While watching Manchester City play Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, Pep Guardiola's £1 million watch caught the attention of the world. The extravagant Richard Mille timepiece was spotted on his wrist at Madrid's Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, as reported by TNT Sports, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's parent company.
The limited-edition timepiece is one of only 50 ever made. According to the designer, it is the lightest mechanical watch ever made, weighing only 18.83 grams including the strap. That’s equivalent to about four sheets of A4 or US letter-size paper.
Originally, the watch was designed for 22-time Grand Slam tennis champion Rafael Nadal to wear while playing. Every element of the watch was carefully engineered to minimize its weight.
Guardiola's Manchester City won the Champions League last year.
Guardiola's Manchester City won the Champions League last year.
The back of the watch is made from carbon, which makes it resistant to shocks and scratches. It is also incredibly light. The titanium baseplate is connected to the case using four steel cables, each measuring just 0.35mm (0.01 inches) in diameter.
Guardiola is known for his stylish presence on the sidelines, and his passion for fashion can be traced back to his early days as a footballer. Back in 1993, during his time with Barcelona FC, he even strutted down the runway for Spanish designer Antonio Miró.
Credit: This report includes contributions from CNN’s Ben Church.
Editor's P/S:
Pep Guardiola's extravagant timepiece, worth a staggering £1 million, has sparked a buzz among football fans and horology enthusiasts alike. The Richard Mille RM 65-01, designed for tennis legend Rafael Nadal, is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and technological advancements in watchmaking. It's astounding to think that such a complex and lightweight timepiece can withstand the rigors of professional tennis or the intense emotions of a Champions League match.
Guardiola's penchant for fashion, exemplified by his modeling days, further highlights the convergence of style and sports. The watch not only serves as a timekeeping device but also as a statement piece, reflecting his passion for both horology and the beautiful game. It's a fascinating juxtaposition to witness such a high-value accessory on the wrist of a coach renowned for his tactical brilliance and intensity on the sidelines.