The story of the Richard Mille RM 27 series is one of collaboration, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. It began in 2008 when Richard Mille approached tennis legend Rafael Nadal with the idea of creating a timepiece together. Initially hesitant, Nadal was convinced by a friend to revisit the idea, and a partnership was born.
The first RM 27, the RM 27 Flying Tourbillon, debuted in 2010 and made waves in the watchmaking world. Weighing in at under 20 grams, it was the lightest watch in the world at the time. It was a testament to Nadal’s dedication to lightness and his aggressive style of play. The watch’s unique design, suspending the calibre on steel cables, allowed it to withstand the immense G-forces generated by Nadal’s powerful serves and shots.
The subsequent generations of the RM 27 pushed the boundaries further. The introduction of Carbon TPT and Quartz TPT materials reduced weight, while the third generation incorporated the colours of Spain. The fourth generation saw a daring new suspension system using braided steel cables, reminiscent of a tennis racket.
Now, Richard Mille unveils the RM 27-05, the culmination of over a decade’s development. This final model, built with the latest innovations in ultra-thin watchmaking, features a revolutionary case made of Carbon TPT B.4, a denser, stiffer, and stronger material than ever before. The calibre itself has been reimagined, incorporating a new method of securing the movement purely by the pressure of the flange, bezel, and crystal.
The RM 27-05 represents a pinnacle of achievement in watchmaking. Weighing a mere 11.5 grams without the strap, with a calibre weighing just 3.79 grams, it showcases the brand’s commitment to pushing the limits of what’s possible. It is a testament to Nadal’s athletic prowess and the enduring partnership between the tennis legend and Richard Mille.
