Watch Paparazzi

Boxer Canelo Álvarez spotted wearing Richard Mille

Canelo Álvarez, widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer of his generation, was recently spotted on the wrist with one of Richard Mille's most technically demanding and visually striking releases — the white ceramic RM 055 'Bubba Watson.' For a fighter known for precision and composure under pressure, the choice of watch is anything but accidental.

The Richard Mille RM 055 was first introduced in 2011 as a collaboration with two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, designed to withstand the shock loads generated by a professional golf swing — forces not entirely unlike those encountered in boxing. The case is machined from grade-5 titanium in its standard form, but the white ceramic variant elevates the proposition considerably. Zirconium oxide ceramic at this scale and shape — a complex tonneau with integrated lugs — demands extraordinary CNC precision and significant rejection rates during production, which directly explains the watch's scarcity. The case measures 49.9mm × 42.7mm × 12.85mm, entirely in keeping with Richard Mille's athletic proportions.

Powering the RM 055 is the in-house caliber CRMA2, a skeletonized manual-winding movement constructed on a baseplate and bridges machined from grade-5 titanium. It runs at 21,600 vph with a 55-hour power reserve, and every component is visible through the open-worked dial — a showcase of micro-engineering that Richard Mille has turned into its signature language. The free-sprung balance with variable inertia and the oversize date at 12 o'clock round out the technical specification.

From a collector standpoint, the white ceramic RM 055 occupies a particularly coveted position within the Richard Mille catalog. Ceramic Richard Milles have historically outperformed their titanium counterparts on the secondary market due to lower production numbers and higher manufacturing complexity. The 'Bubba Watson' nameplate carries strong brand recognition beyond core watch circles, which broadens its appeal and supports premium resale values.

Canelo Álvarez has long assembled a serious watch collection befitting his elite status and considerable earnings — Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and Rolex have all appeared on his wrist at various points. Selecting the white ceramic RM 055 Bubba Watson signals a collector with genuine taste for horological rarity rather than mere logo recognition. At a grey-market valuation now approaching $460,000, it is a wrist statement that demands attention in any room.