Coyote, © Christophe Jouany-Voiles de St Barth.
by Sabina Mollart-Rogerson
Richard Mille is a man of passion. Demanding and forward-looking, since 2001 when he set up the brand bearing his name, he has brought together the best of Swiss watch making and the finest innovations in order to create mechanical watches for the 21st Century. With their highly advanced technology, the brand’s designs are considered to be the Formula 1 of watch making. World-class sports have always been a source of inspiration for Richard Mille. The brand has been present in yachting for several years, in particular with the RM 025 Tourbillon diver’s watch and the RM 028 Automatic. Headline partner for Les Voiles de St. Barth since the first edition in 2010, Richard Mille shares with the competitors the same requirements that are prevalent in his craft, as they show their skills and precision on the water and are keen to face a challenge.
Interview with Richard Mille:
© Richard Mille - Droits Reservés (DR)
Q: After being involved in car racing, why have you now moved to the sport of sailing?
A: I’m fascinated by speed, particularly when it is combined with a technical approach. That goes for whatever sport interests me, whether it is on land, at sea or in the air.
Q: What are the values that you wish to stress by becoming involved and what is there in common between sailing and the highest standards of watch making?
A: When sailing, every little detail counts and everything must run perfectly smoothly. There is no room for approximation and nothing can be left to chance. You also need to know when to take risks. These are the same parameters that you find in the design of my watches.
Q: Do St. Barth and the Caribbean, in general, offer an interesting opening to allow you to enter the American market?
A: St. Barth is a destination that Americans regard with high esteem and many of them take their holiday break on the island. So, yes of course, St. Barth and the Caribbean certainly do offer a way into the American market.
Q: Was the international vocation of Les Voiles de St. Barth a key element when you decided to become involved?
A: St. Barth is a magnificent place and has been well preserved, which means that visitors from around the world are attracted to it. The international vocation of Les Voiles de St. Barth is essential for our brand.
Q: Other watch makers have built up their image over a long period of time in sporting and sailing events; is that your ambition with Les Voiles de St. Barth?
A: We are partners to several sporting events, which have all been drawn up and built upon over time. Les Voiles de St. Barth is a partnership along the same lines.
Q: How in reality do you incorporate Les Voiles de St. Barth into your brand’s communication strategy?
A: I have created a special limited edition Les Voiles de St. Barth watch, which reflects the quality and atmosphere of the event.
Q: Do you plan to carry out anything special in terms of communications around the event? If so, what do you have in mind?
A: Communicating is one of the reasons why we became involved in Les Voiles de St. Barth. We distribute the news and of course photos of the event in magazines around the world.
Q: In what way can sailing and the associated technology inspire a watch designer?
A: There are many things that inspire me, such as the lines of a boat, the advanced technology that you find on board, the hi-tech materials that are used and are able to withstand an environment that can sometimes be very hostile.
Q: Sailing brings together advances in technology and human endeavour; do your watches also express these two qualities?
A: Yes, of course! Making a Richard Mille watch is always a new challenge, as it requires all the incredible skills of our watchmakers who have to overcome many technical constraints.
Les Voiles de St Barth. 2011
