$1 Million Masterpiece Bestowed Upon “Samurai” Fernando Alonso for Warrior Like Spirit On & Off the Track

Fernando Alonso is one of a kind. The 41-year-old Spaniard is a warrior in every sense and has entered the battlefield once again in 2023. Luckily for him, Aston Martin has provided him with a worthy vessel for the battle. This is not just a euphemism but is a part of Alonso’s core values. These warriors’ values are so strong in Alonso that those values completely inspired his Richard Mille limited edition watch.

The $1 million masterpiece designed by Alonso

Alonso sat down with Richard Mille himself and discussed his enthusiasm toward Japanese culture. This was the inspiration behind the RM47. Since the conversation, it has taken four years to make and will retail at a cool  $1 million according to a blog by Supercar Blondie. Seeing it’s a special edition collector’s item, there are only 75 pieces in circulation.

They crafted the beautiful watch in grade 5 titanium and is biocompatible, which is highly corrosion-resistant and remarkably rigid. A watch a samurai can wear on missions, perhaps without worrying about breaking it. Or even a Formula 1 driver while flying at high speeds on a track. All jokes aside, Alonso is considered a warrior on and off track, such is the aura of the Spaniard.

Vincenzo Landino also revealed Alonso’s warrior spirit and fascination with Japanese culture through a Twitter thread. He quoted Alonso saying, “I like the culture of Japan, where education and discipline feature very strongly and the people are so polite. I am a fan of Samurai culture in particular and that is one of the things that inspires me and makes me happy when I come here.”

Read More: Fernando Alonso Clings on to the Slightest “1%” Hope to Make the Elusive Dreams Come True: “I Wouldn’t Have Continued If…”

The rare and beautiful watch features a completely armored samurai, including swords. Apart from Alonso’s influence, let’s look at the other motivating factor behind the watch.

Fernando Alonso and Richard Mille give tribute to the Asano family with the RM47

Richard Mille has collaborated with various F1 drivers in the past. However, no watch comes close to the RM47. The RM47 is a tribute to the Asano Family.

With the watch, Alonso and Richard Mille are paying their respects to the legendary Japanese Hiroshima family. Asano Naganori, the daimyo, or chief of the family, was the lord of the 47 rōnin. The 18th-century warriors avenged their chieftain and followed him into the nether world.

The Asano family’s Kamon features on the tourbillon at 6 o’clock on the watch. A Kamon is a unique symbol of every samurai clan.

WATCH THIS STORY: Oldest Formula 1 Driver’s on the 2022 Grid

Such a unique, timeless item is a thing of beauty, and just like Alonso will increase in value for every collector.