Were you aware that Richard Mille has its own Certified Pre-Owned boutique in the heart of London? More often than not, the answer to this question, regrettably, is ‘no’. Always ones to keep our noses to the ground, we at Swisswatches were keen to visit this elusive yet highly impressive store, where a certain specialist watchmaker with many a tale to tell was ready to greet us, all while explaining exactly what Ninety, Richard Mille EMEA’s official CPO, has to offer its faithful followers.
Mayfair, the heart of London’s luxury scene
A trip to this store involves a journey through one of London’s most affluent and quintessentially British areas: Mayfair. Counting majestic strongholds such as The Connaught and Oscar de la Renta amongst its prestigious neighbours, Ninety has become the go-to destination for Richard Mille clients since it first opened back in 2021.
From the outside, Ninety, elegantly nestled within a classic orange-brick Georgian mansion, could easily be mistaken for just another high-end watch store. And, technically speaking, that’s what it is. What many passersby don’t realise, however, is that this boutique offers up some of the rarest and most coveted Richard Mille timepieces. Furthermore, Ninety isn’t only offering Richard Mille fans to purchase a new timepiece, but also offers various other purchasing options. Looking for a new piece? Bring it to Ninety, and transfer its value towards a new piece at Richard Mille’s main boutique on Old Bond Street. What’s more, this store doesn’t just play host to numerous remarkable Richard Mille watches, but also to a rather talented watchmaker by the name of Thomas Mason, who is on hand to tell us more about life at Ninety.
Why use a Certified Pre-Owned Boutique?
But before we continue, it’s worth taking a step back and considering why a discussion about pre-owned boutiques is worth our time. In my professional opinion, it is extremely important – nay essential – to visit a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) dealer when servicing your watch. The significance of the CPO lies in its pivotal role within the market, ensuring that the timepieces offered are meticulously verified and certified. This means you can trust that every aspect of the watch is correct, the servicing has been done to the highest standards, and the product comes with a renewed warranty. This international warranty, which starts from the moment of purchase, provides an additional layer of client protection, offering peace of mind and security for two years.
Mason, who has been a watchmaker for the brand for 15 years, is in full agreement: ‘Certifying that these watches have been serviced exclusively by authorised technicians ensures that every detail of the piece is correct and thoroughly tested,’ he explains. ‘This level of certification offers peace of mind, especially for serious collectors who wish to purchase iconic models like the RM 006 or RM 003, which are no longer in production. Essentially, purchasing from a CPO dealer provides the same level of confidence and assurance as buying directly from the brand, allowing collectors to know exactly what they are getting. This reliability is, ultimately, the true importance of the CPO.’
The certified pre-owned market for luxury watches is rapidly evolving, and its integrity is being reinforced by brands that emphasise authenticity and preservation. For Mason, this is incredibly important. ‘Everything offered through our certified pre-owned program has been meticulously maintained, serviced, and verified,’ explains Mason. ‘It’s checked against all stolen lists, and we ensure the provenance for each piece is absolutely correct.’ What if Ninety can’t provide a client with the original papers for a Richard Mille watch, I query? ‘If the original papers are available, we do include them. But in any case, every piece also comes with new certified pre-owned papers, which serve as an official warranty.’ This approach guarantees buyers the same confidence and trust they would expect when purchasing new. ‘It’s like buying a Ferrari from Ferrari Classiche,’ Mason adds. ‘You know exactly what you’re getting.’
The pre-owned initiative reflects a broader shift within the luxury brand scene, many of whom are now also opening similar boutiques, whether independently or alongside retailers. ‘Brands are starting to realise they can’t just focus on the new pieces – they need to care of the pieces already in existence’ Mason explains. ‘For brands producing limited quantities (like the 60,000 total Richard Mille watches produced over nearly 25 years), every piece carries immense value and importance. It’s about maintaining quality in the market, preserving the heritage of the brand, and ensuring that clients’ experience is of the same standard as if they were purchasing a brand new piece.’ So, Ninety is almost a preservation project, I muse. ‘Absolutely.’
Restoration at Ninety
How are the watches serviced and restored prior to purchase?
Of course, not every watch is so quickly in and out of the store. The level of service and attention to detail at Ninety is impressive, particularly in terms of the range of models available for repair and restoration. ‘In terms of our model range, I’d say we are able to work on about 75 percent of the range here, which is very high for UK service,’ says Mason. This high level of service means that most repairs and restorations can be done at the workshop in-house, although there are always exceptions. ‘We still have to order in parts from Switzerland for certain models, particularly when it comes to older pieces, where parts and materials have evolved significantly,’ Mason concedes.
