• Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal Watch Elite Performance
  • Richard Mille RM 35-03

    A Technological Marvel in the World of Luxury Timepieces

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    December 7, 2023
  • The Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic Winding Rafael Nadal is a striking embodiment of innovation, precision, and high-performance watchmaking. As a continuation of the esteemed RM 035 Collection, known as the ‘baby Nadal’ watches, the RM 35-03 stands as a testament to Richard Mille's commitment to combining state-of-the-art technology with unparalleled luxury. This watch isn't just a timekeeper; it's a piece of wearable technology that represents the apex of horological ingenuity.

    Courtesy of Richard Mille
    Courtesy of Richard Mille


    Inspired by the RM 027 Tourbillon watches worn by tennis legend Rafa Nadal, the RM 35-03 embraces a philosophy where practicality meets robust reliability. This watch is designed for performance, making it an ideal accessory for the dynamic and active individual. The RM 35-03, with its sophisticated aesthetics and groundbreaking features, is a wearable embodiment of the 'butterfly effect' – a concept where small changes can have large effects, much like the innovative components of this timepiece.

    The RM 35-03 introduces a new chapter in watchmaking with its patented 'butterfly rotor'. This unique mechanism gives wearers direct control over the automatic movement’s winding, depending on their lifestyle and physical activity. The butterfly rotor, made of two weights in grade 5 titanium and metal, allows for the adjustment of the rotor's geometry, thus controlling the winding of the movement. This invention provides an optimized winding mechanism that can be activated or deactivated by the wearer.

    Courtesy of Richard Mille
    Courtesy of Richard Mille


    The case of the RM 35-03 is crafted from Carbon TPT® and Quartz TPT®, materials known for their durability and distinctive appearance, marked by elegant striations. These materials undergo a complex process involving layering and heating to achieve their final form, ready for precision machining. The case is water-resistant to 50 meters, secured with grade 5 titanium spline screws and abrasion-resistant washers, underscoring the watch's durability.

    Courtesy of Richard Mille
    Courtesy of Richard Mille


    At the heart of the RM 35-03 is the Calibre RMAL2, a skeletonized automatic-winding movement equipped with hours, minutes, seconds, a patented butterfly rotor, a sport mode, and a function selector. The baseplate and bridges, made of grade 5 titanium with black PVD and electroplasma treatments, provide rigidity and flatness essential for the perfect functioning of the gear train. The movement boasts a power reserve of approximately 55 hours.

    The dial of the RM 35-03 Rafael Nadal is a marvel of technical elegance. The open-worked hands point towards a microblasted grade 5 titanium flange, punctuated with slanted numerals that create depth and dimension. The skeletonized baseplate and bridges undergo rigorous validation tests to optimize stress resistance, ensuring the watch's longevity and performance.

    Courtesy of Richard Mille
    Courtesy of Richard Mille


    Richard Mille's RM 35-03 represents a new standard in luxury watchmaking. Its innovative butterfly rotor mechanism, combined with the brand's commitment to using advanced materials like Carbon TPT® and Quartz TPT®, sets this timepiece apart in the realm of high-end watches. The RM 35-03 is not just a watch but a celebration of technical mastery and the relentless pursuit of perfection, embodying the spirit of innovation that Richard Mille is renowned for. For the discerning collector or the enthusiast of high-performance timepieces, the RM 35-03 offers a unique blend of technological innovation, luxury, and sporty elegance.
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