Richard Mille collaborated with tennis players to design the RM35-03, with the movement taking three years to craft.
As a pioneer in high-end watches, Richard Mille has been highly sought after since its inception, particularly through collaborations with racing and sports, which have significantly elevated its industry profile. This RM35-03, designed in collaboration with tennis player Rafael Nadal, stands out from previous models in that it features a fresh, natural style, with a vibrant color palette that exudes a sporty feel.
The RM35-03 is constructed from ultra-light and durable white quartz carbon fiber, a carbon fiber bezel, and a black carbon fiber middle case. Each layer of fiber is less than 45 microns thick and is stacked at a 45-degree angle. The high-pressure application of the carbon fiber creates a unique texture, making each watch unique.
The watch is equipped with the RMAL2 automatic movement, beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph). Its dual mainspring barrels provide a 55-hour power reserve. A unique feature of the movement is its patented "butterfly rotor" system, allowing the wearer to adjust the rotor's configuration to suit different needs.
According to Richard Miller, this movement took three years to develop. Pressing the button at 7 o'clock on the side of the crown switches the rotor's configuration between "Normal" and "Sport" modes. In "Sport" mode, the rotor's torque output is minimized, preventing damage to the movement from overwinding, making it ideal for high-speed wrist sports like tennis.
This collaboration between Richard Miller and tennis player Rafael Nadal is more than just a simple collaboration; it's a redesign and development tailored to the specific needs of athletes. Furthermore, the light blue crown and strap create a refreshing and energetic feel, perfectly complementing the "sport" theme.