Richard Mille for Wired UK, Lausanne, Switzerland

For Wired UK Scanderbeg Sauer documented the industrial production environment at North Thin Ply Technology in Lausanne. The focus was on advanced composite systems developed for Richard Mille.

The assignment had three core objectives. It captured the full industrial manufacturing environment on site. It also documented advanced composite materials used in luxury watchmaking. Furthermore, it positioned Richard Mille within a wider technical ecosystem defined by aerospace, Formula 1, and marine applications.

The imagery traces Carbon TPT and Quartz TPT components through the complete production chain. This includes unidirectional fiber processing, automated tape layup, and autoclave curing under tightly controlled clean room conditions.

Two key challenges defined the production. The first was working inside active clean room environments where contamination control and strict production protocols limited movement, timing, and equipment handling. The second was translating highly technical industrial processes into a clear visual narrative without interrupting ongoing manufacturing operations. Additionally, there were no controlled lighting setups inside sensitive production zones.

The solution was a tightly managed photography and postproduction approach with precise coordination on site. The result is a consistent and technically accurate documentation of advanced composite manufacturing aligned with high end industrial storytelling.

The value for the client lies in making this process legible for an editorial audience while maintaining technical credibility. This positions Richard Mille as an engineering driven system rather than a conventional luxury brand. It also strengthens the connection between research, production, and final product.

Read the full article 'How Richard Mille Takes Quartz Watches to a Surprising Level' by Tim Barber on Wired.com.