Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Ekitike spotted wearing Richard Mille

Liverpool footballer Ekitike was recently photographed wearing a Richard Mille RM 38-02 Tourbillon in pink and white Carbon TPT, one of the most sought-after tonneau-case sports watches in contemporary horology. The sighting underscores Richard Mille's dominance among professional athletes, particularly those seeking statement pieces that merge mechanical mastery with extreme wearability.

The Richard Mille RM 38-02 houses a manually wound tourbillon calibre engineered for shock resistance and chronometric precision. The case is constructed from Carbon TPT—a composite material developed by Richard Mille that alternates carbon-fiber layers with a thermoplastic matrix, delivering exceptional strength at under 15 grams. The dial layout exposes the tourbillon at 6 o'clock, with skeletonised bridges and jewelled movement details visible throughout. Water resistance reaches 50 meters, adequate for daily sport and leisure. The tonneau case measures approximately 49.75 × 41.95 millimetres, proportioned for bold wrist presence without excessive weight.

This particular reference was produced in collaboration with professional golfer Bubba Watson and limited to exactly 50 pieces globally. The pink and white colorway distinguishes it from standard RM 38 iterations, making it one of the most collectible modern Richard Mille sports models. Each example commands immediate demand on the secondary market, with waiting lists at authorized dealers routinely extending beyond five years for new Richard Mille tourbillon models.

Ekitike's choice reflects a broader trend among elite footballers and athletes who wear Richard Mille as both technical instrument and status symbol. The brand has become synonymous with professional sports endorsement, with numerous Premier League, NBA, and golf professionals favouring the RM 38 for its durability and visual impact. The RM 38-02 specifically appeals to athletes valuing transparency—the fully skeletonised movement satisfies the collector's desire to monitor mechanical performance in real time.

The Richard Mille RM 38-02 Bubba Watson edition carries a published list price exceeding $3 million USD. Pre-owned and unworn examples rarely surface, and when they do, grey-market pricing approaches or exceeds retail, reflecting the model's scarcity and collector desirability. Production ended, making further acquisitions dependent entirely on secondary-market availability.