Richard Mille’s RM 27-04 was introduced in 2020 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the brand’s partnership with tennis legend Rafael Nadal. Designed specifically for Nadal to wear while playing, the RM 27-04 pushes the boundaries of lightweight construction and shock resistance, perfectly complementing Nadal’s intense and physically demanding style of play on the court.
The case is made of TitaCarb, a type of nylon plastic reinforced with carbon fiber, resulting in a case that is both remarkably lightweight—tipping the scales at just 30 grams including the strap—and exceptionally resistant to shocks and stress. This combination of strength and lightness allows the watch to withstand the rigors of professional tennis without compromising comfort or performance.
The standout feature of the RM 27-04 is its tennis-inspired suspension system. The movement is held in place by a single woven steel cable, threaded in a pattern resembling the strings of a tennis racket and secured by two red turnbuckles. This innovative design allows the movement to “float” within the case, protecting it from impacts and enabling the watch to withstand accelerations of over 12,000 g’s—a record for a mechanical watch. For context, that’s approximately 11,997 more g’s than astronauts experience during a rocket launch.
Powering the RM 27-04 is the Caliber RM27-04, a manually wound tourbillon skeleton movement with a baseplate and bridges made of grade 5 titanium, ensuring strength and minimal weight. The movement delivers a 38-hour power reserve and features an open design that enhances structural integrity while reducing weight.
Limited to just 50 pieces, the RM 27-04 was priced at $1,050,000 at launch, making it one of the most exclusive and sought-after pieces in the Richard Mille lineup. Its rarity, combined with groundbreaking materials and engineering, underscores Richard Mille’s commitment to technical excellence and innovation. The RM 27-04 is a tribute to Nadal’s dominance on the court, and reflects Richard Mille’s drive to redefine the limits of modern watchmaking.
Richard Mille RM 27-04 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal – Key Features:
- Ultra-Thin and Lightweight Design: 38.4mm diameter, 11.4mm thick, Weighs only 30 grams (with strap)
- Case Material: TitaCarb (nylon plastic reinforced with carbon fiber)
- Movement: Caliber RM27-04 (manual-winding tourbillon skeleton movement) with 38-hour power reserve
- Designed for Performance: Specifically created for Rafael Nadal to wear while playing tennis
- Water Resistance: 50 meters (164 feet)
- Limited Edition: Only 50 pieces produced
- Launch Price: $1,050,000