The speed with which a watch can be serviced varies greatly, from a client who dropped in for a quick five-minute check-up to longer complex restorations. ‘It really depends on the watch,’ shares Mason. ‘Some take much longer than others. On average, restoring a watch might take between two and four days, but certain pieces can take far longer.’
However, even for the most complex repairs, Ninety is equipped to handle the majority of tasks. ‘Some of the much older pieces are substantially different from newer models,’ Mason notes. ‘As we manufacture movements, we constantly test and make upgrades, so many early pieces need to be sent back to Switzerland for restoration.’ For Mason, though, working with these early models is particularly rewarding. ‘Restoring the earliest pieces is my favourite thing to do. You can really see the progression in the materials and components, and it’s fascinating to see how the brand has evolved over time.’
This hands-on restoration offers employees like Mason a unique perspective on the evolution of watchmaking at Richard Mille, not least as a brand that never stands still. ‘If you look at an early RM 010 compared to a later version, you can see changes in the movement, finishing, and components. The older pieces were incredible for their time, but the brand is always looking to improve materials and functionality,’ says Mason. This never-ending progression in materials and craftsmanship is something that he finds especially fascinating: ‘You can almost date a watch purely by looking at the visual aspect of the movement.’ I’d argue that while Richard Mille’s official Ninety watchmakers can do this, there are plenty of watch services out there that could not.
Have you seen any particularly poor-condition watches, I enquire. ‘Most people with a high-end watch tend to take good care of them these days,’ replies Mason. ‘In the early days, we used to see a lot of watches come through that looked like they’d been worn while gardening, which was great – it showed the watches were being used and not just kept in a safe. The natural signs of wear from everyday life are a good thing. Most of the time, though, it’s just about maintenance. One thing I do keep stressing though is that watches can suffer if they’re serviced poorly. What’s more, if a client goes elsewhere and the watch ends up needing more work, especially if there’s been damage from third-party interventions, the estimate for the repairs will inevitably increase significantly.’
Quality testing
After the watches given to Ninety have been serviced, the quality testing can also be done directly from London. ‘Again, it’s all done locally,’ Mason explains. ‘The servicing and quality testing are all carried out in-house, using the same calibre and testing machines found in the manufacture in Switzerland.’ This ensures that each watch undergoes the same rigorous scrutiny as a brand-new model, with precise diagnostic tests for the movement and water resistance.
When it comes to water resistance testing, Mason emphasises the importance of tailoring the process to each specific watch. ‘Every single case is different in terms of the water resistance testing level,’ he explains. ‘For deeper-rated watches, like those tested for 100, 200, or even 300 metres, the process is far more involved.’ For these models, he explains, the pressure testing is done using specialised equipment that takes several hours to complete. ‘For a 50-metre water resistance test, the pressure test may take just 5 to 10 minutes – but for 300 metres, the pressure applied is immense. It has to be tested at that level, with the watch submerged in water under high pressure.’
I ask Mason to elaborate on the intricate mechanics behind this process, who explains that the system uses a bolt-closed mechanism, creating immense pressure on the water inside – ‘Water is not very compressible, so it doesn’t take much force to elevate the pressure.’ This high-pressure system ensures that every watch meets its specific water resistance criteria, offering peace of mind for buyers. ‘The testing is pretty stringent,’ Mason concludes. But, of course, it’s this commitment to precision and reliability that defines the luxury watch industry – not least Richard Mille.
Mason is able to carry out all testing himself, whether service testing, function testing, or water resistance testing. However, Mason also values the importance of a second opinion, often swapping watches between team members to ensure every detail is double-checked. ‘There’s always another set of eyes on it,’ he says. ‘If you’re looking at something for too long, you might miss something that someone with fresh eyes will immediately spot.’ This collaborative process ensures that every watch is thoroughly inspected and meets its rigorous standards.
Mason’s approach is akin to the way editors collaborate from writing to proof-reading, I supply. ‘Exactly,’ he agrees. ‘When you’re writing, you lose sight of the big picture. The same principle applies in watchmaking. That second opinion, that fresh perspective, is vital.’
