Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal.

The Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal represents the pinnacle of sporty Swiss haute horlogerie — born from a high-performance collaboration between Richard Mille and tennis legend Rafael Nadal. As the fourth model in the RM 035 collection, it builds on the legacy of ultra-light, shock-resistant watches tailored for active lifestyles, blending avant-garde engineering with everyday wearability.

Innovation & Movement

At the heart of the RM 35-03 is the skeletonised Calibre RMAL2, a self-winding movement designed for precision and durability. Its most distinctive feature is the patented “butterfly rotor” — a breakthrough mechanism that empowers the wearer to manually adjust the winding efficiency: from full winding during daily use to a sport mode that halts the rotor to prevent overwinding during intense activity. This interaction between man and machine elevates the watch from a passive timekeeper to a responsive performance tool.
The movement delivers an impressive ≈55-hour power reserve while maintaining robust chronometric stability through a free-sprung balance and twin barrel system.

Case & Materials

The tonneau-shaped case — a Richard Mille signature — is crafted from advanced materials like Carbon TPT® and Quartz TPT®, chosen for their light weight, strength, and unique textured appearance. These high-tech composites ensure the watch is extremely comfortable on the wrist yet capable of withstanding demanding conditions. The case measures approximately 43.15 mm × 49.95 mm with a thickness of 13.15 mm, and features a sapphire crystal front and back for unobstructed views of the intricate movement. Water resistance is rated at 50 meters, suitable for daily wear.

Design & Dial

The open-worked skeleton dial offers a dynamic view into the mechanical heart of the watch. Luminous hands glide above a flange marked with pronounced numerals, while function and on/off indicators provide intuitive control feedback. The interplay of high-contrast elements and visible technical components results in a bold, sporty aesthetic that celebrates both form and function.

Functionality

In addition to standard hours and minutes, the RM 35-03 includes:

• Sport Mode for tailored winding behavior via the butterfly rotor

• Function selector pusher at 2 o’clock to choose between winding, neutral, and time-setting modes

• ON/OFF rotor indicator integrated into the dial layout
  These features emphasize ergonomic use and practical adaptability for active wearers.

Lifestyle & Prestige

More than a watch, the RM 35-03 evokes a lifestyle of elite sport and technical mastery. Drawing inspiration from Rafael Nadal’s competitive ethos, it stands as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and high-performance design — qualities cherished by collectors and horology enthusiasts worldwide.