Richard Mille has once again pushed the boundaries of horology with the release of the RM27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal watch. This exquisite timepiece is a collaboration with renowned tennis player Rafael Nadal, featuring an incredibly lightweight design that weighs only 38 grams, including the strap.
The RM27-05 stands out as the world’s lightest and most durable tourbillon watch, capable of withstanding astonishing accelerations of up to 14,000g. This remarkable achievement is the result of five years of research and development into a new carbon fiber composite known as Carbon TPT® B.4.
Compared to standard Carbon TPT®, the Carbon TPT® B.4 used in this watch offers a 4% increase in density, 15% higher fiber hardness, and a 30% improvement in resin strength. The material’s anisotropic optimized structure ensures that the watch remains not only feather-light but also exceptionally tough, providing unprecedented shock resistance for the series.
In pursuit of maximum weight reduction and performance, the watch features an ultra-light PMMA polymer crystal, replacing the conventional sapphire crystal. This advanced material not only contributes to the watch’s lightness but also enhances transparency and anti-reflective properties.
The RM27-05’s openwork dial showcases a stunning geometric mechanical aesthetic. The V-shaped bridges and tourbillon carriage create a striking visual impact, while the open barrel provides a direct view of the winding status. The gear train at 2 o’clock and the layered gear train at 8 o’clock are intricately connected, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship.