Rafael Nadal, a name synonymous with tennis greatness, requires no introduction. With 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, including a record 14 French Open victories, and an unmatched 81 consecutive wins on clay, he is rightly hailed as the King of Clay. However, the tennis titan faced a challenging phase last year when injury forced him out of the Australian Open and subsequently led to his exit from the Top 10 for the first time since 2005. After a year of recovery, the resilient Spanish player has declared his triumphant return to the ATP tour, marking what could be his farewell season.
In the world where watches and tennis intersect, Rafael Nadal has carved a unique space. While many players endorse watchmakers, Nadal takes it a step further by wearing his watch during matches. This distinctive choice is made possible through his collaboration with Richard Mille, a brand capable of delivering performance-driven timepieces. Since 2010, Nadal and Richard Mille have crafted a remarkable partnership, resulting in ten exceptional models, the latest being the RM 35-03 introduced in December 2023. Let’s delve into the evolution of this extraordinary collaboration and explore the extraordinary watches they have created.
The Pioneering Creations:
Richard Mille RM 027:
The collaboration commenced in 2010 with the creation of the RM 027. This tourbillon timepiece, tailored for the court, featured a carbon composite case and a flexible polycarbonate strap, weighing less than 20 grams—a record-breaking lightweight watch.
Richard Mille RM 035:
In 2011, the RM 035 was introduced, foregoing the tourbillon but maintaining a lightweight build. This model marked the first Chronofiable-certified timepiece from Richard Mille, ensuring durability under extreme conditions.
Richard Mille RM 27-01:
The second generation, RM 27-01, emerged in 2013, surpassing its predecessor’s weight at just 18.83 grams. It introduced a system capable of withstanding up to 5000 Gs of force.
Richard Mille RM 35-01:
2014 witnessed the evolution of the RM 035 line with the RM 35-01, featuring refined aesthetics and upgraded movement, embracing Rafa’s signature colors, red and yellow.
Richard Mille RM 27-02:
In 2015, the RM 27-02 continued the bold styling trend, introducing a red-clay colored strap and the first skeletonized baseplate, enhancing impact resistance.
Richard Mille RM 35-02:
2016 saw the next evolution with the RM 35-02, available in classic black and vibrant red. Notably, it introduced an automatic caliber, a departure from previous models.
Richard Mille RM 27-03:
The RM 27-03 debuted in 2017, featuring a striking yellow and red case and strap. It showcased technical prowess with a tourbillon movement capable of withstanding shocks up to 10,000 Gs.
Richard Mille RM 035 Toro Americas Editions:
In 2017, two models exclusively for the American market, the RM 035 Black Toro and RM 035 Gold Toro, paid homage to Nadal’s third U.S. Open title. The Black Toro resembled the original RM 035, while the Gold Toro added a touch of luxury with an 18-karat rose gold case.
Richard Mille RM 27-04:
Marking the 10-year anniversary in 2020, the RM 27-04 introduced the TitaCarb case material, combining carbon fiber and polyamide for strength and lightweight design. The dial featured metal mesh “strings” reminiscent of a tennis racket.
Richard Mille RM 35-03:
The latest addition, RM 35-03, unveiled in December 2023, aligns with Nadal’s return to the game. It boasts technical innovations, including a butterfly rotor allowing wearer interaction and control over the movement’s winding speed based on lifestyle and activity levels. Available in three versions, it continues the legacy of performance-driven excellence.
As Rafael Nadal embarks on what may be his final season, the journey with Richard Mille stands as a testament to the enduring collaboration between a tennis legend and a watchmaking maverick. Each timepiece narrates a chapter of their shared commitment to innovation, lightweight design, and unparalleled performance on and off the court.