Client experience at Ninety
It soon becomes clear that the client experience at Ninety is deeply personal, focused on education and hands-on interaction with the products. ‘Everybody working here has to be very knowledgeable,’ says Mason. This is an increasingly important requirement for luxury watch boutiques to deliver on: that regardless of who you speak with, the experience is consistently rich and informative. Today, most collectors expect to walk into boutiques, with or without an appointment, sit down with an expert, and be able to converse about a range of watches. That may sound like a luxury – but it’s exactly how it should be, and Ninety rightly follows this philosophy. During my visit, two young men try their luck and enquire about a couple of specific references. Neither are currently at Ninety, but the boutique managers obligingly supply them with several alternatives.
Mason also picks up on the importance of getting to know watches in person, versus simply online or via social media as is often the norm. ‘When you see watches in the flesh, they’re usually very, very different,’ he notes. ‘Somebody looking at a watch in a photograph won’t get the full depth of its aesthetics, let alone how it feels on the wrist.’ This is another reason a trip to the Ninety store is very much encouraged; it’s much more efficient for both client and dealer to try on a watch prior to purchase.
Trying on different pieces and receiving tailored advice allows customers to make informed decisions about size, style, and fit. ‘It’s all about personal preference,’ Mason elaborates. ‘You might find that a certain piece is too big on your wrist, while someone else might think it’s too small.’ Mason also points out that sometimes what clients think they want may change after trying it on, making the expertise of the staff invaluable. ‘If the RM 010 is too big, maybe the RM 005 would be a better fit – or maybe you might be more drawn to a different material.’ This level of individualised care ensures that each customer walks away with a piece that’s not just visually appealing, but personally well-suited to them.
Ultimately, Mason reasons, there’s no substitute for the added enjoyment of the in-person experience. ‘You can only get so much from an image,’ he asserts. ‘The only way to ever really know is to hold it in your hand.’
A horological treasure trove: Pre-owned Richard Mille watches at Ninety London
Tourbillon RM 51-01 Tiger and Dragon – Michelle Yeoh
It’s time to take a look at some of the watches available at Ninety: and the very first watch I see instantly makes my expedition to Mayfair from the far-flung corners of North London’s Zone 5 well worth it. It’s a limited model of 20 pieces, christened the Tourbillon RM 51-01 Tiger and Dragon – Michelle Yeoh edition.
Richard Mille’s RM 51-01 Tiger and Dragon-Michelle Yeoh is more than just a timepiece – it’s a wearable masterpiece that blends high art, cultural symbolism, and cutting-edge horology. Created in collaboration with the celebrated Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh, this watch is a testament to their shared vision and creativity, building on their successful partnership that began with the RM 051 Phoenix Tourbillon back in 2011.
The RM 51-01 coincided with Yeoh’s return to the silver screen in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon II, reprising her role as the legendary Yu Shu Lien. This connection is elegantly reflected in the watch’s visual centrepiece: a tiger and a dragon, meticulously sculpted from 3N red gold, clutching onto the tourbillon. The creatures are hand-carved and painted using specialised miniature tools and painstaking micro-painting techniques, bringing them to life in vivid detail. The tiger, a symbol of courage and strength, is paired with the dragon, an emblem of prosperity and unity, in a harmonious representation of yin and yang.
Not only are these intricate, life-like figures visible on the dial, but a closer look through the sapphire crystal caseback reveals a delightful detail: the tiger’s paw from underfoot. It’s a subtle touch that underscores Richard Mille’s obsession with detail and storytelling.
Beyond its artistry, the RM 51-01 is also a technical marvel. The grade 5 titanium movement ensures robust performance, featuring a 48-hour power reserve and a torque-limiting crown to prevent overwinding. Thus, despite its intricate decoration that has given this watch its holy grail reputation, it’s a highly resilient piece.
RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur
Speaking of technical marvels, this next piece is my personal favourite, and with good reason: this is Richard Mille’s only watch to feature an automaton. The RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur, introduced back in 2015, takes the concept of horology as an art form to new heights, blending mechanical ingenuity with poetic naturalism.
Upon seeing this glittering watch, one is immediately drawn not only to the captivating baguette-set case, but to the magnolia flower, chosen by Richard Mille for its timeless symbolism of resilience and regeneration. Positioned at the lower left of the dial, the magnolia surrounds a flying tourbillon escapement, with five hand-sculpted and delicately painted petals that open and close in a mesmerising mechanical performance. This spectacle takes place every five minutes, and can also be activated on demand using a pusher at 9 o’clock – a feature I naturally took advantage of, time and again. But the magic doesn’t stop there. In a unique feat of biomimicry, the entire flying tourbillon moves upward by 1mm as the flower fully opens, mimicking the natural motion of a magnolia’s stamen arching upward to enhance pollination. It’s a very subtle yet utterly extraordinary detail.
