Richard Mille had already established a respected career in horology prior to his global fame. Beginning his career with the boutique French watchmaker Finhor in the mid-1970s, he rose through the ranks of Matra's chronometer business to become a manager. Matra bought out Finhor in 1981. Years later, the Frenchman joined jeweller Mauboussin to assist in the launch of the company's watch division. Mille, though, was hungry for more, despite having achieved such renowned positions. He created his own firm, Richard Mille SA, in 1999 alongside Swiss manufacturer Audemars Piguet, based on his extensive experience handling luxury jewelry and excellent chronographs. The RM 001 is a limited-edition model:  Despite the fact that the launch of the brand's first watch would take two years, many people thought it was well worth the wait. The RM 001, created in partnership with Renaud et Papi, Audemars Piguet's research and development arm, and constructed to defy standard high-end watch design codes, has firmly established itself as one of the world's most famous watches. Mille's company has become known as "the secret billionaire's handshake" in addition to developing technically complex machinery. Richard Mille is known for using unusual case and baseplate materials like carbon nanotubes, gold fused with carbon, and toughened ceramic in their watches. The materials add sturdiness to the blend.