Richard Mille and Rafael Nadal are at it again, and just in time for summer. The brand has just released the limited edition RM 27-03, with a new caliber that features a new tourbillon. The tennis star and the lightweight luxury watch brand have been partners since 2010, when the first Richard Mille x Rafael Nadal watch was released. The duo have made a name for themselves by making shock-resistant and light watches that Nadal actually wears while playing (and usually winning) tennis.
So what is different about this watch? Well, case-wise it’s pretty much the same as previous models, albeit in very different hues. It’s made of ultra-lightweight Quartz TPT (a combination of resin and silica) and measures 47.77mm x 40.3mm x 12.75mm. This time around the case is yellow and red, which is supposed to be reminiscent of the Spanish flag for Nadal’s home country.
The most notable thing about this watch though is the new movement that can withstand shocks of up to 10,000 Gs, which is a first for the watch world. Richard Mille performed extensive shock tests on the watch, using a pendulum impact tester, which is essentially a hammer that swings at a force of 10,000 G right into the watch. The bridges are made of titanium and the base plate is a skeletonized unibody baseplate made of Carbon TPT. Of course there is a tourbillon at the center of everything and the power reserve is 70 hours.
The RM 27-03 is a limited series of 50 pieces and it retails for a casual $725,000. While the design might not be for everyone, you have to give Richard Mille props for coming up with a pretty cool and highly-functional tourbillon movement that can withstand such a force. You can read more about the RM 27-03 by visiting Richard Mille online.
