Inside the Richard Mille stand at Frieze Masters this year, visitors may explore the micro artistry of Richard Mille, where the hidden beauty of the movement comes alive as parts reveal themselves to be microscopic sculptures within the watchcase.
Richard Mille’s exhibit at Frieze centres on eight different horological themes: movement skeletonisation, automotive inspiration, the interpretation of time, revisiting the past, the perceived value of weight, timekeeping beauty, luxurious comfort, and the achievement of precision. Different Richard Mille timepieces have been selected to illustrate each theme, with separate parts of the timepieces chosen to illustrate the hidden, microscopic beauty of encapsulated within each watch’s movement or case. The smallest pattern or finishing detail of each part can be viewed under a magnifying glass, where essential visual and stylistic elements characteristic of Mille’s holistic approach to watchmaking can be closely assessed.
‘Our view is that we can express artistic inspiration in every detail and aspect of a horological creation’, says Richard Mille. ‘For that reason, we work very hard to ensure our timepieces are the product of multi-layered visual expressivity, associative imagery and use of materials. Defining these aspects during the design process are not far removed from the realm of miniaturist painting, where an entire world can open up within a very confined area of just a few square centimetres.’
