Richard Mille Teams up with Michelle Yeoh
Phoenix watch designed by international movie star
In a move that has left many watch enthusisasts initially perplexed and then pleasantly surprised, Richard Mille Watches has teamed up with Malaysian movie star, Datuk Michelle Yeoh to help design their RM 051 Phoenix watch. Mille, who is a close friend for Yeoh’s fiance came up with the idea and Yeoh jumped at the chance.
Yeoh’s new film, The Lady directed by Luc Besson, recently released worldwide (including a private screening hosted by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton) to resounding acclaim. Her take on the phoenix as the imagery for her watch has a deep spiritual meaning:
According to Chinese legend, the phoenix (or Feng-Huang) was the empress’s emblem and known for being the kindest of birds. Its beauty was unsurpassed and its song, one of the most beautiful. After several centuries, the phoenix would eventually burn into extinction, only to rise again from the ashes.
A symbol of grace, feminine beauty and strength, the body of the phoenix represents five human qualities: Its head, virtue, its wings, duty, its back, justice, its chest, goodwill and its belly, reliability.
“Projected into the world of haute horlogerie, the phoenix enters a timeless dimension. Positioned in the RM 051, the phoenix is adorned with diamonds and encapsulates the movement in harmony with the barrel, power reserve and tourbillon. Poetry and fascination are transcended from this highly complex and elegant work of art.”
This gorgeous onyx and diamond watch comes in an extremely limited edition of only 18 pieces and is much a piece of art as it is fine jewelery. Fans of The Lady as well as collectors of fine watches will all want to own a little piece of this amazing film.