Richard Mille Unveils New Watches Inspired By The Colorful Memphis Movement

Richard Mille has introduced a new collection of ceramic watches, drawing inspiration from the colorful and geometric designs associated with the Memphis Movement.

The Memphis Movement, a design and architecture movement that emerged in the 1980s, is renowned for its vibrant and eclectic approach. Characterized by bold geometric patterns, clashing colors, and playful forms, it defied traditional design conventions. Led by prominent figures like Ettore Sottsass, Memphis designers crafted furniture, objects, and interiors that departed from the ordinary, embracing a sense of whimsy and irreverence. 

Named after the Bob Dylan song Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again (played on repeat during the meeting where the aesthetic was conceptualized), the movement sought to challenge the minimalist and functionalist design of the time.

In honor of that, the RM 07-01 collection includes three ceramic models in sky blue, cotton candy pink, and lavender, featuring matching patterns on their dials created through hand-guilloche techniques.

These watches are powered by the caliber CRMA2, an automatic winding movement with a 50-hour power reserve. Users can also peer into the inner workings of the timepiece and its gears through its see-through caseback.

While categorized as ladies’ models, they are versatile in style and can be worn by individuals of any gender. The dimensions of the watches are 31.40 x 45.23 x 11.85 mm, ensuring a comfortable fit for various wrist sizes.

The patent leather straps add a unique touch to these timepieces, resembling bangles in their design. Including a velcro closure also hints at the ’80s aesthetics of the collection.

Fancy having a piece of design history on your wrists? These limited-edition timepieces go for US$205,000 each. 

[via Robb Report and Hodinkee, images via Richard Mille]