Footballer Erling Haaland spotted wearing a Richard Mille

Footballer Erling Haaland was spotted aboard a luxury yacht in Italy wearing the newly released Richard Mille RM 55-01 in white TPT ceramic, the ultra-exclusive manual-winding tourbillon that has commanded extraordinary secondary-market premiums since launch. The sighting came as Haaland wound down his World Cup schedule, pairing the watch with casual vacation attire—a notable choice for one of football's most visible athletes.

The RM 55-01 is powered by Richard Mille's proprietary calibre RM55-01, a manually wound tourbillon with a three-day power reserve and frequency of 4 Hz. The case is constructed from white TPT, Richard Mille's proprietary composite of carbon fibre and resin that achieves a specific gravity comparable to titanium while delivering superior rigidity and scratch resistance. The tonneau-shaped case measures 49.95 × 42.7 mm and is water-resistant to 50 metres. A skeletonised dial exposes the tourbillon and all gear-train components through sapphire crystal, with a display caseback allowing complete movement inspection. The strap is white rubber with an integrated deployment clasp.

The RM 55-01 occupies a unique position within Richard Mille's boutique collection. Unlike the brand's automatic and chronograph iterations, this manual-winding iteration attracts horologists and purists who value the direct hand-to-movement connection. The white TPT variant launched more recently than the carbon-cased versions, making it among the most sought after in secondary markets. Production remains deliberately limited; waitlists at Richard Mille boutiques extend 18–36 months depending on geography and market conditions.

Haaland's choice signals an affinity for technical complications and ultra-high-end sports watches shared among elite athletes. Manchester City's star striker has previously gravitated toward bold, visible timepieces—a palette that aligns with Richard Mille's ethos of mechanical theatre and avant-garde design. The watch's presence on his wrist underscores the RM 55-01's status as a statement piece within ultra-luxury collecting circles.

Retail pricing for the Richard Mille RM 55-01 stands at $215,000 USD; however, grey-market examples trade between $550,000 and $750,000 depending on condition, production year, and availability. The secondary-market premium reflects both limited production and sustained collector demand, positioning the RM 55-01 among the most volatile luxury watches in terms of resale valuation.