Titled "Distant Bliss", the ultra-exclusive artwork is out of this world
Pharrell’s ultra-exclusive Richard Mille timepiece, the RM 52-05 Tourbillon Pharrell Williams Sapphire, first topped every watch collector’s wish list in 2019.
A longtime fan of Richard Mille as well as the television series Star Trek, Pharrell drew from his lifelong fascination with space for the US$1 million wristwatch, which was limited to 30 pieces worldwide.
The award-winning singer, songwriter and producer allegedly befriended the brand’s owner after Mille heard Pharrell’s 2006 single Can I Have It Like That. The line, “She knows the time she sees the Richard Mille,” caught the watchmaker's attention, who insisted the two meet.
Fast forward to today and the duo have collaborated once again on a bespoke sculpture that only owners of the RM 52-05 Tourbillon Pharrell Williams Sapphire can purchase.
Titled Distant Bliss, the 14-inch resin sculpture depicts a figure that closely resembles Pharrell floating upwards despite being anchored by balloons. The artwork was handmade in Los Angeles by artist duo Coarse and presented in a display stand made by Ault Studio.
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Only 15 of these sculptures have been made, meaning only half of RM 52-05 Tourbillon Pharrell Williams Sapphire owners are able to get their hands on one.
The tourbillon boasts one of the most decorative dials you’re likely to find on a watch today. Richard Mille’s artisans went all out to depict a view of the Earth as reflected in the helmet visor of an astronaut standing on Mars' surface. An expert engraver, enameller and painter were brought in specifically to perfect the colourful spaceman, with each dial taking 15 hours to complete.
"I’ve always been fascinated by looking up at the sky. What could be more inspiring than all that ever was and all that ever will be?" Williams said of his watch. "Space, before your eyes. It’s yours to see. It was here before the Earth, before this Solar System. It’ll be here after us and nothing’s more meaningful than that. When I look up at the sky I’m looking at God. I feel part of so many different parts of a whole."
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