The Richard Mille RM 27-02, designed specifically for tennis champion Rafael Nadal, is a testament to innovation and excellence in watchmaking. This remarkable timepiece boasts an ultra-lightweight design, making it the perfect companion for athletes enduring extreme conditions. Notably, South African sprinter Wayde van Niekerk wore this watch during his gold-medal run at the Rio Olympics, showcasing its unparalleled stability under immense acceleration.
Inspired by the chassis of a racing car, the RM 27-02 incorporates a skeletonized baseplate and case into an integrated design, significantly enhancing shock resistance. Collaborating with North Thin Ply Technology, Richard Mille developed a robust quartz fiber material for the case, achieving a weight comparable to thin paper while presenting a striking Damascus steel-like rugged texture.
The watch’s sapphire crystal allows for a clear view of the intricately designed movement. Notable features include a floating tourbillon at six o’clock and Richard Mille’s signature fast-rotating barrel at twelve o’clock, ensuring a 52-hour power reserve and a 20% boost in energy efficiency during initial winding.
Complemented by a white bezel secured with 12 grade 5 titanium screws, the watch features an orange strap and a red crown. For enhanced readability, the hour and minute hands sport bright orange accents, making it easy to discern time at a glance.
The Richard Mille RM 27-02, with its carbon fiber case, sapphire crystal back, carbon fiber dial, floating tourbillon movement, 19 jewels, and 50-meter water resistance, is a masterpiece of complex functionality. This luxury watch, with its woven strap and titanium buckle, is the epitome of refined engineering and design.