Understanding Richard Mille Rafael Nadal Watches

RM 27-02 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal (2015)

In 2015, Richard Mille introduced the RM 27-02, a limited edition of 50 pieces worldwide, showcasing their dedication to cutting-edge materials in watchmaking. Crafted with a Carbon TPT skeletonized baseplate and a unibody design inspired by racing car chassis, it exemplifies innovation. Its manual-winding movement boasts a 70-hour power reserve and sculptural titanium bridges. The case features Quartz TPT, a unique alloy with white adorned by black stripes, contrasting beautifully with the Carbon TPT elements. Initially priced at $775,000, its value has soared to around $2 million by 2024.

The First Automatic Richard Mille Rafael Nadal Watch: RM 35-02 (2016)

In 2016, Richard Mille unveiled the first automatic Rafael Nadal watch, the RM 35-02, in response to customer demand for a self-winding iteration of the Baby Nadal model. Powered by the automatic Caliber RMAL1, this timepiece features a variable-geometry rotor, allowing wearers to adjust the winding speed based on their activity level. Additionally, it boasts a sapphire caseback for a glimpse of the rotor—a first for Richard Mille Rafael watches. Available with a black Carbon TPT or a vibrant red Quartz TPT case, the RM 35-02 initially retailed for $145,000. By 2024, its pre-owned value has soared to between $270,000 and $400,000.

RM 27-03 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal (2017)

In 2017, Richard Mille crafted a tribute to tennis legend Rafael Nadal by infusing the hues of the Spanish flag into the RM 27-03 Tourbillon, limited to 50 pieces. Featuring a striking red and yellow Quartz TPT case, its standout innovation lies in its ability to endure shocks up to 10,000g, a pioneering feat in watchmaking. Noteworthy are the intricately designed bridges of the movement, reminiscent of a bull's forward-facing head, symbolizing Spain's cultural essence.

Initially priced at $725,000, the RM 27-03's value has surged to over $1.3 million by 2024, marking a substantial appreciation in just a few years.

10th Anniversary Richard Mille Rafael Nadal Watch: RM 27-04 (2020)

In 2020, to celebrate a decade of collaboration, Richard Mille unveiled the RM 27-04, a new addition to the Rafael Nadal tourbillon series. Weighing a mere 30 grams with the strap included, its case crafted from "TitaCarb," a polyamide infused with 38.5% carbon fiber, ensures exceptional strength (3,700 kg/cm2).

Housing the tennis-inspired Caliber RM27-04 movement, the watch features dual sapphire crystals, revealing the intricate mechanism within. Supported by a single woven steel cable resembling a tennis racket and secured by turnbuckles, the suspended movement mitigates shock impact with its lattice pattern, enabling the watch to withstand accelerations of over 12,000g—a new milestone for Richard Mille.

Limited to just 50 pieces like its predecessors, the RM 27-04 initially retailed for $1,050,000 and remains a coveted item in the current collection. By 2024, its value on the secondary market has easily doubled.

RM 35-03 Automatic Winding Rafael Nadal (2021)

Introduced in 2021 and still part of Richard Mille's current collection, the RM 35-03 watch  features the innovative "butterfly rotor" winding mechanism, allowing wearers to control winding with a pusher at 7 o'clock, toggling between "Sport Mode" and regular winding. This unique mechanism adjusts winding efficiency based on activity levels, preventing over-winding during high activity. Another pusher at 2 o'clock enables switching between winding, neutral, and hand-setting functions, with indicators at 2 o'clock. Initially offered in white Quartz TPT and blue/white Quartz TPT, a black Carbon TPT version joined the lineup in 2023. While retailing at $238,000, secondary market prices in 2024 begin at $450,000 and rise

The Richard Mille Rafael Nadal Watch Collection

Here's a comprehensive overview of the Richard Mille Rafel Nadal watch collection since its launch in 2010. It comprises nine references, including five tourbillions and four non-tourbillion "Baby Nadal" variants. Additionally, there are limited edition versions like the RM 035 "Black Toro," RM 035 "Gold Toro," and RM 035 Rafael Nadal Americas Limited Edition. Stay tuned as we delve into other Richard Mille watch families such as Bubba Watson, Felipe Massa, and Le Mans, exploring references like the RM 11s, RM 67s, RM 55s, and more.