RM 27-03
RESISTING SHOCKS OF UP TO 10,000 G'S
The RM 27-03 reconciles innovations at the level of materials with a testament to horological architecture. The striking red and yellow hues of its Quartz TPT® case pay homage to Rafa’s native Spain, while the upper skeletonised bridge evokes the forward-facing head of a bull. A symbol of Spain, this animal is also Nadal’s chosen emblem.
The main innovation of this extraordinary watch lies in the capacity of its tourbillon calibre to withstand shocks up to 10,000 g’s. This new threshold has been attained thanks to years of R&D and countless hours of tests, particularly ‘pendulum impact testing’ which simulates the linear acceleration that occurs due to sudden movements or shock to the wearer.
‘Richard Mille seeks excellence, which I respect. In my tennis I always try to be better.’ - Rafael Nadal
RM 27-03 TOURBILLON RAFAEL NADAL
CALIBRE RM27-03
Manual winding tourbillon movement with hours and minutes.
Limited edition of 50 pieces.
POWER RESERVE
Circa 70 hours (± 10%).
UNIBODY BASEPLATE IN CARBON TPT®
The baseplate of the RM 27-03 is machined from Carbon TPT®, a material consisting of multiple layers of parallel filaments obtained by separating carbon threads. With a maximum thickness of 30 microns, the Carbon TPT® layers are saturated with resin then piled onto a special machine that modifies the orientation of the fibres between each layer by 45°. Once heated to 120°C and subjected to a pressure of 6 bars, the Carbon TPT® is machined at Richard Mille’s parts factory.
The baseplate of the RM 27-03 is an integral part of the case. The case middle has been eliminated. The bezel and caseback are assembled directly on the baseplate, which is described as ‘unibody’ — a type of racing-car construction that ensures maximum rigidity and greater resistance to impacts.
The skeletonised Carbon TPT® baseplate is a significant feat of machining. A master component of the RM 27-03, this piece was subjected to a full battery of extreme tests prior to approval in order to optimise its mechanical properties.
BRIDGES MADE OF GRADE 5 TITANIUM
Grade 5 titanium is a biocompatible, highly corrosion-resistant and remarkably rigid alloy, which enables the gear train to function effortlessly. The alloy is 90% titanium, 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium. This combination further increases the material’s mechanical properties, which explains its frequent use in the aerospace, aeronautics and automobile industries.
Like the baseplate, the bridges of the calibre RM27-03 were subjected to intensive and comprehensive testing in order to optimise their resistance properties.
FAST-ROTATING BARREL (6 hours per revolution instead of 7.5 hours)
This type of barrel has the following advantages:
• The phenomenon of periodic internal mainspring adhesion is significantly diminished, thereby increasing performance.
• Provision of an excellent mainspring delta curve with an ideal power reserve/performance and regularity ratio.
FREE-SPRUNG BALANCE WITH VARIABLE INERTIA
A free-sprung balance with variable inertia and a terminal-curve spring better reliability in the event of shocks, movement assembly or disassembly, and guarantees better chronometric results over time.
MOVEMENT CHARACTERISTICS
Movement dimensions: 29.30 x 29.60 mm
Thickness: 7.10 mm
Tourbillon diameter: 12.30 mm
Balance diameter: 10.00 mm
Number of jewels: 19
Balance: Glucydur®, with 2 arms and 4 setting screws, moment of inertia: 11.50 mg•cm2, angle of lift 53°
Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vph)
Balance spring: elinvar by Nivarox®
Shock absorbers: Kif Elastor KE 160 B28
Barrel shafts: nickel-free Chronifer® (DIN x 46 Cr13 + S), with the following characteristics: stainless – non-magnetic – suitable for tempering.
CASE
The bezel and caseback of the RM 27-03 are made from Quartz TPT®, a groundbreaking material designed and developed by Richard Mille in partnership with North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT®) and made according to the same technique as Carbon TPT® but from silica threads.
The intense burst of colour is achieved by impregnating fine layers of silica just 45 microns thick with tinted resin according to a proprietary process developed in Switzerland that stacks the filaments in layers before heating them. When it comes to releasing a new shade of Quartz TPT®, achieving colour stability compliant with REACH standards while resolving issues of biocompatibility and durability represents a tremendous display of prowess on the part of the engineers at Richard Mille and NTPT®.
The case, which is water-resistant to 50 metres thanks to two Nitrile O-rings, is assembled using 12 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and 316L stainless steel washers.
TORQUE-LIMITING CROWN
This security system prevents accidental overwinding of the watch, the result of which can cause damage to the winding stem or extreme pressure on the barrel spring.
Finishing
Movement
• Hand-polished bevelling
• Shot-blasted milled sections
• Stretched upper surfaces
Steel parts
• Shot-blasted surfaces
• Satin-brushed surfaces
• Hand-polished bevelling
• Long strokes
• Matt ‘brouillé’ strokes
• Long strokes on the sides
• Polished sinks
Wheels
• Diamond-polished sinks
• Circular decorations on the front surfaces
• Rhodium plating (before cutting the teeth)
• Minimal corrections applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance
Other features
BARREL PAWL WITH PROGRESSIVE RECOIL
This device permits an appreciable winding gain (circa 20%), especially during the start of winding. It also promotes the even distribution of the mainspring’s internal tension.
WINDING-BARREL TEETH AND CENTRE-WHEEL PINION WITH CENTRAL INVOLUTE PROFILE
The central involute profile of the winding-barrel teeth provides an optimal pressure angle of 20°, which promotes effective rotary motion and compensates for possible variations in the operation of the going train. This, in turn, ensures excellent torque transmission and a distinct improvement in performance.
SPLINE SCREWS IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM FOR THE BRIDGES AND CASE
This permits better control of the torque applied to screws during assembly. These screws are therefore unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.