What do the Swiss luxury watchmaker Richard Mille and the legendary British motorcycle manufacturer Brough Superior have in common? At first glance, very little, or so it seemed. Yet, during the prestigious “Le Mans Classic” event held on 3 July 2025, these two icons of excellence joined forces to unveil one of the most intriguing collaborations ever conceived.
When the horological mastery of one met the mechanical ingenuity of the other, the result was something truly exceptional: the RMB01. A genuine mechanical jewel, produced in a limited run of just 150 pieces, destined to become a collector’s dream for the most devoted enthusiasts.
Although nearly a century separates the two houses, Brough Superior, founded in 1919 and Richard Mille in 1999, the RMB01 emerges as an ethereal creation that embodies, in perfect balance, craftsmanship, technology, and heritage from both. When the idea of venturing into the world of motorcycling began to take shape, Richard Mille had no hesitation in recognising Brough Superior as the natural partner for such an ambitious project. The result, recently brought to life, represents a bold departure within the Richard Mille universe, yet one that encapsulates the very essence of the brand. As confirmed by Cécile Guenat, Creative and Development Director: “We have seamlessly transferred our watchmaking expertise into this motorcycle, carefully interpreting the brand’s identity. The level of attention to detail is, in my view, unparalleled in the world of motorcycles.”
Upon closer reflection, this partnership proves not so improbable after all. Richard Mille has long been renowned for creating lightweight, robust, avant-garde timepieces often inspired by the worlds of automotive and aeronautical engineering. In the case of the RMB01, the design draws inspiration from the “Board Track Racers,” the early American racing motorcycles of the early twentieth century. Its muscular lines and streamlined silhouette evoke both lightness and performance. Likewise, Brough Superior, often dubbed the Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles, shares the same devotion to precision, quality materials, and refined design. This is clearly reflected in the open-work dashboard, reminiscent of the skeletonised dials found in haute horlogerie.
The materials employed are as advanced as they are elegant: a carbon-fibre frame, lightweight alloy wheels, and aluminium components enriched with magnesium. Together, they enhance both agility and overall performance. The signature Fior fork, an integral element of Brough Superior’s DNA, ensures remarkable stability through high-speed corners and superior braking performance. Speaking about the creation process, which spanned more than eighteen months, Brough Superior’s President Thierry Henriette commented: “Born from the meeting of two mechanical enthusiasts, this machine, at once a sleek predator and a powerful racer, brimming with strength and femininity, will remain an unforgettable experience for the team.”
From a technical standpoint, the RMB01 features a 997cc V-twin engine delivering 130 horsepower, with a dry weight of only 160 kilograms. It will be available towards the end of the year in three distinctive finishes: Nocturnal Sapphire, deep midnight blue, Selene, matte grey with orange accents, and Pearl of Speed, pearl white with red detailing. Each motorcycle will be individually numbered to certify its exclusivity, and the price is set at 200,000 euros.
It is often said that first impressions can be misleading, and the RMB01 is proof of that. This triumphant synthesis of craftsmanship, engineering, luxury, and art demonstrates how two seemingly distant worlds, haute horlogerie and high-performance motoring, can merge to create something truly extraordinary. Through this bold collaboration, Richard Mille and Brough Superior have revealed to the world a timeless mechanical masterpiece.
Photo Credit: Lionel Beylot
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Article edited by Gianmaria Garofalo