FINDERS KEEPERS

Written By: Jenna Delaney

I got 99 problems but finding a pre-owned Richard Mille ain't one...

Where can you source a discontinued Richard Mille watch? How do you know a pre-loved timepiece is as legitimate as it looks? While the market for pre- owned watches has expanded in recent years, there is still a significant amount of education and reassurance required to help consumers navigate this unicorn territory of rare timepieces. That’s where Ninety steps in. As the only officially authorized retailer of pre-owned Richard Mille watches in Europe and the Middle East, the boutique concept offers both buyers and watches a second chance.

The first Ninety boutique opened at 90 Mount Street, London, in 2021. With its unique access to the full Richard Mille service channels and facilities, including genuine parts, tooling, straps, and equipment, the boutique sets a high precedent for the standard of its watches. In an excerpt from the Richard Mille Art Book, Tilly Harrison, head of the Ninety Mount Street dealership explains, “Condition is, of course, a major factor, as is the originality, brand, and model of the watch. For this reason, the work we do here at Ninety is important — we want to protect the inherent value of the brand.”

Equipped with a workshop and a Richard Mille tourbillon trained watchmaker, the boutique meticulously accesses watches before an offer is made — something that is comforting to any collector seeking to have their model valued on-site or any future client looking to make a purchase. “It is our responsibility to ensure every watch we sell within a Ninety boutique is in the best-possible condition and fully serviced,” continues Harrison. Offering a two-year international Richard Mille warranty, as well as an official pre-owned Certificate of Authenticity, the boutique provides a more secure platform for the pre-owned sector.

While Ninety competes with online marketplaces, auction houses, and specialized dealers, its close relation to the Richard Mille Group makes it a more appealing route. “We know the exact history of every watch we offer, where it was sold and when, its service history, and so on,” says Harrison. With the knowledge, expertise, and inside connections, Ninety understands the value of Richard Mille’s caliber of watches, which is often based on technical innovation, design, and rarity.

It’s no secret that Richard Mille’s popularity is, in part, due to the exclusivity of its watches. Made in limited quantities, the timepieces are difficult to find. New releases are subtly introduced and many models are discontinued shortly after. Co-designed chronographs and collaborative pieces with ambassadors like Rafael Nadal, prove even more challenging to source, and with A-list clients sporting never-before-seen models, the demand only ever increases. Therefore, with Ninety’s privileged access and Richard Mille’s backing, it has become the go-to destination for rare and historical pieces. With a second boutique opened in Geneva earlier this year, Ninety continues to thrive just like the pre-owned watches we’re all searching to find.