2021 release Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic ‘Rafael Nadal’

Formula One driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco, who races for Scuderia Ferrari, is wearing the rare 2021 release Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic ‘Rafael Nadal.’

This is the fourth model in the RM 035 collection and has an ultra-lightweight, despite the quite wide 43mm case, due to the quartz TPT material used. It features a skeleton dial with a user-adjustable rotor, and this is also the first wristwatch ever to offer the wearer this function.

Watch Description

The latest Richard Mille RM 035 ‘Baby Nadal’ series is created as a distillation of technology for any enthusiast in thrall to excellence. Besides, it is influenced by the tourbillon timepieces of the RM 027 line that Rafa Nadal uses on the tennis field. The new RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal, the line’s fourth watch, is deserving of its spot in this illustrious company. It is bringing a revolutionary innovation to the table in the form of the butterfly rotor.

The Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal comprises many layers of parallel filaments created by separating carbon fibers or silica threads. It measures 43.15 mm x 49.95 mm and has a thickness of 13.15 mm. The surface has constantly varied streaks, giving the model its distinct look.

Initially, the RM 35-02 already had a varying geometry rotor (a trademark feature of Richard Mille’s automatic movements). However, the RM 35-03’s innovative butterfly rotor enables users to directly interact with the rotor’s geometry. They can also adjust the movement’s winding speed according to lifestyle and levels of activity for a complication that is both fun and functional.

The skeletonized self-winding RMAL2 Calibre’s butterfly rotor comprises 2 weights in 5^th– grade titanium plus metal. The weights create a radial shift of the gravitational pull in their starting location, creating the accurate force to spin the barrel.

A gear system devoted to the rotor distributes the two weights at 180 degrees with modest pressure on the pusher at 7 o’clock. The center of gravity is then reset, putting the rotor back into equilibrium and terminating the winding operation, as well as any extra caliber winding in the situation of sports activities. The rotor would be operational and wind the movement if you exert pressure on the pusher once more.

The unlimited balance with dynamic inertia beats at 28,800 vibrations every hour (4 Hz). This ensures increased reliability if exposed to shocks and even during movement setup and extraction, resulting in better chronometric performance over time. Thanks to four compact, changeable weights situated right on balance, the regulating index is removed, allowing for more precise and reproducible adjustment.

The double-barrel technology contributes to power consistency over a more extended period by ensuring a power reserve of up to 55 hours. This is accomplished by distributing the energy stored over two winding barrels. Thereby, it balances torque and minimizes friction on the bearings and pivots, leading to greater long-term function.

With a simple push of the 2 o’clock push button, one can pick the winding (W), neutral (N), as well as time-setting (H) features. The specified functionality is displayed by a hand at 2 o’clock. The crown is also constructed of 5^th-grade titanium and Carbon TPT, with a rubber O-ring cover. Besides, it is water-resistant to a depth of 50 meters (165 feet).

Price at launch: $220,000.00 USD
Price market: $1,050,000.00 USD

Photo: Vistajet