New, ultra-light RM027 Tourbillon to be worn during Nadal’s matches…

This is the new Richard Mille RM 027 Tourbillon, developed in collaboration with tennis superstar Rafael Nadal, who has tested this watch in real conditions i.e. during his always intense tennis matches. 

May 21, 2010 Update: Richard Mille and Rafael Nadal officially unveil the watch at a press conference.  You can see our May 23rd follow-up post + pics — Richard Mille Nadal RM27 Watch in Action — HERE!

May 21, 2010 – Rafael Nadal and Richard Mille at the launch of the new ‘TOURBILLON WATCH RM 027 RAFAEL NADAL’

2010 French Open

© Rafa Nadal and Richard Mille

Richard Mille RM027 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal

48 mm x 39.70 mm x 11.85 mm

Limited edition 50 pieces — Estimated price $525,000

The introduction of the new RM 027 Tourbillon marks the brand’s first entry to the world of tennis courts.   As with Felipe Massa who drives every F1 Grand Prix with his watch, Rafael Nadal will play all of his matches wearing his Richard Mille on his wrist, an extraordinary feat.  I can’t help but think of some of the great matches between Nadal and Roger Federer, himself a Rolex ambassador.  Too bad Federer does not actually wear his Rolex during matches — it could make for a true battle of the wrist shots

The weight equivalent of 20 paper clips!

Weighing under 20 grams (13g without strap), the incredibly light RM 027 has a carbon-composite case, and the manual-wind movement – itself weighing just under 4 g — is constructed titanium and LITAL ®, lithium alloy containing aluminum, copper, magnesium, zirconium.  Power reserve is 48 hours.  Lithium alloy is also used in many aircraft parts such as the A380, helicopters, missiles, satellites or even Formula 1 and offers extreme performance attributes.  The back bezel and caseband are monobloc to ensure total lightness. The glass; the bezel and the flange in carbon have remarkable properties of stiffness and torsional rigidity.

The RM 027 Tourbillon is a limited edition of 50 pieces with an estimated price of $525,000 — only for the very few and privileged, like all Richard Mille watches.

(c) Rafaelnadal.com

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