When Richard Mille burst onto the horological scene in 2001, few could have predicted the radical transformation his brand would bring to the world of haute horlogerie.
With watches that looked like Formula 1 cars for the wrist—constructed with space-age materials and futuristic architecture—Mille’s vision transcended tradition. Now, that vision has been immortalized in the latest title from Assouline’s acclaimed Ultimate Collection series: Richard Mille: The Impossible Collection.
Bound in a handcrafted clamshell case and curated with meticulous care, this exceptional volume is more than just a coffee table book—it is a time capsule of innovation, a museum in pages, and a must-have for any true connoisseur of fine watchmaking.
A New Canon for Contemporary Collectors
Richard Mille: The Impossible Collection captures the essence of a brand that has come to symbolize the bleeding edge of technical watchmaking. Rather than simply recounting history, the book curates a selection of 100 timepieces that reflect the DNA of Richard Mille—bold, disruptive, and unapologetically modern.
This isn’t just a retrospective; it’s a statement of what’s possible when engineering and artistry collide. Foulkes presents each watch as an emblem of boundary-pushing innovation, from early classics like the RM 001 Tourbillon to later marvels like the RM 27-04 Rafael Nadal, with its astonishing shock resistance and ultralight construction.
The Assouline Touch: A Luxury Publishing Experience
Assouline’s Ultimate Collection is famed for reimagining books as objets d’art—and this edition is no exception. Measuring nearly 40 x 47 cm and featuring over 200 hand-bound pages printed on museum-quality paper, Richard Mille: The Impossible Collection is presented in a linen clamshell case that radiates sophistication.
Each book is assembled by artisans, ensuring the same level of attention to detail as a Mille watch itself. The oversized format allows every image—many exclusive or rarely seen—to be appreciated in rich, photographic clarity. You don’t just read this book; you experience it.
The Watches That Changed the Game
Richard Mille’s appeal lies in his refusal to compromise. Where traditional brands spoke in whispers of heritage, Mille spoke in a clear, confident voice of the future. This book is filled with pieces that embody that philosophy.
You’ll find landmark references such as:
- RM 006 Felipe Massa – the brand’s first carbon nanofiber tourbillon, weighing just 48 grams.
- RM 056 – the transparent masterpiece with a full sapphire crystal case.
- RM 27-01 Rafael Nadal – worn by the tennis legend on court, despite housing a delicate tourbillon movement.
Each watch is accompanied by thoughtful commentary from Foulkes, offering insight into the design process, technical achievements, and cultural impact of these creations.
For Collectors, Curators, and Connoisseurs
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of Richard Mille, this book is a vital resource. For collectors, it serves as a reference guide and celebration of the brand’s most iconic pieces. For professionals in the horology industry, it’s an authoritative source that contextualises Mille’s place in modern watchmaking history.
And for those simply intrigued by the brand’s aesthetic audacity and mechanical daring, it provides a narrative of how Richard Mille watches evolved from niche novelties to status symbols worn by athletes, celebrities, and tastemakers around the world.
Why Now? The Timeliness of Timelessness
In recent years, the popularity of Richard Mille has skyrocketed. Once considered avant-garde, the brand now sits comfortably at the top tier of modern luxury. With resale values soaring and waiting lists growing, Mille’s creations are not only watches—they’re investment-grade assets.
The Impossible Collection arrives at the perfect time: when the world is looking not just at what a watch does, but what it represents. Mille represents boldness, innovation, and a refusal to be boxed in by tradition. In that sense, this book is not only a tribute but a testament to a brand that changed the rules—and continues to do so.
A Book Worthy of the Mille Name
Assouline’s partnership with brands like Patek Philippe, Rolex, and now Richard Mille, underscores the publisher’s credibility in the world of luxury. These are not mass-market books—they are limited-run, collectible editions designed for display and reverence.
Richard Mille: The Impossible Collection aligns perfectly with Mille’s own ethos: uncompromising quality, bold design, and an unrelenting drive to push boundaries. Like the watches it celebrates, this book is both a technical marvel and a work of art.
Where to Buy Richard Mille: The Impossible Collection
Certified Horology is proud to offer this stunning volume as part of our curated library of horological literature. Whether you’re purchasing it for yourself or gifting it to a fellow collector, this is more than a book—it’s an heirloom in the making.
Order now at CertifiedHorology.com
Includes free shipping World-wide and bespoke packaging.
Final Thoughts
In the same way that Richard Mille watches invite you to see the mechanics beneath the dial, The Impossible Collection invites you to peer behind the curtain of innovation. It’s an intimate, authoritative look at the people, materials, and philosophies that redefined 21st-century watchmaking.
If horology is your passion, and you believe in owning the very best, this book belongs in your collection.
