In 2010, Richard Mille created the RM 027 timepiece for tennis champion Rafael Nadal. A masterpiece cloaked in stealth with its deep black carbon composite case and highly skeletonized movement in Titanium and LITAL alloy weighing a total of 19 grams, it was a symbol of luxury in lightness.
The following year the RM 035 was unveiled as the next step in the partnership between the two icons. Nadal would wear on the tennis courts, a timepiece with a 3D effect of the tiered and skeletonized movement. This time however, the watch would be virtually indestructible, Chornofiable certified, and capably of resisting acceleration of more than 5,000 Gs - truly an ultra-streamlined watch deserving of a legend in the sport.
2013 saw a further technological development with the tourbillon suspended on 4 braided micro cables of only 0.35mm presented in the RM 27-01 whilst 2014 witnessed the world premiere of a North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT) carbon case, an unusual and distinctive damascus steel design unique to each RM 35-01.
Finally in 2015 at the 114th edition of the French Open at Stade Roland Garros in Paris where Nadal vies for his 10th title, the Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 27-02 Rafael Nadal is set to make its debut. The timepiece represents the first skeletonised unibody baseplate in which the case and and baseplate have been fused into a single piece, removing the need to attach the two components together.
Inspired by the chassis of racing cars, this unique bonded structure dramatically enhances rigidity and resistance to impact.
Its special baseplate, machined at ProArt, supports bridges that are unique for their three-dimensional construction, their finishes which are beveled, shot-blasted and satin-brushed by hand, and their titanium and carbon composition.
These bridges support a sophisticated hand wound tourbillon calibre which beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers 70 hours of power reserve.
The case at 47.77 tall, 39.70 width and 12.25 mm thick, is made of TPT quartz, a new material composed of hundreds of layers of quartz filaments piled on top of each other. These fibers are notable for their high resistance to high temperatures and are characterised by extreme strength and transparency to electromagnetic waves. They are then specially cut to create the wood grain effect.
Sapphire crystal given an anti-glare treatment allows the wearer to have an unobstructed view of the 3D machinations inside, especially important given that these limited edition of 50 pieces are priced at 770,000 Euros.
Richard Mille can be purchased at authorized retailers and the following locations:
Richard Mille Resorts World Sentosa
Lobby Level, Hotel Michael #02-102,
26 Sentosa Gateway Resort World Sentosa
Singapore 098269
(65) 6659 1313
Richard Mille Marina Bay Sands
1 Bayfront Avenue, #01-08 Marina Bay Sands Hotel
Singapore 018956
(65) 6336 1313
Richard Mille Grand Hyatt
10 Scotts Road,
Singapore 228211
(65) 6733 1313
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