A closer look at the Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal watch
As the holidays rushed in to meet us in December – some watch brands opted to release new timepieces. The thing is, a lot of us missed the opportunity to fully explore those introductions because of a backlog of content. The Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal with a cutting-edge Carbone TPT® case is one of those we didn’t have time to take a closer look at – until now.
A manifestation of excellence achieved through three years of dedicated development. This exceptional timepiece boasts a patented complication known as the butterfly rotor, enhancing its athletic and ergonomic design. Rafael Nadal, expressing his shared passion with Richard Mille, emphasizes the significance of keeping the flame of enthusiasm alive in their respective domains.
Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal watch in black
The RM 35-03 is available in three striking versions: blue and white Quartz TPT®, black cased Carbon TPT®, and a version that is a combination of Carbon TPT and Quartz TPT.. The entirely skeletonized movement, visible from both front and back through sapphire crystals, showcases a baseplate and bridges crafted from grade 5 titanium with a grey electro-plasma and PVD treatment. The micro-blasted grade 5 titanium outer flange, adorned with numbers 3, 6, 9, and 12, complements the openwork hands, creating a visually bold statement.
Highlighting the technical prowess of the RM 35-03, the watch introduces the innovative ‘butterfly rotor,’ allowing wearers to experience their timepiece as a seamless extension of their body. The design incorporates sport mode, enabling users to suspend additional winding during physical activities. There is also a function selector button incorporated into the watch.
Rafael Nadal wearing the blue and white Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal watch. Photo: Mathieu Cesar.
The timepiece is driven by the RMAL2 movement displaying hours, minutes, and seconds, along with the ability to cycle through three modes – “H” for time setting, “N” for neutral, and “W” for winding. The movement, whose bridges and base plate are made of grade 5 titanium, operates at 4 Hz with a 55-hour power reserve supported by a double-barrel system, ensuring precise timekeeping. This mesmerizing timepiece is a testament to technical innovation and aesthetic sophistication – perfect for Rafa. It retails for $238,000.
The Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal watch was three years in the making and boasts a patented butterfly rotor.
