Nette Wortgeplänkel » RM 35-03 Rafael Nadal Automatic

From Cocoon to Butterfly: The RM 35-03 Rafael Nadal Automatic Inspired by the tourbillon watches worn by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, the "Little Nadal" collection is a culmination of technological expertise, designed for those who value performance. As the fourth model in the collection, the new RM 35-03 Rafael Nadal Automatic, equipped with an innovative, patented butterfly-shaped oscillating weight, rivals the allure of other timepieces in the collection.

• New and patented complication: the butterfly-shaped rotor
• Three years of meticulous research and development
• Equipped with a sports mode and function selector

"We both strive for excellence in our respective fields. Richard Mille and I share the same convictions. We are passionate about our work. Maintaining this same enthusiasm is crucial to me. I am deeply moved by the trust and support he and the team have placed in me to embark on this unique adventure," shared Rafael Nadal.

After three years of meticulous research and development, Richard Mille has emerged from its cocoon with the RM 35-03, featuring a brand-new movement winding mechanism. The RM 35-02 already featured the variable-geometry oscillating weight, a hallmark of Richard Mille's automatic movements. The new generation RM 35-03 introduces a new butterfly-shaped oscillating weight, allowing the wearer to manually adjust its geometry, varying the movement's winding speed according to their lifestyle and activity levels. This complication is both practical and engaging.

"Previously, any adjustment of the variable-geometry oscillating weight had to be performed by a professional watchmaker. We have optimized the winding mechanism, giving the wearer the opportunity to directly control the winding speed of their watch," explained Salvador Arbona, Richard Mille's Technical Director of Movements. "It's like a driver can select Sport mode to adjust the transmission of a car, switching from city driving to racetrack mode."

The butterfly-shaped oscillating weight consists of two arms in grade 5 titanium, fitted with heavy metal weights. It is driven by an independent gear system activated by a dedicated push-button. In their initial position, the weights shift the center of gravity radially toward the periphery, converting the wearer's movements into the required winding torque. When the push-button at 7 o'clock is pressed, a gear system pushes the two weights apart 180°. This aligns the centers of gravity and simultaneously returns the rotor to its equilibrium position, pausing the winding process and preventing overwinding of the movement.

When switching modes (from normal mode, which winds the mainspring, to "Sports Mode," which suspends the rotor's movement), pressing the push-button produces tactile feedback, allowing the wearer to feel the two weights separate on their wrist. The wearer can check whether the rotor is on or off using the winding indicator at 6 o'clock on the dial. The RM 35-03 Automatic also features a function selector. Pressing the push-button at 2 o'clock easily switches between winding (W), neutral (N), and time setting (H) modes.

The RM 35-03 features sporty yet ergonomic lines. Available in three case options: a blue and white Quartz TPT® case, a Carbon TPT® and white Quartz TPT® case, and a Carbon TPT® case. The fluted design of the case is inspired by the RM 27-04 Rafael Nadal Tourbillon. The fully skeletonized movement is visible through sapphire crystals on the front and back of the case. The baseplate and bridges are crafted from grade 5 titanium, treated with gray galvanic and PVD treatments, highlighting the watch's striking visual impact. Skeleton hands, also crafted from micro-blasted grade 5 titanium, rotate along the periphery of the dial, punctuated by the hour markers 3, 6, 9, and 12. These hands are angled inwards to create a sense of depth.

The elegant appearance of the case further underscores the technical prowess of the RM 35-03 Rafael Nadal Automatic. This watch comes with an extraordinary butterfly-shaped rotor, and the wearer can feel that the watch is an extension of the body.