‘I felt left out at school. I had no confidence in myself and even worse was my hypersensitivity towards noise. Then, at age 7, my parents took me to the creeks around Marseille. I put on a mask and snorkel, and there, under water, for the very first time I opened my eyes. I was afraid - not of having no air – no, I was afraid of being so free! I suddenly became strong. I flew through the water like Peter Pan, totally weightless ... That’s when I decided I was going to be a professional free diver!’
 

The decision has certainly paid off. At 25 Arnaud Jerald is already the world free diving record holder, not once, but twice, achieving a breathless 112m dive in 2020 in Greece. After 100 meters each and every square centimeter of skin has 11 kilos of pressure bearing down on it. Physical resistance is key. Molding the air capacity of every corner of his lungs, Arnaud’s incredible abdominal contortions are, however, only part of the process. ‘You have to push your body, but free diving is 80% what goes on in your head.’ What may seem a paradox to everyone else is the contrary for Arnaud Jerald. At ground zero supreme control actually means surrender, letting go totally, the absence of adrenaline. ‘Fear makes us humble faced with the elements. You have to accept and master risk.’
 

Arnaud is proud of achieving his 2 world records without ever compromising safety. His achievements are not only awe-inspiring physically but stunning aesthetically as anyone who has seen his beautiful camera work or films will testify. ‘I want to put images on what I experience deep down. When I look up, down, 360 degrees all around me, everything is a constantly evolving state of blue. It’s the only place on earth where you can experience this feeling of infinity.’
 

With such an amazing story to share, there has been no shortage of brand interest. However, it was Arnaud who got in touch with Richard Mille. ‘As soon as I saw the RM 032, I just knew it was the one for me, so I reached out.’ Not just for putting on the watch for the photo-ops after resurfacing. Not Arnaud. ‘I experience time differently. Under water one minute lasts a whole day. I need my watch as a tool and it has to accompany me all the way.’
 

The RM 032 Diver’s watch is an automatic chronograph, with a running indicator at 3 o’clock and is created for the deep-sea. The calibre RMAC2 is protected by a large case measuring 50.00 mm x 17.80 mm with water resistance of 300 metres (30 atmospheres) and a unidirectional turning bezel compliant with ISO 6425 norms that prevents miscalculations whilst diving.
 

It is not only the technical adventure that attracted Arnaud to the brand. He has found the same family spirit and passion that drives his own team in the South of France. ‘Richard Mille doesn’t make concessions – neither do I. You take very little with you when you free dive – your nose clip and your fins, that’s it. From now on, my watch will be coming on the adventure too. The number of meters is important in terms of achievement but as regards my safety, it’s my watch that’s paramount. That’s why the RM 032 is an essential tool for me. As a free diver my watch isn’t there for effect. I wear it because I believe in it.’
 

(Images © Richard Mille / Charlotte Benoit / Mathieu Cesar)