If you are a soccer fan, the Richard Mille RM11-01 Roberto Mancini needs no introduction. Released a number of years ago and now totally sold out, this is one of our favorite Mille watches out there. Specifically designed for the king of all sports, the Richard Mille Roberto Mancini honors Italian soccer player and coach of the Italian National team with a colorful chronograph who’s primary function is to assist the timekeeping of a soccer match. Cased in titanium or in red gold and titanium —we personally prefer the full titanium model we have here—, the Richard Mille RM11-01 Mancini was released as a regular production watch and not in a limited edition. Despite that, it is nearly impossible to find one nowadays.
Just like a Richard Mille watch is and unmistakable icon, Roberto Mancini is a perfect example of elegance as a soccer player. Now 50 years old, Mancini played over 800 top-level matches and became a professional soccer player at the age of sixteen. Leading the Manchester City to victory in the Premier League in 2012,is what convinced Richard Mille to ask the former Italian player to join his team of partners.
With a dial that features a scale divided in two 45-minute periods, a 15-minute break and extra time segments. Richard Mille and Roberto Mancini imagined a unique watch, adapted to the format of a soccer match. Two halves of 45 minutes with a 15-minute break in the middle. The watch features a 60-minute countdown timer, a 12-hour totalizer, an oversize date at 12 o’clock and a month indicator at 4 o’clock.
The case measuring 42.70 mm x 50 mm is perfectly sized as a ‘big boy’ Richard Mille’s and not too small like the earlier RM05s or RM10s.
After measuring the first period, by pressing the button at 4 o’clock the chronograph activates the flyback function to reposition the hand at 12 o’clock, ready to start the second half. In the event of extra time, the reactivated flyback function indicates the 15 minutes of game time remaining and up to 5 minutes of extra time. The Chronograph on the Richard Mille Mancini works as a direct countdown display of the time remaining during each period of the game.
Powered by the automatic calibre RMAC1 with flyback chronograph and adjustable rotor geometry —this exclusive Richard Mille design allows the rewinding of the mainspring to be adapted most effectively to the user’s activity level—, therefore, the Richard Mille RM11-01 Roberto Mancini is perfectly suited for the most active or sedentary lifestyles and is a watch that will be a great timekeeper wherever you go. The movement is fully visible via the display case back and a real treat for the eyes.
This rare bird is a stunner in the metal and a Richard Mille that won’t break the bank now that prices are at an all-time high for the brand. With Richard Mille like with Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet nowadays, it’s all about supply and demand.
If you find a new one or a pre-loved one, expect to pay anywhere between $110,000-125,000 USD based on the availability of box and papers and the overall condition of the watch. For more info on Richard Mille click here.
