Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal Blue Quartz TPT

Richard Mille RM 35-03 Rafael Nadal with new butterfly effect rotor

Inspired by the RM 027 tourbillon watch worn by Rafa Nadal on the tennis court, the new Richard Mille RM 035 “Baby Nadal” collection is designed for anyone looking for performance and is the result of technology. The new RM 35-03 Rafael Nadal Automatic Rafael Nadal, the fourth timepiece in the collection, fully deserves its place in this distinguished collection, introducing a patented innovation, the butterfly rotor.

After three full years of development, Richard Mille presents this new movement winding system, which spreads its wings like a butterfly in the RM 35-03. While the Caliber RMAL1 of the RM 35-02 already featured a variable geometry rotor – a signature component of Richard Mille automatic movements – the new butterfly rotor of the RM 35-03 allows the wearer to interact directly with the geometry of the rotor, controlling the The movement's winding speed is based on lifestyle and activity level, making it a fun and useful complication.

The butterfly rotor consists of two grade 5 titanium arms fitted with heavy metal weights and is activated by a separate gear train via a dedicated button. In their initial position, the weights produce a radial displacement of the center of gravity outward, converting every movement of the wearer into the torque required to wind the barrel.

When switching between modes—from normal mode, which winds the barrel, to “sport mode,” which suspends rotor activity—pressure on the button prompts the function to provide tactile feedback, allowing the wearer to actually feel the weight section bouncing apart on their wrists. A winding indicator at 6 o'clock on the dial shows whether the rotor is active – ON or OFF. The rounded motion command is a function selector.

By pressing the pusher at 2 o'clock, the user can toggle between winding 'W', neutral 'N' and time setting 'H' activity. However, at the push of a pusher at 7 o'clock, the rotor's gears unfold the two counterweights into a 180° angle. The center of gravity is aligned, the rotor returns to its equilibrium position, and the winding process is suspended, thereby preventing overwinding of the movement.

“Previously, any modification of the rotor geometry needed to be done by one of our authorized watchmakers. We wanted to perfect this system so that the wearer could directly influence the winding speed of the watch. It would be like a driver being able to Activate the Sport mode to adjust the transfer from city use to the race track," explains Salvador Arbona, Director of Sport Technology.

With its elegant and ergonomic lines, the RM 35-03 is available in two versions - blue quartz TPT with white quartz TPT case, and white quartz TPT and carbon fiber TPT with carbon fiber TPT case.

The movement is completely skeletonized, with sapphire crystal glass on the front and back, allowing the movement to be admired from both sides. The baseplate and bridges are made of grade 5 titanium and are treated with gray electric plasma and PVD, further accentuating the bold visuals of this watch.

'"In our respective fields, we both strive for excellence. Richard and I speak the same language. We both have a passion for what we do. Keeping that fire of passion alive in what we do every day is important to me Crucial. Even though I didn't race the RM 035 model, it warmed my heart to feel the confidence he and the team showed in allowing me to take part in this extraordinary adventure." - Rafa Nadal