Celebrating this vibrant, contemporary contribution to the art of watchmaking, the brand’s recurring presence at Frieze Masters continues to deepen the bond between the visual and horological arts that Richard Mille considers essential to the experience of luxury. 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. The tremendously complex shapes of these miniscule components are further embellished with refined hand-finishing techniques, sustained by the craftsmanship of the watchmaker — a central highlight of the exhibition. Mille’s timepieces play up the full possibilities of three-dimensional space, defined by both the volume of the watchcase and the movement itself. Within these highly confined areas spanning just a few centimetres that serve as a blank canvas for horological creativity, the brand’s timepieces articulate minute yet dramatically expressive arching spaces, layers and architectural cross sections. In this manner, Mille’s vision of watchmaking becomes a conversation through the ages.
 

Richard Mille’s exhibit at Frieze this year 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.
 

Richard Mille: ‘Our view is that we can express artistic inspiration in every detail and aspect of a horological creation. 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.’
 

This assimilation of watchmaking to artistic endeavours is also reflected in the company’s close connections with the arts. An integral part of the Richard Mille Group, the storied publishing house, Éditions Cercle d’Art worked closely with Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque and represents the living legacy of an extraordinary moment in Modern Art. This intimate connection supports the brand’s artistic vision for a truly 21st century conception of watchmaking. Contributing to this are enriching exchanges that take place via the brand’s numerous partnerships, which include artists such as internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied and the Palais de Tokyo museum in Paris.