The RICHARD MILLE RM 27-02 is a masterpiece of horological engineering, specifically crafted for tennis champion Rafael Nadal. This sports tourbillon watch combines ultra-lightweight materials with exceptional stability to withstand intense accelerations during matches. Notably, South African athlete Wayde van Niekerk wore this precise model as he clinched gold in the Rio Olympics 400m final.
The design of the RM 27-02 draws inspiration from the chassis of race cars, integrating its skeletonized movement and case for enhanced shock resistance. Collaborating with North Thin Ply Technology, Richard Mille developed a ‘Quartz Fiber’ ultra-light material for the case, offering toughness and a unique Damascus steel-like texture, while maintaining a weight akin to a thin sheet of paper.
Through the sapphire crystal, the watch’s intricate movement can be seen, featuring a floating tourbillon at 6 o’clock and Richard Mille’s proprietary fast-rotating barrel at 12 o’clock, which provides up to 52 hours of power reserve. The barrel boosts energy efficiency by 20% at the start of winding.
The watch’s aesthetics are striking, with a white bezel secured by 12 grade-five titanium screws, complemented by an orange strap and a red crown. The hour and minute hands are accented in vibrant orange for enhanced readability.
The RM 27-02 boasts a carbon fiber case, sapphire crystal glass and back, carbon fiber dial, floating tourbillon movement with 19 jewels, and a robust titanium clasp. Water-resistant up to 50 meters, it also features complex tourbillon functionality.