The intricacies of the calibre RMAL1 movement is showcased beneath the sapphire crystal.
Richard Mille’s RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal marks a pivotal evolution in the ‘baby Nadal’ collection, presenting an exquisite blend of high-performance horology and cutting-edge innovation. Drawing inspiration from the ultralight tourbillon timepieces worn by the player on the tennis court, this fourth iteration brings with it a world-first patented butterfly rotor, a complication that transforms user interaction into a central element of the watch’s identity.
Following three years of development, this marvel of engineering invites wearers to experience their timepiece not just as an object of luxury, but as an extension of the body. Nadal’s own words underscoring the project’s collaborative spirit. “We speak the same language, Richard and I. Keeping alive this flame of passion for what we do each day is essential to me”, states the tennis legend.
BUTTERFLY EFFECT
The RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal features a fully skeletonised dial.
The RM 35-03 is as much about emotion as it is about mechanics. At the heart of this breakthrough lies the butterfly rotor – a user-controlled complication that redefines the automatic winding experience. Building on the variable geometry rotor of the Calibre RMAL1, this patented system allows the wearer to manipulate the winding mechanism with a push-piece at 7 o’clock.
Inspired by Rafael Nadal’s pursuit of excellence, the RM 35-03 is engineered as a true extension of meets function in motion.
In standard mode, the two titanium arms with heavy metal segments rotate radially, harnessing every wrist movement to efficiently wind the barrel. Activate the push-piece, and the segments spread to a 180° angle, aligning the gravitational centre and suspending the rotor’s activity.
This shift, which can be felt through haptic feedback on the wrist, ensures the movement is never overwound. A winding indicator at 6 o’clock (ON/OFF) keeps the wearer informed, while a secondary push-piece at 2 o’clock allows seamless transition between winding (W), neutral (N), and time-setting (H) functions.
SCULPTED SOPHISTICATION
The transparent caseback reveals the technical heart of the timepiece, where the interplay of titanium bridges and openwork design takes centre stage.
Housed in cases of blue and white Quartz TPT® or Carbon TPT®, the RM 35-03 exudes technical flair and visual dynamism. Its skeletonised movement, visible through sapphire crystals on front and back, is anchored by a baseplate and bridges in grade 5 titanium treated with grey electroplasma and PVD finishes.
Openworked hands glide along a titanium outer flange, punctuated by slanted numerals that draw the eye inward. Elegant, athletic, and engineered to push the boundaries of modern horology, the RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal is more than a watch. It represents a wearable manifestation of performance and precision housed in an ultra-luxurious and highly-desirable timepiece.
(Images: Richard Mille)
