With 22 Grand Slam titles under his belt, Rafael Nadal surpassed Roger Federer’s tally and is second only to Novak Djokovic. His achievements are not only etched in tennis history but are also reflected in another personal passion: his impressive and unique watch collection, which speaks volumes about both his refined taste and championship pedigree.
Light as a Feather, Strong as Rafael Nadal: The Watches That Changed the Game
At 38, Rafael Nadal has carved out a legendary path in tennis that many can only aspire to follow.
Since 2010, Rafael Nadal has been the face of one of the most technologically innovative and avant-garde watchmakers in the luxury industry—Richard Mille. Their collaboration was publicly launched when Nadal lifted his second and last Wimbledon trophy, already sporting the groundbreaking RM-027. That moment wasn’t just a victory on the court; it was the start of a partnership that would revolutionize the relationship between haute horlogerie and elite sport.
The RM-027 and a New Era
The RM-027 Tourbillon was not just a statement piece—it was a technical marvel. Weighing less than 20 grams, it broke records at the time for being the lightest automatic watch ever made. Though that record has since been overtaken—most notably by Ming’s LW.O1 model coming in at just 10.8 grams—the RM-027 remains a hallmark in Richard Mille’s legacy and in Rafael Nadal’s journey with the brand.
The Baby Nadal Series: RM35-03
The RM35-03 models continued this legacy, showcasing the ongoing evolution of design inspired by Nadal’s original RM-027. Often referred to as the “Baby Nadal” series, these watches carry the DNA of that first iconic model. In different campaign images, Nadal is seen wearing two color variants: one featuring a deep blue case with a red crown and white strap, and another in a pale grey case with a pastel blue strap. While each design differs aesthetically, both draw inspiration from the watch that symbolized the start of this iconic partnership.
Raising the Bar: RM27-01
The 2013 release of the RM27-01 Tourbillon pushed the boundaries of lightweight engineering even further. Tipping the scales at just 18.83 grams, it set a new standard. Intriguingly, the watch integrates a suspended movement held by four braided steel cables connected to the case, designed to withstand extreme forces—up to 5,000 Gs—demonstrating both ingenuity and resilience. It wasn’t just a watch; it was a feat of mechanical and athletic endurance.
Innovation in Form: RM27-02
In 2015, the collaboration brought forth the RM27-02, which introduced Richard Mille’s first unibody skeleton baseplate—a structural innovation where the caseband and baseplate were fused into a single piece. This breakthrough not only reduced weight but also enhanced strength and durability, proving again how the brand continues to innovate with every model.
The Bold RM27-03
Two years later came the RM27-03, another standout model in this dynamic partnership. This version was immediately recognizable thanks to its bold use of red and yellow, a possible nod to the Spanish flag and Nadal’s heritage. Designed with performance in mind and aesthetics at heart, this model again proved that watches worn by Rafael Nadal are as expressive as they are technical.
From center court to center stage in luxury horology, Rafael Nadal’s partnership with Richard Mille has become an emblem of what happens when precision, style, and elite performance collide.
RM27-04
The RM 27-04 exemplifies a perfect union of featherlight construction and exceptional durability. Weighing just 30 grams, including the strap, this timepiece sets new standards in technical watchmaking. Its tourbillon movement, uniquely suspended within the case, has been engineered to endure forces exceeding 12,000 Gs — a record-breaking achievement for Richard Mille.
At the heart of this groundbreaking design lies a revolutionary support system: a micro-blasted mesh with an area of just 855 mm². This intricate structure is crafted from a single braided steel cable measuring only 0.27 mm in diameter, tensioned using two gold PVD-treated 5N pulleys
The RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal
The RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal represents the pinnacle of Richard Mille’s journey in high-performance watchmaking. This exceptional model sets a new benchmark for the brand, weighing an astonishing 11.5 grams without its strap. With this achievement, the RM 27-05 claims the title of the lightest and most durable mechanical tourbillon watch ever created.
Key information
- When did Rafael Nadal become a Richard Mille ambassador? In 2010.
- What watch is referred to as the “Baby Nadal” series? The RM35-03.
- What unique structural feature does the RM27-02 include? A unibody skeletonized baseplate.
- Which Rafael Nadal watch model is known for its yellow and red colors? The RM27-03.
