6 Of The Best Cheaper Richard Mille Alternatives

In the world of luxury timepieces, Richard Mille watches are easy to spot – their look is inspired by the automotive, aeronautics, and sailing world. Their aesthetic is unapologetically bold and combines the high-tech aspects of innovation, resistant materials, and accuracy found in their sources of inspiration. The brand is located in Les Breloux, Switzerland, in the Canton of Jura and was founded by Richard Mille and Dominique Guenat, if you are looking for decent and cheaper Richard Mille alternatives, your choices are limited.

Fortunately, we are listing some of the best models that are similar in terms of the overall look and feel. Before we jump to them, let’s just say a few words about Richard Mille as a brand, the design of these ultra-luxury Swiss-made watches, and some of the core values of the brand.

About Richard Mille Watches

Richard Mille is a brand that is famous for its bespoke timepieces, which feature unique cases with high-quality baseplate materials such as carbon nanotubes, gold fused with carbon, and toughened ceramic. Transforming all of these materials into unique watches is something that requires attention to detail, and is what brings a unique flair to the luxurious look and feel of Richard Mille.

On the other hand, the Richard Mille watches are commonly characterised by their tourbillion movement, which is essentially a rotating cage that is sophisticated and built with a range of distinctive materials such as hybrid or titanium. One of the most famous Richard Mille watches is the $2 million RM 56-02 Tourbillion Sapphire, but there are plenty of other models that mimic its unique design and features.

While Richard Mille is a very expensive and well-known luxury watch manufacturer, what many of you are probably wondering is whether there are designs resembling this exclusive and instantly recognizable brand. Below, we are listing some of the cheaper Richard Mille alternatives which will cost you a lot less but add a similar style on your wrist.

6 Cheaper Richard Mille Alternatives You Should Consider

The good thing is that there are other luxury brands such as Franck Muller making designs that are considered Richard Mille alternatives. These watches are also made with fine materials and to high standards but will cost you less. If you are looking for budget alternatives to Richard Mille watches, there are models that you can find with movements and materials that are much cheaper. Let’s explore some of the best timepieces for all budgets.

Quick Links: 

• #1 – CIGA Design Z Series Automatic Wristwatch
• #2 – Reef Tiger Skeleton RGA1917
• #3 – Mini Focus Chronograph
• #4 – Franck Muller Vanguard Watch
• #5 – FEICE Skeleton Luxury Waterproof Watch (FM602)
• #6 – Hublot Big Bang Steel Ceramic Men’s Watch

#1 – CIGA Design Z Series Automatic Wristwatch

Meet CIGA Design – a brand that is also the Design Award Winner of 2020, for its full hollow design that goes away from the traditional timepiece design and comes very close to Richard Miller’s unique timepieces. The good amount of metal, sharp lines, and nice wristband all deliver a sophisticated style that makes the Z Series instantly recognizable.

Carved from titanium, this watch ensures life-long durability and superior strength. It is also backed by the 3 ATM waterproof grade, preventing water splashes when washing. However, the watch is not recommended for bathing, swimming, or diving.

As the brand says, the Z Series lets you “hear the heartbeat of a movement” – speaking of which, there is a customized AAA-level self-winding mechanical movement with power reserve up to 40 hours. The kinetic energy in this case is harnessed from your activities and used to power the movement of the watch.

The CIGA Design Z Series comes with two straps, one of which is made from food-grade silicone, and the other made from genuine leather. Due to its titanium case, good versatility, and unique design, it is considered one of the best cheaper Richard Mille alternatives.

#2 – Reef Tiger Skeleton RGA1917

This model by Reef Tiger resembles one of the most iconic Richard Mille models, which is the Manual Worldtimer Tourbillion (RM58-1). Although not so sophisticated or expensive, the Reef Tiger model is certainly one of the cheaper Richard Mille alternatives that are scratch-resistant and come in different colours. Featuring a high-quality Sea-Gull ST1771 Automatic Movement, the 40mm timepiece is very stylish and modern.

There is a black inner bezel, and a Grade 9 anti-reflective sapphire crystal, while the case features a skeleton dial with leaf-shaped hands and diamond/stick markers. The strap is easy to remove, designed with half-edges, and made from calfskin.

For those who don’t know, Reef Tiger is a German brand assembled in China that produces authentic models that are considered cheaper Richard Mille alternatives. The brand’s offering includes a variety of designs, but each of them is close to the ones by Richard Mille.

