But it’s all part of a clear strategy, as laid out on Richard Millle’s official website: “For a long time, I wished to launch my own brand. In short, instead of developing their own cozy production house (as the Swiss industry tends to romanticize), Richard Mille is based on cooperation with specialists – surely a point of criticism for many. This partner is particularly advantageous due to their highly complex movements, including tourbillons. It’s also interesting to note that Audemars Piguet Renaud et Papi has invested in Richard Mille as well. For most of their automatic and chronograph movements, Richard Mille collaborates with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier. Montres Valgine, it’s also worth mentioning ProArt SA, who supply Richard Mille with certain watch components (including cases, bridges, and pushers). Several other companies hold shares in the business and are active in its operation to varying degrees. The structure of Richard Mille is about as complex as the watches themselves. In 2001, two years after being founded, the brand launched their first watch, the RM 001. Montres Valgine still supports the development, production, and distribution of Richard Mille watches. Guenat was himself owner and CEO of the watch manufacturer Valgine. In 1999, he ultimately decided to found his own watch brand together with his friend and business partner, Dominique Guenat. Seiko acquired Matra in 1974, and Mille later moved on to jewelry company Mauboussin in 1992. These included, among others, the watch division of the company Matra and its brands, such as Yema. Born in Draguignan, France in 1951, he began his career not as a watchmaker but rather working on the marketing and management teams of various luxury brands. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the man behind Richard Mille is none other than Richard Mille.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |