Jay-Z possesses one of the most exclusive, valuable, and coveted watch collections in the world. His assortment includes incredibly rare APs, intricately adorned Pateks with diamonds, and vintage Rolexes with dual signatures. However, the timepiece he recently sported while spending time with designer June Ambrose is truly exceptional and unlike anything you’ve probably seen before. Created in 2022, the Richard Mille RM47 is a mind-boggling piece of wearable art, even by the renowned Swiss watchmaker’s luxurious standards. With only 75 pieces produced and a price tag of approximately $1 million, its construction and decorative details are truly remarkable.

Inspired by the story of Samurai warrior Asano Naganori, the daimyo of the Asano clan of Hiroshima, whose death was famously avenged by his 47 rōnin, the RM47 is a tonneau-shaped, time-only watch with a tourbillon mechanism. It is adorned with a helmet featuring the Asano family crest, or kamon. The manually-wound RM47 movement, which provides a power reserve of 72 hours, was specially designed to ensure a snug fit beneath the samurai uniform and beneath the watch’s crystal.

The watch’s skeletonized baseplate is crafted from Grade 5 titanium and includes a free-sprung balance for enhanced shock resistance and a fast-rotating barrel for improved movement performance. The pièce de résistance is the armor made from 3N yellow gold that protects the movement. It is meticulously hand-engraved over 16 hours, showcasing intricate details such as ribbons on the helmet, crossed falcon feathers on the tourbillon, and the expression on the samurai mask. Once engraved, the armor is hand-painted with a translucent coat and then baked.

Measuring 42.7mm x 50mm, the RM47’s case combines scratch-resistant TPZ black ceramic and 18K 3N yellow gold. It is assembled with 20 Grade 5 titanium spline screws and features two Nitrile o-rings for water resistance up to 30m. The crown incorporates a torque-limiting system to prevent overwinding. In addition to the remarkable dial artistry, the innovative case and movement construction exemplify Richard Mille’s commitment to technological advancement—a factor that may impress enthusiasts considering the watch’s hefty price tag of $1,080,000.

Watch collecting is subjective, with different individuals gravitating towards different styles and features. While some may find simplicity and elegance in a Rolex Submariner, others appreciate the intricate mechanisms of a perpetual calendar or the superb finishing of high-end Lange movements. Regardless of personal preferences, it is difficult to deny the extraordinary craftsmanship behind the RM47 from Richard Mille.