RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal By Richard Mille

December 6, 2023

The new RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal, 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. Inspired by the tourbillon watches of the 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.

‘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,’ shares Rafa Nadal.

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. While the Calibre RMAL1 of the RM 35-02 already possessed a variable geometry rotor—a signature component of Richard Mille automatic movements—the new butterfly rotor of the 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.

‘Previously, any modification of the rotor’s geometry needed to be done by one of our licensed watchmakers. We wanted to perfect this system and give wearers the possibility of directly acting on the watch’s winding speed,’ explains Salvador Arbona, Technical Director for Movements. ‘It’s like a driver being able to adjust the transmission style from city use to racetrack by activating the sports mode.’

Graceful and ergonomic in its lines, the RM 35-03 is available in two versions—blue Quartz TPT® with a white Quartz TPT® caseband and white Quartz TPT® and Carbon TPT® with a Carbon TPT® caseband.