Politician Khaled Bin Khalifa Al Thani spotted wearing a Richard Mille

Qatar's Minister of Interior Khaled Bin Khalifa Al Thani was recently spotted in Monaco wearing the Richard Mille RM 27-05 flying tourbillon, one of the world's most exclusive and technically advanced sports watches. The sighting underscores the RM 27-05's status as the ultimate expression of ultra-light watchmaking and its appeal to high-profile collectors and dignitaries worldwide.

The RM 27-05 is the sixth addition to Richard Mille's Rafael Nadal collection and represents a quantum leap in weight reduction. At 11.5 grams, the RM 27-05 is the lightest timepiece in the entire RM 27 lineup. The case is constructed from carbon TPT, a composite material developed by Richard Mille that combines exceptional strength with minimal mass. The skeletonised dial exposes the flying tourbillon mechanism, crafted with a titanium balance wheel and hairspring that oscillates at 4 Hz. The movement operates independently of traditional bridges, suspended by a single point to maximise shock absorption—critical for a watch designed to withstand the demands of professional tennis. Water resistance is rated to 50 metres, sufficient for daily wear despite the extreme lightness of the case.

The RM 27-05 is limited to just 80 pieces worldwide, making it far more exclusive than most Richard Mille references. This scarcity, combined with the technical achievement of the ultra-light construction and flying tourbillon complication, positions the RM 27-05 at the apex of collector desirability. Variants within the RM 27 family include the RM 27-02, RM 27-03, and RM 27-04, each introducing different materials or mechanical refinements, but none match the RM 27-05's combination of extreme lightness and technical innovation.

Khaled Bin Khalifa Al Thani's choice of the RM 27-05 aligns with the watch's positioning as a statement piece among elite collectors and figures with access to the most rarefied timepieces. Richard Mille watches are rarely sold on the open market; acquisition typically requires a direct relationship with the manufacture or membership within exclusive collector networks. The RM 27-05 commands secondary market prices well above its retail valuation, reflecting its rarity and technical significance.

The Richard Mille RM 27-05 flying tourbillon retails at approximately $2.7 million USD, positioning it among the most expensive wristwatches in production. Pre-owned examples trade significantly higher due to scarcity and continued collector demand. The RM 27-05 remains unworn in most collections, treasured as both a horological achievement and an investment in extreme watchmaking.