Inspired by the tourbillon watches of the Richard Mille RM 027 collection that Rafa Nadal wears on the tennis court, the RM 035 ‘Baby Nadal’ collection is designed as a condensate of technology for anyone in thrall to performance. The new RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal, the fourth timepiece in the collection, is fully worthy of its place in this distinguished lineup, to which it brings a patented innovation, namely the butterfly rotor. Following three full years of development, Richard Mille has coaxed from its chrysalis this new system for movement winding which spreads its wings in the RM 35-03.

Graceful and ergonomic in its lines, the new Richard Mille RM 35-03 is available in three versions: blue Quartz TPT with a white Quartz TPT caseband; white Quartz TPT and Carbon TPT with a Carbon TPT caseband; and full Carbon TPT. The case measures 43.15 x 49.95 x 13.15 mm featuring cut-outs inspired by the RM 27-04 Tourbillon and the dial is entirely skeletonized so that the movement can be admired from both sides thanks to sapphire crystals on the front and back.

The new butterfly rotor of the Richard Mille RM 35-03 allows the wearer to directly interact with the rotor’s geometry, controlling the movement’s winding speed based on lifestyle and activity levels, for a complication that is playful and practical in equal measure. The butterfly rotor consists of two grade 5 titanium arms mounted with heavy metal weight segments, activated by a separate gear train via a dedicated push-piece. In their initial position, the weight segments create a radial displacement of the gravitational center outward, converting the wearer’s every movement into the torque needed to rewind the barrel. 

In shifting between modes —from the normal mode that winds the barrel spring to the ‘sports mode’ that suspends the rotor’s activity— pressure on the push-piece at 7 o’clock prompts the function to deliver haptic feedback, allowing the wearer to feel the weight segments springing apart on their wrist.

A winding indicator at 6 o’clock on the dial, shows whether the oscillating weight is active (ON) or not (OFF). Rounding off the movement commands is a function selector. At a press of the push-piece at 2 o’clock, the user may shift between winding (W), neutral (N), and time-setting (H) activities. 

“In our respective domains, we both seek to achieve excellence. We speak the same language, Richard and I. We’re both passionate about our work. Keeping alive this flame of passion for what we do each day is essential to me. Even though I don’t wear the RM 035 models in competition, it is heart-warming to feel the confidence that he and the teams show in allowing me to participate in this singular adventure.” Rafa Nadal

The case is water resistant to 50 meters, ensured by two Nitrile O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 20 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion-resistant washers in 316L stainless steel. The baseplate and bridges, crafted of grade 5 titanium with a grey electroplasma and PVD treatment, further accentuate the bold visual statement of this watch. The openwork hands sweep along the outer flange, also in micro-blasted grade 5 titanium, punctuated with the numbers 3, 6, 9, and 12 and slanted inward towards the movement to enhance depth.

This elegant exterior visually highlights the technical prowess of the RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal. With this model and its amazing ‘butterfly rotor’, the wearer can now truly experience their watch as an extension of the body.

Sticker Price $238,000 USD. For more info on Richard Mille click here.