit of artistic expression. “From the start, it was mutual respect for each other’s artistry,” she articulated, knowing well that her love for Richard Mille watches would eventually become a part of her glamorous persona.
Yeoh’s own words, “I used to only wear very big, masculine watches because, for me, it is a statement. A watch isn’t just about telling the time,” align with the brand’s philosophy that watches should embody the wearer’s aspirations. Richard Mille, captivated by Yeoh’s “artistic talents, her knowledge, and understanding of women’s’ taste and her natural sense of luxury,” found in her a muse and a collaborator. Their partnership has since birthed exquisite timepieces like the RM 051 and the RM 51-01 Tourbillon, which could be considered wearable art.
With every appearance, our former Prestige cover star showcases not just a watch but the piece of a story — her story. Here’s a look at the exceptional Richard Mille watches that have graced Michelle Yeoh’s wrist.
Michelle Yeoh’s exquisite Richard Mille watches
RM 051 Phoenix Michelle Yeoh
Price: Price upon request
At the heart of their collaboration collection is the RM 051 Phoenix Michelle Yeoh, a piece that soars beyond mere timekeeping into the realm of storytelling. Emblematic of rebirth and immortality, this watch mirrors Yeoh’s enduring presence in the film industry. The phoenix, set against an onyx baseplate and adorned with diamonds, twirls elegantly, its movement as captivating as Yeoh’s performances.
You can check out the watch here.
RM 07-01 Automatic Winding
Price: USD 100,000+
The actress’ presence at the 2023 Met Gala was accentuated by the RM 07-01, a testament to the brand’s fusion of form and function. Dressed in a theme-appropriate layered Karl Lagerfeld tuxedo gown, Yeoh chose this watch not just for its aesthetic appeal but for its embodiment of modern femininity and technical prowess. The RM 07-01, celebrated for its skeletonised automatic movement and elegant design, complemented Yeoh’s fit, seamlessly blending with the evening’s fashion-forward ethos.
You can check out the watch here.
RM 037
Price: USD 120,000+
Worn at the Cannes Film Festival 2023, the RM 037 Black Ceramic was Yeoh’s choice, complementing her Balenciaga couture for the screening of Firebrand. The watch, known for its oversized date and Calibre CRMA1, encapsulates elegance and empowerment. This particular outfit highlighted the seamless blend of high fashion and haute horlogerie, with Yeoh once again proving her impeccable taste in both fields. The RM 037, with its sophisticated design and advanced features, not only matched her ensemble but also echoed her status as an icon of cinema and style, perfectly suited for a festival that celebrates the pinnacle of artistic achievement.
You can check out the watch here.
RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur
Price: USD 1,000,000+
The RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur, worn by the actress at the Crazy Rich Asians premiere in Los Angeles, is a masterpiece, to put it succinctly. Its most captivating feature is a magnolia that blooms to reveal a flying tourbillon. This piece, with its blend of innovative craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty, complemented Yeoh’s Armani Privé gown and Bulgari diamond-studded outfit for the night. The Tourbillon Fleur is a tribute to the artistry and precision that define the brand’s creations, making it a piece that demands irreplaceable collection space for both Yeoh and avid watch collectors around the world.
You can check out the watch here.
RM 07-01 ‘Intergalactic’
Price: Price upon request.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards 2023, where the actress made history by becoming the first Asian woman to win a leading film acting award (for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once) was her red carpet of choice to debut the RM 07-01 ‘Intergalactic’. This watch, with its avant-garde design and fusion of Carbon TPT and diamonds, is a symbol of luxury-soaked innovation. Tthe ‘Intergalactic’, known for its technical sophistication and unique aesthetic, paired perfectly with Yeoh’s fitted black Schiaparelli gown, marking one for the history books.
You can check out the watch here.
RM 016 Extra Flat
Price: USD 70,000+
The Oscar Nominees Luncheon was graced by the 61-year-old and her watch selection for the event happened to be the RM 016 Extra Flat, a model celebrated for its ultra-thin design and elegance. This timepiece, crafted with Titalyt-treated grade 5 titanium for durability and a sleek profile, was accentuated further by Yeoh’s chic Chanel two-piece set. With her boxy metallic clutch carrying all essentials, side-swept curls matching her every step, and a stunning RM watch keeping time, everything screamed A-list celebrity.
You can check out the watch here.
RM 27-01 Rafael Nadal
Price: USD 500,000+
Arriving at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Gala in a chic black gown might be a more comfortable choice for the actress but it was Yeoh’s lavish watch that did most of the talking. Taking her the RM 27-01 Rafael Nadal for a spin, the actress kept the look strictly dual-toned. This sporty yet elegant watch features a tourbillon movement that is one of the lightest in the world and combines advanced materials like carbon and titanium to achieve its remarkable durability and comfort on the wrist. Its open-worked design, made to withstand the extreme conditions of professional tennis matches, not only showcases the intricate mechanics within but also marks the fusion of high-performance sports and high-end watchmaking.
You can check out the watch here.
RM 07-02 Pink Lady Sapphire
Price: USD 1.2 million+
At the 95th Academy Awards, Yeoh’s historic Best Actress win for Everything Everywhere All At Once was accentuated by her choice of the custom diamond-set RM 07-02, perfectly paired with a full-length Dior gown. This Richard Mille masterpiece, known as the Pink Lady Sapphire, embodies the zenith of luxury with its exceptional gem setting. For this special occasion, the watch was adorned with an array of meticulously selected diamonds, set against the backdrop of a sapphire crystal case that not only protected the sophisticated mechanics within but also added an extra layer of brilliance to the overall design. The crystal case, renowned for its durability and clarity, brings to the forefront, the intricate workings of the watch’s movement, and symbolises transparency and authenticity – qualities that Yeoh herself embodies through her many cinematic and off-camera roles.
You can check out the watch here.
Which of Michelle Yeoh’s Richard Mille watches do you love the most?
(Main Image credit: Oscars.org; Feature Image credit: Sean Zanni/Getty Images)
This story first appeared here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What watch does Michelle Yeoh wear?
Michelle Yeoh owns an extensive collection of watches, the prominent brand among which is Richard Mille. She has been spotted wearing various pieces like the RM 27-01 Rafael Nadal, RM 07-02, RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur, and others.
What is the most expensive Richard Mille ladies watch?
Although the prices of Richard Mille watches are mostly available only upon request, many publications claim that the most expensive Richard Mille ladies watch is the RM 56-02 Sapphire, costing upward of USD 2 million.