Richard Mille RM027 Rafael Nadal Roland Garros

Andrew H.'s report from Roland Garros captures the debut of the Richard Mille RM027, worn by Rafael Nadal, offering a unique perspective on high-performance watchmaking in extreme sporting environments. This article delves into the synergy between Richard Mille's engineering and the demands of professional tennis, providing context for the brand's innovative approach to durability.

Paris in the spring is such a beautiful city. There is a bounce in the step of one and all – tennis players and spectators alike. I was lucky enough to be invited to Richard’s Lounge at Roland Garros where we were all assembled to delight at the tennis on the Centre Court (known as Philippe Chatrier).



It seems strange that a tennis stadium would be named after a World War 1 fighter pilot and innovator: Roland Garros. There must be something in the gladiatorial nature of the air to air combat, Garros own attempts at escaping confinement, and a heroes memory that endears the tennis at the Stade de Roland Garros to the world. The French Open is one of the ‘big four’ Grand Slam tournaments, and is the only one fought on a clay surface. It makes the tournament unique.



[A sign post showing the players the direction and distance to the other 3 Grand Slam tournments - well trodden paths for Nadal and Federer!]



[Court Philippe Chatrier]

Stade de Roland Garros came into being through France’s defense of the Davis Cup on home soil at the height of the ‘roaring 20’s’. The aptly named ‘Mousquetaires’ were the four Frenchmen who at the time were the dominant force in world tennis. Having won the Davis Cup in Philedelphia the previous year, the French defended in their new tennis stadium named after the First World War fighter pilot in 1928. A Davis Cup team comprising of Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon, Henri Cochet, René Lacoste (also known as ‘Le Crocodile’) won at their new home and the future French tennis remained bound to Stade de Roland Garros. There is still an area of the Stade de Roland Garros that is dedicated to their memory and as modern players battle on Court Philippe Chatrier (with each stand named after one of the Mousquetaires), the statues run a constant circle around the spectators.


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[The ‘Mousquetaires’ ]

Clay court tennis is (like the grass courts and hard courts) a unique brand of the sport. The clay court form relies on persistence, an almost metronomic ability at returning the ball and remaining in the rally. Clay courts slow down the ball and produce a high bounce when compared to grass courts or hard courts. For this reason, clay courts take away some of the advantages of big serves and ‘serve-and-volleyers’, which makes it hard for serve based players to dominate on the surface. It is rare that a player can win on both clay, and grass (suited for the opposite style of play). In the modern era, only two players in the men’s singles game can claim victories on both: Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Clay courts require an almost gladiatorial ability to fight out every point, every match; a strength and endurance to never concede the point.



[The strength of Federer - defending Champion]



[The concentration of Nadal]



[The grace of Venus Williams]

This was the toughest tournament to debut the RM027. It all kicked off with a press conference on the day before Roland Garros started.



[Rafael Nadal and Richard all smiles at the Press Conference]

The watch all started from a position of mutual respect; both men believing in the other. For Richard, the goal was to develop a watch that could be worn during competitive play and not affect Rafael’s game; for Rafael, the goal was to play with the watch on his wrist. For Richard the hardest part was still to have a watch, a tourbillon that would work under competitive conditions, subjected to continual shocks.

The result has been reviewed here: ( richardmille.watchprosite.com ) and I have already let it known that I think the watch something miraculous. There are few watches that I try on that make me smile, just make me smile, but this is one of them.

What has come as such a surprise is the impact across the world’s press. From the BBC radio commentary during Nadal’s first match, to the Wall Street Journal, and other major newspapers around the world the response has been remarkable. As ever with a Richard Mille, the watch has polarized views. From reporting on the price of the watch at the polarization of everything else, to the hypothesis that this is part of the re-branding of Rafael Nadal; I think they are missing the point. This is the first time a player of Nadal’s stature has agreed to wear a watch during competitive match play, and to kick it off, to start off with one of the four major tournaments. Richard would not have agreed to the project if there was not something in it for him; some element that would allow him to push the capabilities of his watches. The RM027 on Nadal’s wrist moves the learning process forward; Richard will take away what he learns from this for the next time; and enjoy the moment that is now.





[Hoping that rain holds off!]

So far so good. Nadal is through to the third round and most pundits are putting money on a Federer-Nadal final. Richard was court-side on Monday when Nadal won his first match and the watch was clearly visible on the wrist. At the end of the match, as always, Nadal threw his arm bands into the crowd. As this weekend has come and gone, Nadal is through to the second week. If Nadal wins the final (as I think he will), I hope he remembers not to throw the watch with the armbands! Either that, or I will hopefully be in the crowd if he does, might be my best chance of getting a RM027!



Wishing Rafael Nadal every success at the French Open and to Richard and Rafael on their joint venture with the RM027. Looking forward to seeing it on the wrist, holding the trophy aloft!

Andrew H