Watch Paparazzi

Rapper ASAP Rocky spotted wearing Richard Mille

A$AP Rocky was spotted in New York wearing the Richard Mille RM 65-01, one of the French manufacture's most sophisticated and technically demanding split-seconds chronographs. The rapper was photographed in casual evening wear, pairing a dollar-bill graphic t-shirt with the striking titanium sports chronograph, underscoring the watch's status as a statement piece within hip-hop and luxury culture.

The RM 65-01 is powered by an in-house manual-winding calibre featuring a split-seconds (rattrapante) chronograph mechanism—a complication that allows independent timing of two simultaneous events via a column-wheel transmission. The movement delivers a 42-hour power reserve and operates at 28,800 vph. The tonneau case measures 49.8 mm × 42.7 mm and is crafted in grade-5 titanium, offering exceptional rigidity and lightweight properties. The dial features two chronograph subdials and a split-seconds hand, rendered in dark anthracite with applied indices. The bezel sports red and green accents, a signature Richard Mille design language element. Water resistance sits at 50 metres—typical for Richard Mille sports chronographs, which prioritise case construction and movement visibility over diving depth.

The RM 65-01 entered production in the early 2020s and remains one of Richard Mille's most technically respected references. Its split-seconds complication places it alongside the RM 35-02 as a horological benchmark within the brand's catalogue. Only a limited number of examples are produced annually, with waiting lists often spanning multiple years at authorised dealers.

A$AP Rocky's adoption of the RM 65-01 reflects the watch's growing visibility within hip-hop and celebrity circles, where Richard Mille has become synonymous with ultra-high-net-worth status. The pairing of streetwear aesthetics with a £200,000 mechanical chronograph exemplifies the brand's cultural penetration beyond traditional horology enthusiasts.

The RM 65-01 commands approximately $270,000 at grey-market dealers, though secondary-market pricing fluctuates with availability. Authorised retailers maintain strict allocation protocols, and new orders typically face 3–5 year waiting periods. Pre-owned examples rarely surface, and when they do, pricing holds firm within 5–10% of secondary-market midpoints.