Racing driver Lewis Hamilton spotted wearing a Richard Mille

Lewis Hamilton attended the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opening night gala in Los Angeles, appearing alongside Kim Kardashian in a striking black double-breasted suit. On his wrist sat one of horology's most exclusive and expensive creations: a Richard Mille RM 17-01 Tourbillon in rose gold, entirely pavé-set with diamonds—a custom configuration valued at approximately $800,000.

The Richard Mille RM 17-01 houses a hand-wound tourbillon movement, calibre RM17-01, visible through the skeletonized dial and caseback. The 42.7 mm x 53.6 mm tonneau case is fashioned in 18K rose gold, with the bezel, lugs, and dial surround completely set with VVS1 diamonds in a factory "snow" configuration. The black skeletonized dial reveals the tourbillon at 6 o'clock and the balance wheel oscillation at 12 o'clock. Water resistance stands at 50 metres. The RM 17-01 was introduced in 2017 and remains in limited production, with each piece completed to bespoke specification.

Fully diamond-set variants of the RM 17-01 represent the pinnacle of Richard Mille's decorative offering. The rose gold case material, combined with VVS1 stone quality, elevates this specific example above standard production versions and places it firmly in the rarefied category of haute joaillerie sports watches. Production numbers for fully pavé examples remain confidential, but such configurations are produced in single-digit quantities annually.

Hamilton's collection spans multiple Richard Mille references, reflecting the Formula 1 driver's alignment with the brand's innovation in motorsport chronography and materials science. The RM 17-01's lightweight titanium movement and shock-resistant architecture echo the performance demands of professional racing, while the diamond setting signals ownership of one of horology's most exclusive luxury objects. This pairing reinforces Hamilton's status as both an athlete and connoisseur of haute horlogerie.

On the grey market, fully diamond-set Richard Mille RM 17-01 Tourbillons in rose gold command prices between $750,000 and $950,000, depending on condition and provenance. Richard Mille does not publish official retail pricing; all pieces are sold through authorized dealers and by direct appointment, with waiting lists extending 18–36 months for non-diamond variants. Custom stone-set examples typically bypass public pricing entirely, negotiated case-by-case with the manufacture.