Hong Kong, Nov 26, 2022
LOT 546
RICHARD MILLE
REF. RM 027-RN, ONE-MINUTE TOURBILLON REGULATOR, ULTRA-LIGHT; LIMITED EDITION OF 50 PIECES; “RAFAEL NADAL”; BLACK PVD-COATED COMPOSITE MATERIAL
HKD 6,350,000 - 7,940,000
EUR 820,000 - 1,020,000 / CHF 800,000 - 1,000,000 / USD 810,000 - 1,020,000
Black PVD-coated composite material, manual-winding, vertical “tonneau”-shaped, curvex, ultra-light, wristwatch chronometer, two-piece case, water-resistant with bezel screwed by eight screws, black inner bezel, transparent dial with dots. skeleton movement with one horological complication:
· Visible one-minute tourbillon regulator
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 1-8 |
As new Slightly scratched |
Movement: 1* |
As new Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 1-01 |
As new HANDS Original |
Brand Richard Mille, Les Breuleux (Franches-Montagnes, Jura)
Model “Rafael Nadal”
Reference RM 027-RN
Year circa 2010
Movement No. 02 (ARP)
Case No. RM027 AK CA 06/50
Material black PVD-coated composite material
Bracelet black tissue RM strap (Ref. 10 M / 83)
Buckle titanium clasp
Caliber RM 027, titanium and LITAL ®, one-minute tourbillon regulator, 19 jewels (3.83 gr.)
Dimensions 48.1 x 39.4 mm.
Weight 31.8 gr. (approx.) with the actual bracelet (originally less 20 gr. with the original bracelet)
Signature dial, case and movement
Accessories original fitted box (egg-shaped) and outer box, approved used watch certificate (No. 00514; dated Singapore, January 2021), booklets
Notes
Richard Mille, RM 027 Tourbillon
With the RM 027, Richard Mille’s idea was to develop a tourbillon capable of withstanding the shocks experienced during long hours on the clay, sometimes reaching forces of several g, while remaining comfortable and extremely light: a real challenge for any tourbillon movement. The design of these high-performance mechanisms has been completely rethought and retested. The kind of challenge Richard Mille loves. With this “second skin” on his wrist, as he described it himself, Rafael Nadal has won everywhere: Roland Garros, Wimbledon, Flushing Meadows... But before that, he forced the brand to push its limits very, very far!
Based on this flagship concept, Richard Mille developed the RM 027 Tourbillon in close collaboration with Rafael Nadal, who was able to test the RM 027 in real-life conditions and wear it during matches. The results of this watchmaking experiment speak for themselves: despite the sudden, intense movements and shocks typical of top-level tennis, the RM 027 Tourbillon proved its resistance, while allowing Rafael Nadal total freedom of movement.
Following in the footsteps of the RM 006 (42 grams without strap) and the RM 009 (29 grams without strap), the RM 027 weighs less than 20 grams including the strap! It has thus become the lightest watch ever produced.
The main plate of the RM 027 Tourbillon is made of titanium and LITAL®, an alloy with a high lithium content, which also contains aluminium, copper, magnesium and zircon. Its density is 2.55. As one of the lightest elements available, the addition of lithium to the alloy allows platinum to be strengthened without adding unnecessary weight. This specific alloy is also used for these same properties in the aerospace industry, to manufacture the A 380, helicopters, rockets and satellites, but also in Formula 1 cars.
The result is one of the lightest mechanical watches in the world, with a movement weighing just 3.83 grams.
The case of the RM 027, manufactured from a composite material containing a high proportion of carbon, offers solid and resistant protection for the tourbillon movement housed in its centre. The case-back and case-band are monobloc to ensure total lightness. The carbon glass, the bezel and the frame have exceptional properties in terms of strength and torsional rigidity.
Once again, Richard Mille and his teams have gone beyond the plus!
--
A statement by Richard Mille
“When we started making titanium tourbillons, ALUSIC® cases and carbon plates, we had to fight against preconceived ideas. A titanium watch was not considered a luxury watch because it was not heavy enough. However, attitudes quickly changed and gradually, over time, enthusiasts began to appreciate the extreme lightness of our watches, which are also equipped with the best technologies.”