When Lionel Messi wrapped up his spectacular India tour, he left with more than memories—he departed wearing one of the rarest luxury timepieces ever created. Anant Ambani, son of Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, gifted the football legend an ultra-exclusive Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon “Asia Edition” valued at approximately ₹10.9-11 crore ($1.2 million).
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Messi’s Richard Mille Watch That Stopped the Internet
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon “Asia Edition” |
| Price | ₹10.9-11 crore (~$1.2 million) |
| Global Production | Only 12 pieces worldwide |
| Case Material | Carbon TPT (Thin Ply Technology) |
| Movement | Manual-winding tourbillon with GMT |
| Case Size | 38mm tripartite design |
| Notable Feature | Skeleton dial, dual time zone, aerospace-grade materials |
Why This Watch Costs More Than Most Mansions
The Richard Mille brand represents horological engineering’s pinnacle. The RM 003-V2’s Carbon TPT case uses Formula 1 and aerospace materials. Its manual-winding tourbillon movement features dual time zones, power-reserve indicators, and an innovative sapphire disc that makes numerals appear illuminated—a technical achievement that became iconic across Richard Mille’s collection.
The Elite Club of RM 003-V2 Owners
With only 12 pieces produced globally, ownership is impossibly exclusive. Current owners include Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, F1 driver Mick Schumacher, former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt, Crown Prince of Johor, and master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen—now joined by Lionel Messi.
Anant’s Own Wrist: A ₹45 Crore Statement
While gifting Messi an ₹11 crore timepiece, Anant Ambani wore something even more extraordinary—the one-of-one Richard Mille RM 056 Sapphire Tourbillon valued at $5 million (approximately ₹45.6 crore), making it one of the most expensive watches ever created.
The Vantara Connection: More Than Just Luxury
The gift exchange occurred at Vantara, Anant Ambani’s wildlife rescue center in Jamnagar. Messi and Inter Miami teammates participated in traditional Hindu rituals including Maha Aarti. They toured the wildlife hospital, interacted with rescued animals, and witnessed Messi play football with Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf. A lion cub was named “Lionel” in his honor.
Observers noted Messi arrived without a watch—and left wearing the ultra-rare Richard Mille.
Context: When ₹11 Crore Is Just a Gesture
Messi’s entire three-day India tour cost ₹100-150 crore. The watch represents roughly 7-11% of his tour fee—a proportional gesture from the Ambani family’s vast wealth. The RM 003-V2 is an “insider’s watch” signaling horological knowledge rather than loud flexing, with its GMT complication proving practically essential for a global athlete.
FAQs
How many Richard Mille RM 003-V2 “Asia Edition” watches exist?
Only 12 pieces of the Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon “Asia Edition” were ever produced globally, making it one of the rarest luxury timepieces in existence. Messi now owns one of these ultra-exclusive watches.
What watch was Anant Ambani wearing when he gifted Messi the Richard Mille?
Anant Ambani wore the Richard Mille RM 056 Sapphire Tourbillon—a one-of-one creation with a fully transparent sapphire case valued at approximately ₹45.6 crore ($5 million), significantly more expensive than the watch he gifted Messi.
