Formula 1 drivers' favorite watchmaker just delivered the world's thinnest mechanical timepiece that's as slim as a US quarter — and costs nearly $2 million

Swiss luxury brand Richard Mille is known for pushing technical limits with its watches.

Richard Mille

Now, the company has taken the title for maker of the world's thinnest mechanical watch.

Richard Mille

The new RM UP-01 collaboration with Ferrari packs a full working movement into a case just 1.75mm thick.

Richard Mille

That's the same thickness as a US quarter, and 0.05mm thinner than the previous record holder.

Jamie Grill/Getty Images

Source: US Mint

2022-07-08

Earlier this year, Bulgari held the record with its 1.8mm-thick Octo Finissimo Ultra, but the reign was short-lived.

Bulgari

Source: Hodinkee

The new watch is made from grade 5 titanium that is harder, stronger, and 40% lighter than steel.

Richard Mille

A special winding tool is needed to set the time and power up the mainspring with up to 45 hours of reserve.

Richard Mille

All internal components are machined to a tolerance of a single micron, or .001 millimeters…

Richard Mille

… and a laser-engraved Ferrari prancing horse logo features on the exterior case.

Richard Mille

The result is a water- and shock-resistant watch that can be worn for most normal uses, albeit with a very small dial.

Richard Mille

The manufacturing run is limited to 150 pieces, and each watch will cost $1.88 million.

That’s considerably more than the $440,000 for Bulgari’s offering, but only ten of those will be sold.

Like Richard Mille's other offerings, the UP-01 is sure to be a conversation starter.

Richard Mille