richard mille 550 bubba watson | Bubba Watson Richard Mille price

The Richard Mille RM 055 Bubba Watson is more than just a watch; it's a statement. A testament to the horological prowess of Richard Mille and the dynamic personality of its namesake, professional golfer Bubba Watson, this timepiece embodies a unique blend of robust engineering, striking aesthetics, and undeniable luxury. For those seeking a watch that pushes boundaries and defies convention, the RM 055 Bubba Watson remains a highly coveted and instantly recognizable piece. This article delves into the intricacies of this remarkable watch, exploring its design, technology, variations, and the market surrounding it, drawing inspiration from the listings and information readily available on platforms like Chrono24.

The Genesis of a Legend: Bubba Watson and Richard Mille

The collaboration between Richard Mille and Bubba Watson is a partnership forged in shared values: innovation, precision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Watson, known for his powerful drives and unconventional pink driver, embodies a similar rebellious spirit to the Richard Mille brand, which consistently challenges the established norms of haute horlogerie. The RM 055, a direct successor to the RM 038, was specifically designed to withstand the rigors of Watson's demanding sport. This meant creating a watch that was incredibly lightweight, exceptionally shock-resistant, and comfortable to wear during even the most intense moments on the golf course.

A Technical Marvel: The Heart of the RM 055

At the core of the Richard Mille RM 055 Bubba Watson lies the manually wound skeletonized movement, the RMUL2. This movement is a masterpiece of micro-engineering, meticulously crafted from grade 5 titanium, a material renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The skeletonized design allows for a mesmerizing view of the intricate workings of the watch, showcasing the intricate interplay of gears, springs, and levers.

The RMUL2 movement is not just about aesthetics; it's about performance. Designed to withstand accelerations of up to 5000 Gs, the movement is remarkably resistant to shocks and vibrations, ensuring accurate timekeeping even under extreme conditions. This level of shock resistance is achieved through the use of a free-sprung balance, which offers greater stability and precision compared to traditional balance wheels. Furthermore, the movement features a variable-inertia balance, allowing for fine-tuning of the watch's timing.richard mille 550 bubba watson

The Case: A Fortress of Innovation

The case of the RM 055 Bubba Watson is as innovative as the movement it houses. Typically crafted from a blend of materials like ATZ white ceramic, carbon TPT®, or other proprietary composites, the case is designed to be both lightweight and incredibly durable. ATZ white ceramic, for instance, is significantly harder than traditional ceramics, making it highly resistant to scratches and wear. Carbon TPT®, a material developed by North Thin Ply Technology, is made by layering hundreds of sheets of carbon fibers at varying angles, resulting in a material that is both incredibly strong and visually striking.

The iconic tonneau shape of the Richard Mille case is not merely an aesthetic choice; it is also ergonomically designed to conform comfortably to the wrist. The complex curves and angles of the case are meticulously machined and finished to ensure a perfect fit and a luxurious feel. The case is often assembled using spline screws made of grade 5 titanium, further enhancing its durability and structural integrity.

Variations on a Theme: Exploring the RM 055 Family

While the core design and functionality of the RM 055 Bubba Watson remain consistent, several variations exist, each offering a unique aesthetic appeal. These variations often differ in case material, dial accents, and strap color.

* Richard Mille RM 055 Bubba Watson White: This is arguably the most recognizable version, featuring a white ATZ ceramic case. The stark white case provides a striking contrast to the black accents of the movement and dial, creating a clean and modern look. This version is often highly sought after and commands a premium price on the secondary market. The white ceramic offers exceptional scratch resistance and a distinctive visual appeal.

* Richard Mille RM 055 Bubba Watson Black: This version typically features a case crafted from carbon TPT® or a similar composite material in black or dark grey. The darker case gives the watch a more stealthy and aggressive look, appealing to those who prefer a more understated aesthetic. The carbon TPT® construction provides exceptional strength and a unique textured finish.

* Richard Mille RM 038 Bubba Watson (Predecessor): While not the RM 055, it's important to acknowledge the RM 038 as the original Bubba Watson signature watch. It features a white magnesium alloy case treated with a protective plasma electrolytic oxidation coating and set the stage for the design and technical advancements seen in the RM 055.

* Richard Mille RM 055 Bubba Watson Pink (Custom or Limited Edition): While not a standard production model, there have been instances of custom or limited-edition RM 055 watches featuring pink accents, often as a nod to Bubba Watson's signature pink driver. These versions are extremely rare and highly collectible.

The Allure of Skeletonization: A Window to Horological Art