What if there was an issue with the magnolia’s appearance, I ask? ‘If there was an aesthetic issue – really any other visual aspect of the watch – that’s not something I would handle,’ says Mason. ‘If it’s something painted or enamel, it would definitely need to be sent back to the original artisan or specialist. At Ninety, our ethos is all about making the watch as perfect as possible. Each component is made with care by a specific artisan, so if something needs fixing in terms of appearance, it should go back to the person who worked on it initially. Everything is numbered, so we can trace exactly who did what. For example, with enamel, there would definitely be an indicator to identify who was responsible for that part of the process.’
Likewise, Ninety’s lead in-house watchmaker informs me, if clients visit the manufacture and provide the case reference of their watch beforehand, Richard Mille can actually introduce them to the person who made it. ‘It’s a nice touch,’ says Mason. ‘We have a system in place, almost like a blockchain, where we can trace who did what.’
Satisfied, I return to admiring the grade 5 titanium movement, which is powered by a complex mechanism of five levers beneath the petals and a long pinion system that raises the tourbillon. To ensure flawless operation, a secondary winding barrel provides the necessary energy for the magnolia’s intricate opening and closing cycles. Limited to just 30 pieces worldwide, it’s no wonder the RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur is a Holy Grail of a collector piece, as well as a highly important part of the watch manufacture’s horological tapestry.
RM 018 Tourbillon Wristwatch ‘Hommage à Boucheron’
Time for a particularly special unique piece residing at Ninety during my visit. That said, RM fans may well already be well-acquainted with the Hommage à Boucheron, which was released way back in 2008 – a mere seven years after the brand’s founding – in celebration of 150 years since Boucheron’s founding. Bringing together jewellery and horological know-how, the series was limited to 30 watches, each of which used different precious stones on the wheels, as can be viewed via the dial.
This particular unique piece features malachite and lapis lazuli. In order to have every movement working perfectly – consider that every respective stone had a different weight – each movement had to be carefully adapted by Richard Mille’s engineers. This required three years of research and development, alongside plenty of complex mathematics, Mason tells me. Once the wheels were decorated with their stones, each was hand-crafted with a sunray pattern in the ateliers of Boucheron at 26, Place Vendôme Paris. The collaborative watch series is also recognisable thanks to unique geometry of the RM 018 case.
The RM 018’s innovative design also eliminates the traditional baseplate by employing two full-sized transparent sapphire plates as bridges, providing robust support for the entire movement. Synthetic sapphire crystal, with its rhomboidal crystalline structure and exceptional stability, thrives in extreme conditions thanks to its high melting point (2,303 Kelvin) and minimal thermal expansion. Its abrasion resistance, eight times that of steel, adds durability. Furthermore, the use of synthetic sapphire enhances visual transparency while maintaining thermal consistency between components, ensuring stability. Precision-engineered tooth profiles in the barrel and third wheel pinion allow smoother movement, improved torque transmission, and enhanced overall performance. What a work of art.
RM 003 V2 Tourbillon Dual Time Zone
It’s time to turn our heads away from temptingly artistic pieces, and more towards the pieces currently at Ninety that best embody Richard Mille’s ‘Racing machine on the wrist’ mantra’. The Richard Mille RM 003 V2 is, in my opinion, the horological equivalent of a bespoke sports car – high-tech, unapologetically complex, and built for those who demand the extraordinary. Introduced in 2005 only four years after the company’s founding, it’s living proof that RM has always been about fast-paced watchmaking. With its carbon nano-fibre baseplate this watch is as tough as it is innovative – and the one that we are viewing today is the white gold edition.
Under the hood (or should we say dial), the RM 003 V2 houses a manual-winding tourbillon movement that boasts hours, minutes, a second time zone, power reserve, torque indicator, and a function selector. The pièce de résistance? A dual time zone displayed via a transparent sapphire disc, ingeniously adjusted by a pusher at 9 o’clock. Of course, Richard Mille hasn’t skimped on engineering flair, with a fast-rotating barrel for smoother energy delivery and a torque indicator that ensures the mainspring is never too slack or over-wound. Think of it as the dashboard of this mechanical marvel.
