In 2010, Richard Mille and tennis star Rafael Nadal teamed up to change what a “sports watch” could be. This wasn’t just about putting a logo on a product. They spent years working together to create a super-strong, lightweight tourbillon watch that Nadal could really wear while playing—through every serve, sprint, and long match.
If you’ve ever searched for the Rafael Nadal watch or Richard Mille Nadal, you’ve probably seen the famous RM 27 series.
In this article, we explain the RM 27 watch series, why it’s famous for being super light and tough, what makes its materials special, how it’s different from the “Baby Nadal” RM 35 line, and how you can buy, sell, or trade one safely with Timepiece Trading’s help.
Lightest & Toughest Tourbillon Watches
If you remember one thing, remember this: the RM 27 watches can do something most tourbillon watches can’t—they can handle hard hits and feel almost weightless on your wrist.
- RM 27-05: weighs about 11.5 grams (without the strap) and was tested to survive forces up to 14,000 g.
- RM 27-04: built with a strong cable-mesh design and tested for shocks over 12,000 g.
- RM 27-03: tested to handle 10,000 g — a record when it first came out.
Why weight matters: Every bit of weight you take off makes the watch feel lighter on your wrist. For athletes, that means it’s easier to move, feels less heavy when they swing, and doesn’t get in the way during fast action. For collectors, it gives a feeling that’s unlike almost any other watch.
What g-force testing represents: G-force measures how strong acceleration is. When Richard Mille says their watch can handle over 10,000 g, it means the watch is built so strong that it can survive super hard hits or quick shocks without breaking or losing accuracy. It doesn’t mean the watch is heavy; it means it stays strong and keeps working even when it gets hit fast and hard, like during a powerful tennis swing or sudden stop.
Materials & Engineering Behind the RM 27 Series
Richard Mille didn’t break records by just making tiny changes. They completely redesigned how the watch was built.
- Carbon TPT / TPT® B.4: Ultra-thin carbon layers stacked at varying orientations, then cured and machined. The result is an incredibly stiff, feather-light material with high damage tolerance and a distinctive grain. “TPT B.4” variants push stiffness-to-weight even further.
- TitaCarb®: A strong plastic mixed with carbon fiber. It’s very tough and keeps its shape well, making it perfect for parts that need to be light and strong.
- Cable-Suspended Movements (notably RM 27-04): The watch’s movement hangs inside the case on a tiny cable mesh shaped like a tennis racket. The cables are stretched tightly between small anchors, so when the watch gets hit, the shock spreads through the cables instead of the other parts, like a safety net.
- Monobloc Caseback (RM 27-05 architecture): Uses fewer parts and screws, making it stronger and lighter while keeping the inside steady and tough.
Simply put: Carbon TPT® and TitaCarb® make the watch lighter. The suspension system helps absorb shocks, and the one-piece design makes it stronger with fewer parts. Together, they create one of the lightest and toughest watches ever made.
RM 27 vs RM 35 (“Baby Nadal”)—What’s the Difference?
Before you hunt references, it’s crucial to separate two related but distinct families:
Rm 27 = Tourbillon “Halo” Pieces
Made for Rafael Nadal and tested right on the tennis court. These watches are famous for being super light and strong—the same ones Rafa wears while playing. They use special materials like Carbon TPT® and TitaCarb®, with a cool design that helps protect the inside parts. Only a few are made, and they’re some of the most expensive Richard Mille watches you can buy.
Rm 35 (“Baby Nadal”) = Nadal-Inspired, More Accessible
Think about the RM 35-01, RM 35-02, and other RM 35 models. They look a lot like the fancy tourbillon watches — with open designs, bright straps, and Carbon TPT® cases — but they don’t have the tourbillon inside. That makes them a little less expensive (though still very pricey), easier to wear every day, and still super eye-catching.
Bottomline: If you want the super fancy tourbillon and a watch that breaks records, go for the RM 27. On the other hand, if you like Nadal’s style and want a light, cool watch that’s easier to find, choose the RM 35.
Authentication & Provenance: How Timepiece Trading Protects Buyers
Ultra-rare RMs demand ultra-tight verification. Our process is designed to keep you safe:
1. Intake & Physical Inspection
- Case, bezel, and Carbon TPT®/TitaCarb® surface review under magnification
- Crystal, crown, pushers, seals, and torque checks
- Movement condition, timing behavior, and power-reserve sanity test
2. Serial & Documentation Verification
- Reference/serial cross-check against supplier and brand-adjacent records
- Matching papers, warranty cards, and sales docs where applicable
- Provenance review: known dealer route, prior auction appearances, or service history
3. Third-Party & Service History
- Independent watchmaker inspection when appropriate
- Manufacture service documentation where available
4. Secure Payments & Escrow
- Discreet settlement options, insured shipping, and hand-delivery in select cases
- Escrow structure available for qualifying transactions
5. Post-Sale Support
- After-sales guidance on servicing intervals and best practices
- Strap/bracelet sourcing, sizing, and care
Red flags to avoid: Different serial numbers, missing or unclear papers, parts that don’t match, and prices that seem too cheap are all warning signs. When checking if a Richard Mille watch is real, work with experts who deal with these watches every day.
Prices, Availability & Market Reality
How much does a Nadal RM cost, and can I buy one?
- Retail vs secondary: With RM 27s, retail lists and allocations are largely academic. Most pieces surface via private networks and high-tier dealers.
- Documentation matters: Full sets (box/papers) with clean provenance command premiums.
- Auction & private sales: Be ready for ups and downs. News stories can change how people feel, and the results depend on the item’s condition and how complete it is.
What We Do at Timepiece Trading
- Private network access: We source through vetted relationships built on years of transaction history.
- White-glove logistics: Discreet sourcing, insured global shipping, and trade-in pathways if you plan to sell richard mille or consign richard mille towards a target reference.
- Concierge guidance: Real-time market read, comps, and expectation setting—without the hype.
Final Thoughts
Want to see what’s in stock? Check out our Richard Mille collection and ask our team to help you find any RM 27 or RM 35 watch you’re looking for. If you’re wondering where to buy a Richard Mille or how the prices change between models, we’ll explain everything and help you compare your options.
If you want to buy, check, sell, or consign a watch, Timepiece Trading’s team takes care of everything for you. We handle the history check, inspection, safe payment, and delivery, so all you have to do is enjoy owning an amazing watch. Send our team a message to get started.
