Watchmaking must be consistently challenged, both technically and artistically. The Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 27-02 Rafael Nadal reinterprets the art and methods of watchmaking in the 21st century, and comes in a limited edition of 50 manual winding tourbillon caliber dedicated to the tennis champion.
Following research by Richard Mille’s engineers into NTPT carbon, a material with remarkable mechanical properties and excellent resistance to micro-cracks, the brand is unveiling the very first skeletonised baseplate known as “unibody”.
The caseband and baseplate have been fused into a single piece, removing the need to attach the two components together. This structure, inspired by the chassis of racing cars, enhances rigidity and resistance to impacts when used in watchmaking. A major watchmaking and technological breakthrough machined at ProArt, the unibody will surely have its place in watch-making history.
The sculptural baseplate supports the bridges in grade 5 titanium, which are highly original in terms of their three-dimensional construction, their finishes (beveled, shot-blasted and satin-brushed by hand) and the complexity of their titanium and carbon composition.
These bridges support an impressive mechanical heart capable of running for over 70 hours without detriment to its regularity thanks to a rapidly rotating barrel that delivers constant power from the beginning to the end of operation.
The case was dressed in black and white, which is why it inevitably catches the eye with its unique appearance. Working with North Thin Ply Technology, Richard Mille’s watchmakers have developed a highly original material known as TPT quartz, composed of hundreds of layers of quartz filaments piled on top of each other.
The bezel and solid case back in NTPT carbon/TPT quartz are then attached to the unibody baseplate using 12 spline screws in grade 5 titanium. A sapphire crystal with anti-glare treatment adds the final finishing touch to this unique combination. But talk is cheap, as Rafael Nadal will carry out the ultimate approval test by wearing this new caliber in his international matches.
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