Introducing New Richard Mille RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal

Richard Mille is known for its innovative designs, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional performance, often pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. Richard Mille watches are particularly known for their lightweight construction, achieved through the use of advanced materials and meticulous engineering. In 2010, the brand made a significant leap with the release of the RM 027 Tourbillon, which at the time became the lightest watch ever produced.

RM 027 Tourbillon

The RM 027 Tourbillon was created in collaboration with tennis champion Rafael Nadal, who rigorously tested the watch under real-world conditions. Nadal wore the RM 027 during his matches, where it endured the abrupt, extreme movements and shocks typical of high-level tennis matches. 

Despite these intense conditions, the RM 027 Tourbillon demonstrated outstanding durability, providing Nadal with complete freedom of movement and solidifying Richard Mille's reputation for excellence in watchmaking. Now, the brand is introducing the RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal, a new watch that weighs 11.5 grams excluding its strap and can endure a g-force of 14,000. This achievement sets two new records for a manual winding tourbillon watch.

The RM 27-05 measures 37.25 x 47.25 in diameter, and 7.20 mm in thickness and features Carbon TPT B.4, a new material developed by Richard Mille based on Carbon TPT. Carbon TPT B.4 is an optimized anisotropic composite that is 4% denser, has fibers that are 15% stiffer, and a resin that is 30% more resistant compared to standard Carbon TPT. These enhanced properties allow for the machining of thinner case components, reducing overall weight without compromising rigidity.

Instead of using a sapphire crystal, which was too heavy for this challenge, Richard Mille opted for a lighter alternative in PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). This polymer features an anti-scratch treatment that ensures a high level of transparency, eliminating the need for an anti-glare coating.

The skeletonized dial features skeletonized hands, a barrel positioned between 10 and 12 o'clock, and a flying tourbillon at 5:30. The movement offers a power reserve of 55 hours and includes a flying tourbillon that operates at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The PVD-treated titanium baseplate is meticulously skeletonized and hand-finished, even on the hidden parts. The bridges are crafted from grade 5 titanium and Carbon TPT to further reduce weight. 

The calibre measures 3.75 mm thick and weighs just 3.79 grams. Notably, there are no screws securing the movement to the case; instead, the entire mechanism is housed within a monobloc caseback, where the bezel and the flange firmly hold it against it. The watch comes with a black fabric strap, and it's limited to 80 pieces at a price of CHF 980,000, equivalent to AED 3,950,000.

For more information please visit Richard Mille’s official website.