Lot 1420
  • 1420

Richard Mille

Estimate
1,000,000 - 1,500,000 HKD
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Description

  • A FINE AND VERY RARE LIMITED EDITION ALUSIC SKELETONIZED TONNEAU-FORM TOURBILLON WRISTWATCHCIRCA 2005 RM009 FELIPE MASSA
  • length 45 mm
• cal. RM009/1 manual winding aluminium-lithium movement, 19 jewels, mono-metallic balance rotating within a one-minute tourbillon carriage • skeletonized dial, Arabic numerals with luminescent dot accents, luminescent skeletonized hands • Alusic tonneau-form case, bezel set with 8 screws, sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with a RM buckle

Condition

Rare and collectable! Manual winding movement running and tourbillon function fully operational while cataloguing. Skeletonized dial looks nice and clean. Case and buckle with minor scuffs from light wear only. Overall appears in excellent condition. Back of the case inscribed RM009 AF ALUSIC 13/25.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

Accompanied by a Richard Mille Warranty, Instruction Manual and a letter signed by both Richard Mille and Felipe Massa.  Further accompanied by a presentation box with an outer card box. 

The Richard Mille RM009 Felipe Massa makes its auction debut this season.  This tourbillon wristwatch, developed in conjunction with Felipe Massa and named after him, was produced in a limited series of 25 numbered watches.  Felipe Massa is one of the most successful and famous Brazilian Formula 1 racing drivers and he is currently under contract to race for Scuderia Ferrari since 2006.  

The case of this wristwatch is the world's first application of ALUSIC (Aluminium AS7G-Silicium-Carbide) in watchmaking.  Alusic, with a density of 2.95, is an exclusive material reserved for the production of satellites due to its low weight and superior resistance.  Its movement baseplate has also been manufactured in aluminum-lithium, which is a material normally only used in the aviation industry (most notably the new AIRBUS A 380).  This timepiece realized the creation of the lightest mechanical watch ever made, and further enables a tourbillon model to endure vibrations, accelerations, decelerations and shocks.  This rugged timepiece embodies the active lifestyle of Felipe Massa, an emblematic companion during his tests, practice runs and Formula 1 races.