RM 27-04 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal

Materials are a critical element of a Richard Mille watch. TitaCarb® is a prime example. This high-performance polyamide, used for the case of the RM 27-04 Rafael Nadal, is reinforced with an injection of 38.5% carbon fibre. Exceptional tensile strength of 3,700 kg/cm² makes it one of the toughest composites ever, with a fracture resistance close to that of steel. This latest “Rafa” is an evolution of the RM 27-01 with its cable-suspended movement. This time, however, the tourbillon calibre is supported by a microblasted mesh formed from a single woven steel cable, held in place by two turnbuckles. Any similarity to how tennis rackets are strung is in no way coincidental. The diagonally positioned, manual-winding movement is secured to the mesh by five hooks which originate at the back of the baseplate. Designed for extreme conditions yet weighing just 30 grams, strap included, the RM 27-04 Rafael Nadal is built to withstand just about anything, including accelerations in excess of 12,000 g: more than the piston acceleration in a Formula 1 car.