The RM 003 V2’s technical mastery doesn’t stop there. Spline screws in grade 5 titanium promise durability that would make a Formula 1 engineer nod their approval. Meanwhile, the use of cutting-edge materials like rigidified ARCAP and ceramic end-stones for the tourbillon cage underline the brand’s obsession with precision and longevity.
Whether admiring its hand-polished anglage or its sapphire crystal allowing a good peek at the mechanics, I’m soon convinced that this watch delivers on every level. With measurements of 48mm x 39.7 mm in combination with a 13.65 mm height, it’s unapologetically bold, yet manages to marry its complexity with a touch of elegance.
RM 006 Tourbillon
Mason promptly presents us with another fast-paced collector’s piece from 2004. The Richard Mille RM 006 Tourbillon weighing only 43 grams and the first watch to be developed for and with the Brazilian driver, is a carbon-fibre-laden rebellion against horological tradition. Limited to just 20 pieces, this experimental marvel is a testament to the ‘what if?’ school of watchmaking. As Mason explains, this historically significant timepiece also marked the first time in history that Richard Mille endeavoured to craft a movement plate from carbon fibre – a feat that no doubt required years of obsessive research and development.
The ground-breaking timepiece offers a 48-hour power reserve and houses a manual-winding movement housed in a svelte yet unyielding case that matched to Massa’s desire for a watch capable of resisting the high g-forces in F1 racetrack conditions, whilst being extremely light and easy to wear. Thus, the bottom plate, ribbed for extra rigidity, is chemically neutral and impervious to temperature swings, meaning it’s as unfazed by the heat of the F1 as it is by a frosty British morning in Mayfair. The watch’s movement also uses splined screws in grade 5 titanium, while a corrected tooth profile for the barrel and third-wheel pinion delivers buttery-smooth motion and impeccable torque transmission.
Even the finish on the RM 006 feels like it deserves its own exhibit at the Design Museum: hand-polished bevels, sapphire-blasted surfaces, and gilded gear wheels all add to the spectacle. Despite its slim height of 6.35 mm and tourbillon diameter of 10.9mm, it’s a technical powerhouse disguised as an ultra-sleek statement piece. Back to my original statement: the RM 006 is a high-tech wrist-borne revolution, and the opportunity to see the watch at Ninety is something I won’t forget anytime soon. It also reminds me of the importance of Ninety as not a point of sale, but also a place where clients can educate themselves by accessing models you can really only expect to see once in a lifetime.
RM 010 Automatic
Next up, Ninety treat us to a white gold model from 2006 that’s right up my street: the RM 010 Automatic, which integrates cutting-edge horology without the need for ostentation. It’s an understated masterpiece, offering technical brilliance wrapped in a design that’s both contemporary and enduring.
Part of what makes this watch so brilliant is the RM 010’s movement, the RMAS7, a skeletonised automatic movement. Alongside the standard hours, minutes, and seconds, there’s a semi-instantaneous date display neatly positioned at 7 o’clock. What sets it apart, though, is the adjustable rotor geometry – a clever bit of engineering that allows the movement to adapt to how much you’re moving about. Whether you’re lounging or playing a round of tennis, it optimises the winding mechanism to keep things running smoothly. The double-barrel system deserves a mention too, providing a healthy 55-hour power reserve and distributing torque evenly to reduce wear and tear on key components. It’s the sort of detail that ensures the watch is as much a long-term companion as it is a technical showpiece.
Returning to the RM 010’s material, the baseplate, bridges, and balance cock are fashioned from grade 5 titanium, finished with black PVD or Titalyt coatings. This choice isn’t just for show; it ensures rigidity, durability, and stability, all of which are essential for the watch’s performance. Furthermore, applying the same methodology as that used in racing car engine development, the baseplate was skeletonised to make it as light as possible, while retaining its strength and flatness. By the way, the characteristics developed for these watches went on to become the pillars of the technical philosophy underpinning virtually all RM automatic movements.
Meanwhile, the case, available not only white gold but also red gold or titanium, is a marvel of precision engineering, requiring hundreds of individual machining operations to perfect. Alongside an entire year of research and development, no fewer than 68 different stamping operations were required for the bezel, middle section and caseback. Furthermore, the machine tooling process required eight days of adjusting the machines for the bezel, five for the middle section, and five for the caseback.
