Former President of Ferrari wearing a Richard Mille MBZ 010

The former Italian President of Ferrari, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, is wearing a 200 pieces limited 43mm titanium Richard Mille MBZ 010, a timepiece that was made for the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix back in 2009. The skeletonized dial features the layout of the final circuit of the Formula 1 season, and it was ordered by the Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Bin Zayed, whose initials were used for the reference MBZ.

Overall Watch Review

Richard Mille introduced his debut watch in 2001, starting a new fad in watchmaking. His firm began with a daring vision: bringing to timepieces the methods and materials used in the most advanced industries, including F1 racing cars as well as airplanes.

Richard Mille’s timepieces have always resulted from an experimental investigation of cutting-edge elements with unique designs to support the notion of effectiveness. In essence, “a racing motor on the wrist” was among the company’s first catchphrases.

However, Richard Mille also showed tremendous regard for the Swiss tradition of exquisite watchmaking. He designed incredibly intricate automatic movements that were manually put together and completed.

He was able to forge active partnerships with a few of the greatest Swiss movement as well as component manufacturers. It’s all thanks to his broad knowledge and many connections in the business.

The Race of Champions 2009, which was held from November 2 to 4th and promptly followed the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, has Richard Mille as its primary sponsor as well as an authorized timekeeper. The Sultan and Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Bin Zayed, placed a special order for this item that is only available in 200 pieces. They were designed for the very first Formula One Grand Prix, which began on November 1, 2009

The course design and the inscriptions “Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Etihad Airways” are burned onto the dial of this particular model. The Sultan’s insignia, MBZ, were substituted for the initial Richard Mille identification of “RM,” creating the label MBZ 010.

This titanium-cased mechanical self-winding timepiece boasts a skeletonized dial with luminous Arabic numerals and a 48 mm x 39.3 mm casing size. Hour, minute, core second, as well as date are among the functionalities. The timepiece includes 50-meter water resistance and a vented black rubber band with the classic titanium spring dual folding clasp. The 7 o’clock position features a vertical date window display.

Mechanical self-winding RM caliber AS7-5511 powers titanium Richard Mille MBZ 010. It also features 32 jewels, a 28,800 vph rotor with variable geometry, and Grade 2 titanium for the arm and flange. In addition, it uses grade 5 titanium screws for modification.

When it comes to the Superior Sapphire crystal, it features grooved sides and a concave shape that is double-sided and anti-reflective. Likewise, the watch casing is made of a Grade 5 micro-blasted titanium rotating crown and collar in Alcryn. 

The titanium is finished with a clear sapphire crystal case back secured with double-sided anti-reflective screws. Burning the course layout on the dial and registering the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Etihad Airways, together with Arabic numerals, luminous hands, and transparent dial, are other distinguishing features.

Price market: $250,000.00 USD

 Photo: Getty Images