When a watchmaker famous for bending technology to style teams up with a player known for bending the rules of the golf course, the result is bound to turn heads. Richard Mille’s collaboration with Bubba Watson — seen through standout pieces like the RM 038, RM 38-01, and RM 055 — is not just about celebrity branding. It’s a demonstration of what happens when high horology meets athletic performance. These watches tell a story of extreme lightness, shock resistance, and personality, echoing Bubba’s powerful drives and bold character on and off the green.
A Watch Built to Withstand the Drive
Bubba Watson’s game is defined by power and precision, and his swing delivers some of the highest impact forces in professional golf. Richard Mille knew that any watch destined for Bubba’s wrist had to handle the unique stresses of that environment — forces that could easily destroy a conventional mechanical movement. The RM 038 was designed specifically to withstand these challenges. It combined an ultra-light titanium baseplate with a skeletonized tourbillon movement, ensuring both strength and minimal weight. Later, the RM 38-01 added a mechanical G-sensor, allowing Bubba and other enthusiasts to measure the forces generated during a swing — a perfect fusion of sport and science.
Engineering and Materials
Richard Mille is renowned for his use of advanced materials, and the Bubba Watson models are perfect examples. The watches incorporate grade 5 titanium, Carbon TPT, and Quartz TPT — materials known for their resilience and lightness. The cases are meticulously shaped for comfort, while the skeletonized bridges and plates showcase the brand’s engineering artistry. Every angle, bevel, and surface is hand-finished, reflecting a philosophy that treats the inside of the watch with the same care as the outside.
The signature tonneau-shaped case, often in striking shades of white or pink to match Bubba’s personal flair, immediately sets these models apart. The combination of advanced composites and bold colorways creates a watch that feels futuristic yet deeply personal.
The Power of Exclusivity
Richard Mille doesn’t mass-produce watches. Each RM Bubba Watson reference was made in limited numbers — often only a few dozen pieces — making them instantly collectible. From the beginning, scarcity was part of the appeal. The high price tags were not just a reflection of luxury branding but of the extreme craftsmanship and innovation poured into each piece.
As the years passed, these watches became more than golf accessories. They turned into cultural statements — symbols of exclusivity and modern success. Today, collectors and enthusiasts view the Bubba Watson models as cornerstones in the Richard Mille legacy.
The Look and Feel
One of the reasons collectors love the RM Bubba Watson series is the wearing experience. Despite their complex construction, these watches are incredibly light. The use of titanium and composite materials ensures that they feel almost weightless on the wrist, which is essential for an athlete like Bubba.
Yet, they still manage to have a strong presence. The curved tonneau case hugs the wrist perfectly, and the visible movement creates an impression of floating machinery. Every detail — from the dimpled crown that resembles a golf ball to the openworked dial — connects the design back to Bubba’s sport while maintaining the sophistication expected of a six-figure timepiece.
A Watch That Defines the Brand
The Bubba Watson collaboration represents more than a partnership — it embodies Richard Mille’s philosophy. The brand’s mantra has always been to blend modern technology with traditional craftsmanship. The RM Bubba series perfectly captures that spirit by pushing boundaries in materials science and design while still paying homage to watchmaking heritage.
This partnership also reinforced Richard Mille’s position as the watchmaker of athletes and innovators. From Formula 1 drivers to tennis champions, the brand became synonymous with individuals who demand performance without compromise. Bubba Watson’s timepieces became part of that story — a testament to resilience, creativity, and the idea that a mechanical watch can thrive under pressure.
Modern Relevance and Appeal
In recent years, the Richard Mille x Bubba Watson watches have only gained more attention. Social media, celebrity endorsements, and the ongoing fascination with ultra-luxury sports watches have fueled renewed interest. The unique combination of technical innovation, rarity, and daring aesthetics makes the RM Bubba line a must-have for serious collectors.
Moreover, these watches speak to a younger generation of luxury buyers who value individuality and performance over traditional formality. The RM Bubba Watson isn’t about subtle prestige — it’s about standing out, about owning a piece of art that feels alive with movement and purpose.
Owning a Bubba Watson RM
For those considering investing in one, the process is far from ordinary. Given their rarity, authentic examples typically circulate through select dealers or private sales. Documentation and provenance are critical, as these watches command high values in the secondary market. Each piece reflects hundreds of hours of craftsmanship and represents a blend of artistry, physics, and luxury design.
Buyers are not just purchasing a timepiece; they’re joining a small circle of enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical innovation and avant-garde aesthetics. Servicing and maintaining such a watch is also a specialized affair, requiring expert handling to preserve the integrity of its delicate yet durable tourbillon movement.
The Enduring Legacy
The RM Bubba Watson line has become an icon in the world of luxury watches. It stands for innovation, resilience, and individuality — qualities that define both Bubba Watson and the Richard Mille brand. In a market flooded with classic luxury designs, the Bubba models break the mold by representing the future of fine watchmaking: lightweight, experimental, and unapologetically bold.
Ultimately, what makes these watches so appealing isn’t just their price or rarity — it’s what they symbolize. They represent a partnership between technology and art, between precision and personality. In a single timepiece, Richard Mille captures the spirit of motion, the elegance of engineering, and the thrill of sport.
For collectors and enthusiasts alike, the Bubba Watson editions are more than watches — they are mechanical expressions of confidence and creativity, living proof that modern horology still knows how to surprise and inspire.
