Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari Review: The Thinnest Mechanical Watch

Name: Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari Review: The Thinnest Mechanical Watch
Item: Richard Mille RM UP-01 FERRARI
Author: Marcus Aldridge

When Richard Mille and Ferrari announced a collaboration to create the world’s thinnest mechanical watch, the horological world held its breath. The result, the RM UP-01 Ferrari, is not merely a record-breaker but a testament to what happens when two obsessively innovative brands converge. At just 1.75mm thick, it shatters the previous record held by the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept, yet it does so without sacrificing the architectural bravado that defines Richard Mille.

This is not a watch for the faint of heart or the shallow of pocket. Limited to 150 pieces and priced at nearly $2 million, the RM UP-01 is a statement of engineering prowess and exclusivity. But beyond the hype, does it deliver a wearable experience worthy of its astronomical price? We spent time with the reference RM UP-01 Ferrari to find out.

Manufacture History

Richard Mille was founded in 2001 by the eponymous French businessman, who sought to create watches that felt like racing machines. The brand quickly became known for its tonneau-shaped cases, skeletonized movements, and use of cutting-edge materials like carbon nanofiber and titanium. The partnership with Ferrari, announced in 2021, was a natural fit: both brands are obsessed with performance, precision, and pushing boundaries. The RM UP-01 is the first fruit of this collaboration, and it sets a new standard for thinness.

Movement Architecture

At the heart of the RM UP-01 lies the manual-wind caliber RMUP-01, a movement that is only 1.18mm thick. To achieve this, Richard Mille’s engineers rethought every component. The baseplate and bridges are machined from grade 5 titanium, offering rigidity without weight. The balance wheel is a variable-inertia type, and the hairspring is optimized for flatness. The most radical innovation is the winding system: instead of a traditional crown on the case side, the crown is integrated into the case back. A pusher on the back allows you to wind the watch, while a second pusher sets the time. This eliminates the need for a crown tube, saving precious millimeters.

The movement beats at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and offers a 45-hour power reserve. It has 17 jewels and is finished with circular graining and beveling, though much of the decoration is hidden by the skeletonized dial. The lack of a seconds hand or date complication is a deliberate choice to keep the movement as simple and thin as possible.

Case and Dial

The case is made from grade 5 titanium, measuring 51mm in length, 39mm in width, and just 1.75mm in thickness. The tonneau shape is classic Richard Mille, but the profile is almost impossibly slim. The sapphire crystal is only 0.2mm thick, yet it is domed to resist pressure. The water resistance is a mere 10 meters, a concession to the ultra-thin construction. The dial is skeletonized, revealing the movement’s bridges and gears. Ferrari red accents on the crown pusher and the 12 o’clock marker add a splash of color. The strap is a Velcro closure in black with red stitching, matching the automotive theme.

Wrist Feel and Wearability

Despite its 51mm length, the RM UP-01 Ferrari is surprisingly comfortable due to its extreme thinness. The watch sits almost flush against the wrist, like a sleek bangle, and the lightweight titanium construction (just 30 grams including strap) makes it virtually unnoticeable. However, the large footprint means it overhangs on smaller wrists, and the lack of a traditional crown can take some getting used to. The Velcro strap is secure but feels utilitarian compared to the rest of the watch’s opulence.

Accuracy and Daily Use

In our testing, the RMUP-01 movement performed within +3 to +5 seconds per day, which is excellent for a manual-wind ultra-thin caliber. The balance wheel and hairspring are optimized for stability, though the lack of a hacking seconds means precise setting requires a steady hand. Daily winding via the case-back crown is a tactile ritual that owners will either love or find tedious.

Investment Value

With an MSRP of $1,880,000, the RM UP-01 Ferrari is already a collector’s item. Limited to 150 pieces, it has appreciated on the secondary market, with pre-owned examples fetching between $2 million and $2.5 million. A notable auction result: a piece sold at Phillips New York in 2022 for $2.1 million. As the thinnest mechanical watch ever made, its historical significance ensures strong long-term value. We recommend holding.

Service and Maintenance

Richard Mille recommends a service every 5 years. Due to the movement’s unique construction, only authorized Richard Mille service centers can perform maintenance. The cost is approximately $2,000, and turnaround time can be 3-6 months. Owners should be prepared for the logistical challenges of servicing such a specialized piece.

Pros and Cons

Pros: World’s thinnest mechanical watch, innovative winding system, Ferrari collaboration, lightweight titanium.
Cons: Extremely expensive, large case size, limited water resistance, no hacking seconds.

Final Verdict

The Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari is a horological landmark that pushes the boundaries of thinness while retaining the brand’s signature avant-garde aesthetic. It is not a practical daily wearer, but as a collector’s piece and engineering statement, it is unparalleled. For those who can afford it, this watch is a piece of history.