Beyond the exotic case material, this model is also notable for its technical sophistication. The RM 35-02 is the first watch in the baby Nadal series to feature an automatic movement - an answer to fans who have always wanted a self-winding Nadal watch.
The RM 35-02 is a perfectly executed update of the RM 035 series. It demonstrates Richard Mille’s commitment to pursuing technical improvements in its timepieces while keeping the aesthetics current with the most innovative materials.
Richard Mille RM 35-02 History
The Richard Mille RM 35-02 continues the partnership between the Swiss watchmaker and Spanish Tennis star Rafael Nadal. This partnership began in 2008 and produced quite an impressive number of ultra-lightweight and extremely durable watches designed specifically for high-impact activities like tennis matches.
The Nadal watches have become a sub-brand, with several groundbreaking pieces released over the years. More specifically, there are now 9 watches in the Nadal and Baby Nadal collection, among Richard Mille’s best-selling models.
The RM 35-02 was the sixth watch to be released in the collection and the third one in the RM 035 series, popularly known as the “baby Nadals.” Richard Mille began making Nadal-branded watches in 2010, starting with the release of the RM 027. The first watch in the series was a limited-edition timepiece crafted specifically for the Tennis champion.
Roughly a year after the first Nadal debuted, Richard Mille started working on a separate line of Nadal watches. This new line, known as the RM 35 series, was designed for everyday wear while still retaining the essential qualities of the Nadal line, including a lightweight build and robust durability that could hold up to the rigors of a tennis match.
Each Nadal watch released over the years has been characterized by at least one unique attribute. For instance, the RM 027 had a carbon nanotube case and was a tourbillon watch. The RM 27-01 has a cable-suspended movement, while the RM 035 was the first non-tourbillon watch in the collection.
By the time the RM 35-02 came along in 2016, fans of the Nadal watch were already clamoring for the watchmaker to release a self-winding model for the collection. It seemed like the next reasonable step for the collection. The RM 35-02 was the answer to the question fans had been asking for years. This release also consolidated years of diligent research and development into a highly technical timepiece beloved by luxury watch enthusiasts worldwide. Richard Mille chose the run-up to the French Open tennis tournament to announce the release of one of the most important representatives of its tennis-themed family of watches.
RM 35-02 Features
The Richard Mille RM 35-02 embodies all the qualities that make the Richard Mille brand popular with fans. It is made from lightweight and exotic materials, has a sporty avant-garde design, and is powered by a movement representing the cutting-edge of the horology. Here’s an overview of some of the core features of this watch that make it such a special timepiece.
Innovative materials
The RM 35-02 has its case made out of high-tech materials. There are two material variants for this model. The first is a carbon composite material manufactured by North Thin Ply Technologies. This innovative material is characterized by a distinctive striped surface achieved by machining layers of carbon sheets against the grain, creating a striking motif that gives the case a remarkable appearance.
The other material is a bright-red Quartz NTPT achieved by layering several silicone sheets (each less than 45 microns thick) on top of each other. Each sheet has been treated with a special red resin formulated specifically for this purpose, and the layering direction is changed by 45 degrees for each layer.
The block is subjected to a high-pressure process similar to the process used to create materials in aeronautical engineering. The result is a material with a high resistance-to-weight ratio, non-allergenic properties, and remarkable UV resistance.
The red matrix of the treatment material also creates a stark contrast against the natural white of the quart, adding to the striking appearance of the case. Although the RM35-02 is available in two colors, the red variant is more popular. This is mainly due to its striking appearance, but it could also be because the case color and the yellow strap are a nod to Nadal's Spanish nationality.
Robust and durable
The Richard Mille Rafael Nadal watches, have always been characterized by a robust build that allows them to survive some of the most rigorous conditions a wristwatch could be subjected to. The case measures 49.94 mm x 44.50 mm in diameter and is 13.15 mm thick. This dimension is just on brand for a Richard Mille model. The Richard Mille RM 35 02 has the same case length as its predecessor but is slightly wider. It also has a thinner profile, with a thickness of about 13.15mm compared to 14.05mm for the RM 35-01.
Designed for on-court and off-court daily wear, the RM 35-02 feels light on the wrist despite being reasonably sized. It is designed to be water-resistant to a depth of up to 50 meters. More importantly, Richard Mille has ensured that the RM 35-02 can withstand accelerations of up to 5,000 gs. The components of its skeletonized movement, including the baseplate and bridges, are made from PVD-treated sandblasted grade-5 titanium to ensure maximum rigidity and durability.
Automatic Movement
The addition of automatic winding is a welcome convenience and the most significant innovation that sets the Richard Mille RM 35 02 apart from other Nadal Watches. The timepiece is powered by the Caliber RMAL1 movement. This is a self-winding caliber created by Vaucher for Richard Mille.
The calibre has double barrels, which deliver a power reserve of up to 55 hours. This double-barrel system is known to provide greater torc stability and improved long-term performance. The RMAL1 also has a free-sprung balance wheel and a rotor with variable winding efficiency.
The variable geometry rotor is arguably the most important innovation of this watch because it allows the rewinding of the mainspring to be adjusted for efficiency based on the user’s level of activity. The rotor’s inertia can be sped up during minimal arm movement or slowed down during intense activities like a grueling tennis match.
Like other Nadal watches, the movement is visible from the front through the skeletonized dial. In addition, it can also be admired through the sapphire crystal in the caseback, which has been treated with non-reflective material for clarity. While this is a common feature in many Richard Mille watches, the RM 35-02 is the first Richard Mille Nadal watch with this feature.
Richard Mille RM 35-02 Price
When the Richard Mille RM 35-02 Rafael Nadal timepiece was released in 2016, it carried a retail price of about $135,0000. The watch was available at Richard Mille boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide.
It’s difficult to find a Richard Mille RM 35-02 for sale today, and prices have doubled in the secondary market. This timepiece now sells for about $250,000 to over $400,000 in the secondary market.
Conclusion
With the Richard Mille RM 35-02, the Swiss watchmaker completed the transition of its renowned Nadal watches to an automatic winding movement. Although the watch didn’t cause a great stir in the world of horology due to its close similarities with its predecessor, it is still a well-executed watch. The RM 35-02 comes at a huge price tag, especially for a simple three-hand timepiece. However, if you look beyond the function and focus on its significance within the Nadal series, its overall coherence, and its robustness position, you might just see why investing in RM 35-02 is a justified purchase.