#3 – Mini Focus Men’s Watch

The Mini Focus Men’s Watch suits casual and formal occasions. Powered by a six-hand multi-function quartz movement, the watch features three chronograph sub-dials for precise timekeeping and a 30M (100FT) water resistance, making it ideal for everyday use in various settings, including business, casual, and outdoor activities.

One of the most impressive features of this timepiece is its super luminous function. The luminous hands and calibration make it easy to read the time in the dark, providing convenience and practicality. To activate the luminous function, expose the watch to light before using it in a low-light environment.

In conclusion, the Mini Focus Men’s Watch is an excellent budget alternative for those looking for Richard Mille aesthetics without worrying about the price point. It is an excellent choice for men who value both style and practicality. Impressive features make it a perfect companion for various indoor and outdoor activities. At the same time, its high-quality gift box presentation ensures it makes a great gift for any occasion.

#4 – Franck Muller Vanguard Watch

The Franck Muller Vanguard chronograph is a strikingly luxurious watch that is considered a classic by many timepiece aficionados. It is also a watch that catches the eye of anyone seeing it on your wrist. As you can see from the image below, it has a bold wrist presence, so if you are looking for something that you can tuck away under a cuff, it is definitely not your ideal choice.

The Vanguard model measures 44 mm x 53 mm, and has a barrel-shaped design that comes in many different colours. We particularly like this mix of silver and blue, as well as the black matte one. Constructed of stainless steel with a polished gold sandwich insert, the watch looks beautiful from every angle – especially the front of the case.

On the inside of the case, the Vanguard sports a caliber that is exquisitely finished with Côtes de Genève plating, covering the 4Hz mechanical movement (FM-7000) beating at 28,800 VPH and with a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.

#5 – FEICE Skeleton Luxury Waterproof Watch (FM602)

FEICE is a renowned watchmaker known for quality timepieces, and the Skeleton Luxury FM602 model is one of the cheaper Richard Mille alternatives. Available in red, black, red/black, and two more optional extras, this luxury vintage watch incorporates the skeleton design, featuring a crown that resembles the wheel of a sports car.

The eye-catching appearance makes it easy to see the movement, which is automatic and packing 19 jewels with a power reserve of 24 hours and a vibration of frequency of 21600. A true highlight of this watch is the sapphire crystal mirror, measuring 9 on the Mohs scale and having the same hardness as natural gemstones. This is what makes the watch a bit more expensive compared to the other Richard Mille alternatives, but also what makes it capable of absorbing shocks without damage.

All in all, FEICE’s model is amazingly durable and scratch-proof. Its water resistance is 5ATM (50 meters), making it suitable for bathing and swimming.

#6 – HUBLOT SPIRIT OF BIG BANG MOONPHASE TITANIUM 42MM

Hublot is a well-known name in the watch industry, and the Spirit of Big Bang is undoubtedly one of the most exciting models by the brand. It is also considered one of the closest Richard Mille alternatives because of its skeleton design and tonneau-shaped case.

The Spirit of Big Bang features a 42mm satin-finished and polished titanium case. Its eye-catching skeleton dial, protected by anti-reflective sapphire crystal, provides a glimpse into the inner workings of the HUB1770 self-winding movement. In addition to its design, this watch has some traditional complications integrated into the modern design, including a date display window, moonphase indicator, and power reserve indicator. Its water resistance of 100 meters makes it suitable for everyday wear and various water-related activities, while its 50-hour power reserve ensures reliability.

To complete the look, the Spirit of Big Bang is fitted with a comfortable black structured lined rubber strap. The stainless steel deployant buckle clasp provides a secure fit, making this watch perfect for any occasion. The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang is a fantastic alternative to a Richard Mille, sharing design elements but with a unique Hublot flair in a more accessible package.

Summary 

As you can see, there are plenty of manufacturers that are designing watches that are less expensive than Richard Mille. Even though most of the models don’t quite match the unique sophistication found in the Swiss brand, they are legitimately cheaper Richard Mille alternatives that you can rely on.

So, if you don’t like breaking the bank but would appreciate a model with a unique Richard Mille Skeleton Design, we believe the list from above helped you make a final decision.

Please visit our shop section to have a browse of what we have and see if there are any other models that fit your budget and check out the rest of our blog for more informative articles right here.