Richard Mille RM027-1 Nadal Tourbillon Innovation
Innovation

Richard Mille RM027-1 Nadal Tourbillon Innovation

By 219 · Sep 10, 2013 · 7 replies
219
WPS member · Richard Mille forum
7 replies5884 views0 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

Andrew H (219) delves into the fascinating synergy between Richard Mille and his athletic ambassadors, particularly focusing on Rafael Nadal and the RM027-1. This article explores the innovative microengineering behind the RM027-1, highlighting how its design and materials contribute to its extraordinary resilience. Andrew H also speculates on a perceived 'magic touch' Richard Mille has in elevating his sponsored athletes' performance.

7 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →


It is worth considering for a moment: the effect Richard has on his sports ambassadors. So I know that most of this is conjecture, but hear me out for a minute or two….

When Richard first announced that he had made a watch for Rafael Nadal, the promising tennis star from Spain became a permanent fixture on the winners podium at the Grand Slam tennis events. A series of injuries put Nadal either on slow motion or out of a tournament altogether. He has since been a shadow of his former self. And now the new RM027: the RM027-1. Lighter, fitter, stronger (probably), and more tech than ever: its back, Nadal is back! Has Richard worked his magic again!

Think of some of the other sports ambassadors that Richard has worked with: Felipe Massa went from driving with Sauber to Ferrari and came within a place in the last race of the season to winning the World Championship. Bubba Watson went from one of the journeymen of the US golf circuit, albeit with the biggest drive in the game, to winning the U.S. Masters! Yohan Blake signed with Richard and went onto record the second fastest 100 metres time in history. There is a pattern here!

As it is, the new RM027-1 is a brilliant piece of horology and microengineering. Richard has been working on the ideas behind the movement since the RM012. In the same way that the movement could be held or suspended between struts anchored on the case, Richard started to work with the idea that tensile cables (albeit small ones) could equally hold the movement in place against the case. The cables need to be tightened to the point where the movement is held rigidly in place, but not tightened to the point where the cable will snap. The cables are actually steel (at a diameter of 0.35 mm), even though the movement plates are made from aluminum lithium. The movement and watch can withstand a staggering 5000G impact and keep ticking! Even if Nadal cannot!


[No, not after being hit with 5000G, but definitely feeling the release of pressure on winning his 13th Grand Slam! Must feel like lifting 5000KG off his shoulders!]


[Up close with the steel tensile cables that support the movement: simply brilliant watchmaking and innovative microengineering]






[Nadal putting the RM027-1 through its paces in the final]






[Nadal with the prize: the watch guys, the watch! The trophy is nice too!]


[Being greeted by Queen Sophia of Spain after the victory. Given her husband is known Richard Mille collector: yes the King of Spain owns a RM009, she is probably asking about the watch!] All photos from Getty Images except for the watch. Photos of the watch from PuristsPro.com om.

It will be interesting to see what happens when Yohan Blake is back from injury!

Heart felt congrats to Nadal on his return to the top of tennis world with victory at the U.S. Open! Heart felt congratulations to Richard on another triumph of cutting edge watchmaking that leaves the others in his wake!

Andrew H

Oh, and for those who have not seen it, the CNBC spot where they discuss time is money with the RM027-1:
video.cnbc.com This message has been edited by 219 on 2013-09-10 14:04:31

About the Richard Mille Tourbillon Ref. RM009

The Richard Mille RM009 represents the brand's approach to the tourbillon complication within a 39mm case format. This reference was produced from 2005 to 2012, establishing its position as part of Richard Mille's numbered series lineup during the brand's formative years.

The RM009 features a 39mm titanium case fitted with sapphire crystal and offers 50 meters of water resistance. The manual-winding RM009 caliber provides a 70-hour power reserve, displayed through a skeletonized dial construction. The watch is completed with a rubber strap.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking Richard Mille's interpretation of the tourbillon complication in a titanium construction. The seven-year production run and specific caliber designation make the RM009 a defined entry point into the brand's tourbillon offerings from this period. The skeletonized dial allows visibility of the movement architecture beneath.

Specifications

Caliber
RM009
Case
Titanium
Diameter
39 mm
Dial
Skeletonized
Water Resist.
50m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
MJ
mjnoumoff
Sep 10, 2013
Congrats!

Truly a wonderful match to watch (no pun intended!) between two world class players. A few decent shots of the RM27-01 during matchplay! Congrats to Nadal!

21
219
Sep 13, 2013
Indeed - congrats to Nadal on near perfect play. He will

be hard to beat in the coming months providing he stays free of injury. The watch: looks simple, but there is so much work in the background. Who would have thought you needed to train watchmakers on the elasticity of tensile steel when the cable is 0.35mm in diameter! And to withstand 5000G. But then, that's Richard! Andrew H

AN
AnthonyTsai
Sep 10, 2013
Wow that's awesome. A watch where the movement is supported by steel cables?

Now that is innovation and out of the box thinking. I like! - AT

21
219
Sep 13, 2013
Admittedly, when I first the watch, there was the

dismissive element in me that looked at it and said: "oh, that one is just a little bit smaller and lighter - not that great!" But then I was told about the suspension and the steel cables: specially made to Richard's spec. This is cool tech engineering in such an innovative way. Andrew H

MT
MTF
Sep 11, 2013
RM027-1 is the 1st Richard Mille watch that makes sense to me

The concept, celebrity relevance and execution of the Richard Mille RM027-1 all make sense for the first time for me. I "get" it at last! Regards, MTF

21
219
Sep 13, 2013
Good to have you on board MTF! :) Admittedly the stars

alligned on this one, although Richard has been trying to get the steel cables to work in a production watch for about 8 years!!! A lot of long run research in all of this. Andrew H

Available on the marketplace

120 Richard Mille listings are live on the eBay market and 227 collector listings on the WatchProSite marketplace.

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Richard Mille forum with 7 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →