RM27-01 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal Manual Winding

Description of the Watch

The Richard Mille RM 27‑01 Rafael Nadal is a groundbreaking luxury watch that blends ultra-lightweight construction with elite Swiss manual-winding tourbillon performance. Designed for athletes and connoisseurs, this iconic timepiece delivers record-setting robustness and sheer horological innovation.

Overview

Introduced in 2013, the RM 27‑01 redefined what a sports tourbillon watch could be. Limited to just 50 pieces, it weighs a mere 18.83 grams (including strap) and can withstand over 5,000 g of shock making it perhaps the most extreme athletic timepiece ever created.

Design and Craftsmanship

The tonneau case is fashioned from anthracite polymer infused with carbon nanotubes providing unparalleled strength and featherlight feel. Signature Richard Mille skeleton architecture exposes the suspended movement, a nod to both advanced engineering and bold aesthetics. Each element, from the braided steel cables to tensioning pulleys, exemplifies meticulous attention to detail.

Movement and Performance

Inside ticks the Caliber RM27‑01 manual-winding tourbillon, mounted from four braided steel cables anchored via tensioners a design inspired by suspended civil engineering. The movement itself weighs only 3.5 grams, constructed with grade 5 titanium and aluminium-lithium alloys, and delivers hours and minutes with exceptional reliability.

Features and Complications

The RM 27‑01 focuses on purity: hours, minutes, and the suspended tourbillon. It forgoes extraneous complications to emphasize its ultra-light structure and shock-resilient design. A Velcro strap, chosen for athletic performance, ties the sports ethos together.

Specifications

Case

• Material: Carbon nanotube-infused polymer (anthracite)

• Dimensions:  41 × 39 mm dimensions; 10.05 mm thickness

• Finish: Monocoque construction with anti-glare sapphire crystal

• Shock Resistance: Withstands over 5,000 g

Dial

• Type: Skeletonized open-work display

• Hands/Markers: Luminescent hands and dots

• Distinctive Element: Exposed suspended tourbillon cage and tensioned movement

Bracelet/Strap

• Material: Sports-grade Velcro strap

• Clasp Type: Adjustable Velcro for secure athletic fit

• Adjustability: Designed to stay firm under high-impact motion

Movement

• Caliber: RM27‑01 manual-winding tourbillon

• Power Reserve:  48 hours (estimated typical for RM series)

• Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vph)
  

• Jewels: 19 (tourbillon compatible)