Richard Mille and Rafael Nadal Unveil Their Latest Collaborative Timepiece
The RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal, weighing only 11.5 grams and limited to 80 examples.
Richard Mille continues its partnership with tennis legend Rafael Nadal through the RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon “Rafael Nadal” timepiece — weighing only 11.5 grams and limited to a production run of 80 examples.
The lightweight watch represents a marvel of engineering and design for RM, featuring a new composite material, Carbon TPT B.4, which is both denser and stiffer than its predecessors, allowing for an even lighter and more durable construction. The watch’s resilience is equally impressive, withstanding accelerations of over 14,000 g.
In 2010, the journey to create the RM 27-05 began with the RM 027 Tourbillon, a watch that redefined lightness and performance in the world of high-end horology. Since then, the partnership between Richard Mille and Rafael Nadal has flourished, leading to successive models that continuously push the envelope. The RM 27-05, launched in 2019, represents the culmination of this decade-long quest.
Nadal reminisces about the early days of the collaboration, stating “I still remember the day in 2008 when Richard contacted me. It was unthinkable for me, as I’d never worn anything on my wrist. In 2010, he presented me with a prototype of the RM 027: a surprisingly light watch with spectacular lines.”
Technically, the RM 27-05 is a powerhouse. It houses the ultra-thin RMUP-01 calibre with a 55-hour power reserve and a flying tourbillon oscillating at 3 Hz. The movement, which measures just 3.75 mm thick and weighs 3.79 grams, is crafted from PVD-treated titanium and Carbon TPT, ensuring minimal weight without sacrificing performance. A unique feature is the barrel, designed to “fly” without the need for a bridge, enhancing the watch’s lightness and maintaining its mechanical integrity.
The watch’s case, made from Carbon TPT B.4, benefits from this advanced material’s properties, including a specific 70-degree orientation between layers for optimal strength and rigidity. This meticulous construction ensures the RM 27-05’s endurance under extreme conditions.
Alexandre Mille, Commercial Director of RM, noted “The RM 27-05 is a testament to both this long friendship and our shared enjoyment. The techniques used to develop the RM 27-05 will undoubtedly benefit all our future creations.”
At the time of writing, price and availability have not been shared, however, more information is likely to be discovered through your local authorized dealer or RM boutique.
