Entrepreneur Emir Tas spotted wearing a Richard Mille

Turkish construction magnate and ultra-high-net-worth collector Emir Tas was recently photographed wearing the Richard Mille RM 52-05 Pharrell Williams, one of the most exclusive timepieces in modern watchmaking. Spotted in a public setting with the distinctive orange rubber strap clearly visible on his wrist, Tas's choice underscores the cultural significance of this collaboration between the Swiss manufacture and the iconic music producer. The photograph captures the tonneau case and vibrant dial positioning in natural light—a rare glimpse into a collection estimated at over $40 million.

The RM 52-05 Pharrell Williams houses a hand-wound tourbillon calibre, showcasing Richard Mille's signature skeletonised movement architecture. The case measures approximately 49.94 × 42.7 millimetres in titanium, delivering a lightweight yet robust construction. The most striking feature is the amber-toned sapphire crystal dial, which frames the exposed balance wheel and escapement cluster in full view. Water resistance reaches 50 metres, adequate for splash protection but not immersion. The orange rubber strap, custom-developed for this edition, contrasts dramatically against the grey titanium case and provides secure grip and comfort.

Richard Mille limited the RM 52-05 Pharrell Williams to a small production run, making it among the most difficult contemporary watches to acquire. The reference was unveiled in 2016 following Pharrell Williams' long association with the brand, and subsequent models have appeared at major auction houses, consistently fetching $2–2.5 million USD. Unlike steel sports models, the RM 52-05 exists at the intersection of art and engineering—each example is individually numbered and hand-finished by master watchmakers in Les Geneveys-sur-Coffrane. Secondary market demand remains extraordinarily strong; waitlists for brand-new Richard Mille tonneau tourbillons often extend beyond five years.

Tas's collection spans the ultra-luxury stratosphere: alongside the RM 52-05, he holds examples of the RM 65-01 Red Quartz TPT and RM 67-02 Sébastien Ogier, alongside multiple seven-figure Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak pieces. His acquisition of the Pharrell Williams reference signals a refined curatorial approach—this watch is neither a technical first nor a limited-edition sports model, but rather a collaborative statement piece that bridges haute horlogerie and pop culture. For collectors, spotting the RM 52-05 on the wrist of a known serious buyer validates its position as one of the defining timepieces of the 2010s.

Retail pricing for the Richard Mille RM 52-05 Pharrell Williams approached $2 million at launch; today, grey-market and auction estimates cluster around $2.3–2.5 million USD, reflecting steady appreciation. Rarity, provenance, and condition remain critical: examples with full box sets and certificates command premiums, while dial imperfections or service history can erode value. Emir Tas's public wearing of this reference reinforces the collector's consensus that the RM 52-05 remains among the most significant and desirable Richard Mille watches ever produced.