When Lionel Messi’s visit to India made headlines, it wasn’t just football fans who were watching closely. Luxury enthusiasts across the country were quick to spot something extraordinary during Messi’s visit to Vantara in Jamnagar, hosted by Anant Ambani — a moment that turned into one of the most talked-about luxury sightings of the year.
While the spotlight remained firmly on the ₹10 crore watch gifted to Messi, sharp-eyed observers noticed something even more staggering: Anant Ambani himself was wearing a watch worth nearly ₹46 crore.
Messi’s India Visit: Football, Culture & Vantara
Lionel Messi arrived in India along with football stars Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. The trio participated in cultural ceremonies and toured Vantara, the large-scale wildlife conservation project spearheaded by Anant Ambani.
They were welcomed with:
- Traditional rituals
- Folk performances
- Floral greetings
Images from the visit showed the footballers observing rescued lions, tigers, and other wildlife. But beyond the conservation focus, it was a luxury watch moment that stole the internet’s attention.
The ₹10 Crore Watch Gifted to Lionel Messi
During the visit, Anant Ambani gifted Lionel Messi a Richard Mille RM 003 Asia Boutique, instantly making global headlines.
Details of Messi’s Watch
- Model: Richard Mille RM 003 Asia Boutique
- Value: Approx. $1.2 million (₹10 crore)
- Limited Edition: Only 12 pieces worldwide
- Material: Carbon TPT case
- Features: Skeletonised movement, tourbillon, GMT function
Among watch collectors, the RM 003 is a prized early-era Richard Mille, representing the brand’s experimental phase in haute horology. On the secondary market, this model is valued between $1.1–$1.3 million, making it one of the most expensive watches ever gifted to a sportsperson during an India visit.
But Did You Spot Anant Ambani’s ₹46 Crore Watch?
While the RM 003 dominated headlines, luxury watch enthusiasts quickly noticed that Anant Ambani was wearing an even rarer timepiece — one that dwarfs Messi’s gift in both rarity and price.
Anant Ambani’s Watch: Richard Mille RM 056 Sapphire Tourbillon
- Value: Approx. $5 million (₹45.59 crore)
- Edition: One-of-one globally
- Case: Fully transparent sapphire crystal
- Movement: Suspended tourbillon that appears to float
The RM 056 is widely regarded as a museum-grade masterpiece in watchmaking. Its transparent sapphire case exposes every detail of the movement, showcasing extreme engineering precision. This is not a watch built for subtlety — it is designed to be noticed.
Anant Ambani has been seen wearing this watch on previous occasions, including during his Global Humanitarian Award for Animal Welfare acceptance.
Inside Anant Ambani’s Ultra-Rare Watch Collection
Anant Ambani’s watch collection is defined by extreme rarity, limited editions, and record-breaking prices.
Some standout pieces include:
Richard Mille RM 52-04 “Skull” Blue Sapphire
- Limited to 3 pieces worldwide
- Estimated value: ₹22 crore
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime
- One of the most complicated watches ever made
- Estimated value: ₹66.5 crore
- Seen during Reliance Family Day events
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore (Diamond-Set)
- Crafted in white gold
- Estimated value: ₹3 crore
Together, these watches place Anant Ambani among the world’s most prominent high-horology collectors.
Conclusion: A Luxury Moment That Broke the Internet
While Lionel Messi’s ₹10 crore Richard Mille rightfully captured attention, it was Anant Ambani’s ₹46 crore sapphire tourbillon that quietly stole the show for those who knew where to look.
The Vantara visit became more than a cultural and conservation event — it turned into a masterclass in ultra-luxury, reinforcing the Ambani family’s reputation for owning some of the rarest timepieces on the planet.
For watch collectors, this was not just a viral moment — it was horology history in motion.
