A Rich Guy, A Timeless Masterpiece, And a Price Tag That Sparks Debate
Lionel Messi wrapped up his inaugural GOAT Tour in India, hitting four major stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. After the events, he paid a visit to Vantara, the wildlife rescue and conservation center founded by Anant Ambani. There, the Argentine legend received one of the world’s most exclusive luxury watches—a gift valued at roughly Rs 10.9 crore from Ambani.
The watch in question is the Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon “Asia Edition.” It’s among a mere 12 pieces produced worldwide, placing it in the upper echelon of Richard Mille’s most coveted models.
Initial sightings suggested Messi arrived at the event without a watch, only to be spotted later wearing the RM 003-V2. Here’s what makes this piece extraordinary.
Key details about the RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon “Asia Edition”
- It features a manual-winding tourbillon that displays hours, minutes, and a second time zone.
- A function selector, power-reserve indicator, and torque indicator are integrated into a skeleton dial set in a black carbon case with a titanium baseplate.
- The 38mm case is crafted from Carbon TPT, a high-tech material originally developed for aerospace and Formula 1. A standout innovation is its sapphire disc, which creates a striking visual effect: the black hour numerals seem to glow over a white section at 3 o’clock.
- The tourbillon mechanism helps compensate for gravitational effects to improve precision. An additional clever feature lets the wearer switch between winding, neutral, and hand-setting modes via a crown-integrated pusher.
Ownership among the ultra-elite is a short club. In addition to Messi’s new gift, the RM 003-V2 has graced the wrists of notable figures such as Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher, and former FIA president and Ferrari boss Jean Todt. Other prominent owners include the Crown Prince of Johor, Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, and esteemed watchmaker Kari Voutilainen.
And this is where the story gets interesting: the price tag attached to this single piece isn’t just about luxury—it stirs conversations about accessibility, design philosophy, and the role of wealth in prestigious horology. Some observers argue that limited-edition watches like the RM 003-V2 symbolize human achievement and engineering prowess; others question whether exclusivity and extreme pricing merely gatekeep a hobby that arguably should be more inclusive. What’s your take on such ultra-luxe timepieces: brilliant feats of craft or over-the-top status symbols? Share your thoughts below.