The design and construction of the RM 010 reflect a fully integrated approach to its movement, case, and dial. Every element has been crafted to exacting standards, mirroring the engineering precision seen in Formula 1, where the chassis and engine are developed in perfect harmony. The watch’s traditional casing ring has been replaced with chassis-mounted rubbers (ISOSW), secured by four grade 5 titanium screws. In addition, the tripartite case is water-resistant to 50 metres, with two Nitril O-ring seals and 12 grade 5 titanium spline screws keeping everything in place. Even the crown, crafted from micro-blasted titanium with an Alcryn collar, is designed with as much thought as the movement itself.
I’d underline that despite its many impressive features, the RM 010 Automatic is no flashy piece. Rather, it’s a quietly confident piece that balances technical sophistication with everyday wearability, and will likely be plucked out by a Ninety client who values precision and innovation, but prefers their luxury served with a dose of restraint.
RM 029
Mason then presents the Richard Mille RM 029 Automatic with Oversize Date, launched back in 2011. The centrepiece of this watch is its skeletonised RMAS7 movement, which took over ten months to perfect, offering an oversize date mechanism inspired by the RM 011 alongside a rotor with variable geometry that adapts to the wearer’s activity level. This rotor, crafted from grade 2 titanium and 18-carat white gold, ensures optimal mainspring rewinding, whether for sports or leisure.
The level of craftsmanship in the rotor’s design alone is extraordinary. The use of a special ceramic material for the ball bearings and the innovative titanium components provides exceptional durability and performance. The movement itself, with its 32 jewels and 4Hz frequency, not only guarantees precise timekeeping but also showcases the cutting-edge mechanics that Richard Mille is known for. The free sprung balance with variable inertia, which offers enhanced shock resistance and stability, is a standout feature, ensuring greater accuracy over time.
Moreover, the RM 029’s design is a perfect marriage of form and function. The meticulous engineering, which again draws inspiration from Formula 1, ensures that the movement, case, and dial are in complete harmony. The complexity involved in crafting the case is once again astonishing, with 47 stamping operations, 255 milling operations, and a full day of finishing work — all of which underscore the attention to detail that goes into each and every Richard Mille watch. The case’s water resistance, combined with its use of high-quality titanium screws and Nitril O-ring seals, adds a layer of practicality to the watch’s already impressive design.
RM 030 Automatic with Declutchable Rotor
The Richard Mille RM 030 Automatic with Declutchable Rotor, introduced that same year, is the final watch we are treated to at the Ninety store, and it is fittingly remarkable example of innovation at Richard Mille. Housed in a tonneau-shaped case, the RM 030 houses the groundbreaking calibre RMAR1, which features a declutchable rotor system. Unlike traditional automatic movements, the rotor in the RM 030 disconnects from the winding mechanism once the spring is fully wound, preventing overwinding and debris buildup, which can affect chronometric performance. The rotor re-engages automatically when the power reserve drops to 40 hours, allowing for a seamless and efficient winding experience.
This mechanism is linked to a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, providing users with a colourful visual cue of the winding phase. The rotor’s variable geometry further optimizes the rewinding speed according to the wearer’s activity, ensuring improved performance in both sports and leisure environments. The RMAR1 calibre, with 40 jewels and a free sprung balance with variable inertia, guarantees reliability, even under shock, and improves chronometric accuracy over time.
With its meticulously crafted case (requiring 86 swaging operations and over 255 tooling actions and assembled with 20 titanium screws and 316L stainless steel washers), the RM 030 is one final, glorious testament to the not only handsome, but also incredibly precise, innovative and durable pieces on offer at Ninety.
Ninety: More than a store
It’s tempting to talk about the watches at Ninety all day, and we certainly whiled away many hours discussing the watches. However, we eventually conclude our visit with one final question for Thomas Mason: for all his talents, what makes him stay at Ninety alongside Richard Mille after all these years? His answer is simple. ‘I love the brand. I love its general ethos. It’s about pushing boundaries, finding new materials, discovering new techniques, and creating pieces that are very modern interpretations of an old technology. The function of the mechanical watch hasn’t changed for a long time, but what we can change is the way we do it; the materials we use and the innovative processes we apply. Richard Mille is fantastic for just that,’ Ninety’s steadfast watchmaker concludes. ‘We’re always producing new pieces and finding new ways to create them. A lot of these are now made at the brand’s own production facilities, which is exciting to see. The manufacture and Ninety are two of my favourite places in the world.’
