Richard Mille

• manual winding aluminum and titanium movement, green and yellow 4 bridge structure with 1-minute tourbillon at 6 • yellow minute track, outer green track with Arabic numerals and dots • asymmetrical green composite case with carbon nanotubes • case, dial and movement signed • with a titanium Richard Mille butterfly clasp

Movement running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion and expense. Case in overall excellent condition with no visible marks or wear. Watch is in essentially unworn condition. Clasp with slight scuffing. Movement/dial in excellent condition.
"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."

Accompanied by the original warranty and winding box.

The present lot is aptly named after Yohan Blake, the Jamaican sprinter of the 100 and 200 meter sprint races. Known by his nickname “The Beast”, Yohan Blake was the gold medal winner of the 100 m at the 2011 World Championship making him the youngest 100 m world champion at the age of 21. In 2012, he won the silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in both the 100 m and 200 m races. He has also created the YBAfraid Foundation to support the youth of Jamaica. 

The RM59-01 is a fascinating case study as presented the unique challenge to create an exceptionally aerodynamic piece of absolute lightness and ruggedness to withstand the challenges of the track and not interfere with its wearer's speed. To that end, Richard Mille incorporated nearly weightless carbon nanotubes into the case, which absorb shock. Richard Mille notes that the inspiration for the asymmetrically-shaped case was 'an extremely light arrow... capable of cutting through air.' The balance wheel of the movement is designed to withstand the potential impacts of the track- or indeed, of an active daily life. The yellow, green and black color scheme of the watch pay tribute to Jamaica.

In the literature regarding the watch, Richard Mille evocatively notes that '[Blake] has no time to even glance at [the watch] during his 9.73 second state of grace, where he transcends time, real time, our slow time of minutes and hours.' The human achievement of unimaginable speed underscores the need for absolute precision, feats achieved by both the maker and the namesake of this piece.