The average Richard Mille watch rings in at around $200,000 USD.
RM watches aren’t cheap, and they look sublime. Most are crafted from high-tech materials, like titanium and carbon fibre. which explains their popularity in spaces like F1 and aviation. However, it can be harder to spot dupes of these materials by the eye (compared to, say, traditional gold).
Plus, a fake-it-til-you-make-it mentality sees people buying counterfeits, hoping to get all the respect without actually making the investment.
All of those factors have fuelled the counterfeit watch market. But if you’re anything like us, you know there’s no substitute for the real thing. You want to wear genuine innovation on your wrist (with a timepiece that’ll likely appreciate over time).
Learn how to authenticate a Richard Mille watch with this guide, and make sure you don’t fall victim to the counterfeit market.
Richard Mille authentication: Quick tips
Some quick luxury watch authentication tips. Most of these checks can be done by the untrained eye. Work through them to see if you can spot any red flags.
STEP 1
How much does it cost?
This one’s pretty straightforward. A real Richard Mille watch isn’t cheap. If a price tag seems too good to be true, walk away.
You’re unlikely to come across a genuine Richard Mille for less than £50,000. Research the market before doing a deal.
STEP 2
Does it feel light or heavy?
This authentication tip goes against what we usually say. When you authenticate a Rolex or another Swiss watch, heaviness usually indicates authenticity.
Richard Mille turns that on its head a little. The watchmaker chooses particular advanced materials for multiple reasons – their lightweight property is one of them.
A heavy RM could be a counterfeit. Find out what your model is supposed to weigh, and get it on the scales.
STEP 3
Are the case and dial flawless?
Because they should be.
You can spot a fake Richard Mille if the case has any rough edges or poorly aligned components. RM cuts no corners, so even if something looks slightly off, that’s cause for concern.
Check that the hour markers and hands are perfectly aligned, and the dial and any engravings are flawless. Fonts that aren’t evenly spaced or feel rough to the touch usually indicate a counterfeit.
Authentic Richard Mille watches usually have ‘Richard Mille’ engraved on the case back (or somewhere else on the case) along with the serial number. We’ll cover the serial number in more detail in the next section.
Just keep in mind that a watch of this standard is all about the details. They really don’t miss a trick.
STEP 4
Is the logo well-defined?
As we’ve mentioned, Richard Mille hallmarks and engraving are no less than perfect. The logo should be clearly visible, well-defined and positioned correctly. Anything else is a dead giveaway.
STEP 5
Can you see the balance wheel?
Richard Mille timepieces feature refined tourbillon movements that are incredibly accurate. Think art in motion, housed in your watch.
This intricate movement is worth showing off. That’s why many models have a transparent dial that shows the inner workings of the watch.
The balance wheel, which oscillates back and forth, is usually on display (however this isn't always the case; like on the RM055 Bubba Watson and the RM035 Nadal). If you’re unsure about this authenticity check, an expert can help.
STEP 6
How wide is the strap?
On-the-wrist comfort is a central focus for RM, so the bracelet or rubber strap on Richard Mille watches tends to be wider than counterfeits.
If a strap looks a little thin or narrow, you could have a fake on your hands.
How to carry out a Richard Mille serial number check
The serial number is a biggie in checking the authenticity of a watch. Of course, the sequencing and positioning changes between brands. Here’s the rundown on Richard Mille serial number checks.
First up: Finding the serial number. Check the following places:
- Case back: It’s usually engraved in the metal.
- Movement: You’d have to open the case back to find this, so always get a professional to carry out this check.
- Lugs: These are the metal extensions on a watch case, used to attach the strap or bracelet.
- Certificates & documentation: Your watch’s paperwork always includes the serial number. This is handy to cross-check numbers against the watch itself.
But what do those rows of letters and numbers mean? Generally, the first part of a serial number indicates the model reference (e.g. RM011). This is followed by the production sequence (the specific piece within a series), and then the year of manufacture.
Richard Mille document checks
The paperwork that comes with a Richard Mille watch is key in the authentication process.
Genuine RM timepieces come with a unique warranty including paperwork embedded with a holographic security seal & card. Hard – if not impossible – to replicate. The document should have been signed and dated by staff at the official Richard Mille boutique when the watch was purchased.
As a side note: The brand is in the midst of replacing physical warranties with digital ones using blockchain technology. Owners will be able to transfer ownership, and report a watch as lost or stolen, using a secure platform.
Back to the physical documents. If a Richard Mille watch comes with a warranty card, user manual, and certificate of authenticity, you can be sure it’s real – and that it’s been acquired through legitimate avenues.
Be sure to keep these documents safe! They can increase the watch’s resale value if you ever want to sell the piece.
Why buy an authentic Richard Mille?
You already know that great value doesn’t just equal the lowest price tag. In fact, if you buy a fake luxury watch, you’re probably (okay, definitely) being ripped off.
But there are more important benefits to buying an authentic Richard Mille.
1. Exceptional craftsmanship that lasts
The first Richard Mille watch wasn’t introduced until 2001. With youth on its side, the brand was able to debut advanced technology and a clean slate, with a promise to create timepieces beyond anything that already existed.
The brand’s watchmaking philosophy winds around technical excellence, aesthetic design, and absolute quality. They might sound like buzzwords, but they guide everything RM does. That means your timepiece is crafted for absolute precision and durability.
It’s built to last.
2. Your investment goes further
Richard Mille watches have historically held their value well, with most models appreciating. In particular, limited-edition and discontinued models tend to sell much higher than their original retail prices, and models like the RM 011, RM 035 and RM 055 have all turned out to be great investment pieces.
Although you should always seek professional advice, RM watches have been known to be a sound portfolio addition.
3. Servicing & maintenance
When you buy an authentic Richard Mille, you’re buying the aftercare benefits that come with that.
You’ll benefit from the brand’s extensive warranty, and all services and repairs can be carried out by brand specialists (who aren’t likely to service counterfeits). In short: You can give real Richard Mille watches the care they deserve.
4. The exclusivity factor
Not everyone can own a Richard Mille – and that’s part of the allure.
Produced in limited quantities at high price tags, a Richard Mille timepiece comes with unmistakable prestige. It’s a symbol of your appreciation for quality, and fake versions just can’t offer that.
Buy a Richard Mille with confidence
When you buy a new or second-hand Richard Mille at Trilogy, you get an authenticity guarantee. Most of our watches come with the original documentation for extra peace of mind.
Call our team on 0203 929 8227 to find out what we have in store or ask about our unmatched watch sourcing service.
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