Watch of the Week: The New Richard Mille RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal

Richard Mille has once again redefined the limits of watchmaking with the RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal. In 2010, Richard Mille introduced the RM 027 Tourbillon, setting a new standard for lightweight, high-performance watches. Fast forward to today, and the RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal stands as the crowning achievement of this remarkable journey. Weighing a mere 11.5 grams excluding its strap, and withstanding accelerations of over 14,000 g, the RM 27-05 sets a two-fold record for manual winding tourbillon watches.

The RM 27-05 project began in 2019, but its roots trace back to the burgeoning friendship between Richard Mille and tennis legend Rafael Nadal. Since their first collaboration, Nadal has achieved numerous victories with Richard Mille watches on his wrist, underscoring the brand’s commitment to excellence and performance.

Driven by the quest to minimize weight without sacrificing durability, the RM 27-05 showcases a series of technical marvels. The RM 27-05 weighs an astonishing 11.5 grams (excluding its strap), a testament to Richard Mille’s dedication to creating the lightest tourbillon watches in existence. This feat is achieved through the use of Carbon TPT® B.4, a groundbreaking composite material developed in collaboration with North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT™). This material is not only denser and stiffer but also significantly stronger than previous iterations, allowing for ultra-thin cross-sections that enhance the watch’s structural integrity.

One of the most impressive aspects of the RM 27-05 is its ability to withstand accelerations of over 14,000 g. This incredible resistance is crucial for a timepiece designed for an athlete like Rafael Nadal, who faces extreme physical conditions on the tennis court. The monobloc back/caseband unit eliminates the need for screws, ensuring the movement remains securely in place even under the most strenuous conditions.

The RM 27-05 features a flying tourbillon and a barrel, both housed within a movement that has been meticulously skeletonized and hand-finished. The PVD-treated titanium baseplate and grade 5 titanium and Carbon TPT® bridges contribute to the movement’s overall lightness, with the caliber itself weighing just 3.79 grams. The watch also boasts a 55-hour power reserve, thanks to its high-frequency (3 Hz) movement, ensuring reliable performance over extended periods.

Beyond its technical prowess, the RM 27-05 is a visual masterpiece. The X-shaped ridge on the caseback, created by the unique weave of the Carbon TPT® B.4, adds both aesthetic appeal and structural strength. The skeletonized oscillating weight, inspired by the steering wheel of the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO, further underscores the watch’s sporty elegance.

With only 80 pieces available, the RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal is a rare and coveted addition to any collection. Each watch represents the culmination of 4,000 hours of meticulous design and engineering, reflecting Richard Mille’s commitment to horological excellence.