The Elusive Richard Mille RM 35-02 Rafael Nadal in RED!
Richard Mille RM35-02 Nadal Red Quartz
We’re taking a rosy (fnar) trip down memory lane with this RM35-02 in a spectacular red quartz NTPT.
First launched in 2016 along with its black counterpart, this was the first piece in the Nadal range to feature an automatic movement - calibre RMAL1 which is a time only movement with a 55 hour power reserve built on a grade 5 titanium baseplate. It also features a variable geometry rotor which can be adjusted to suit its wearer, and is equipped with enough shock absorbing technology to deal with both a drop onto carpet and Rafael Nadal’s serve.
This is of course an understatement, as the watch has been tested to withstand acceleration of 5000G’s, a force that would splatter you before the RM35-02.
Nice.
As per usual, this is a completely skeletonised movement of the type that you could peer at and in to all day without really caring about the time. The finishing is hands down absolutely superb and the mix of titalyte, titanium, PVD and sandblast really sets off the 3D landscape of the calibre. As this is a movement designed to be admired, a sapphire caseback is installed.
The case is a Vaucher build using material developed by North Thin Ply Technology, a regular partner with Richard Mille, particularly when it comes to their hyper light and ultra resilient cases.
It’s a gorgeous vivid red Quartz TPT with striations of white undyed quartz running through it to add some visual pizzaz.
It is extremely high tech as its original raison d’etre was in the development of tough and light racing sails for yachts.
Having been exceptionally sucessful in its original field, the tech was quickly picked up by aeronautic industries, formula one, and Richard Mille.
The texture of the quartz TPT case. denoted as FQ on RM model reference numbers, looks very similar to the striations seen on Damascus steel.
It is created by weaving quartz (or carbon) filaments into resin, with each layer being applied at 45 degree angles to the previous.
This creates both the easily identifiable grained pattern, and the durability to survive high speed impacts without a mark.
Its an ideal material for a Nadal, in truth.
In this vibrant iteration, its also very attractive and feels just a shade more “fun” than some of its jet black counterparts. It’s a summer looker for sure, and, might I add, tones in very well with a Ferrari.
I’ve got it on a matching bright red textile strap which is both exceptionally comfortable, lightweight, mercifully not sticky in hot weather, and matches to the case like nobodys business.
The head is also really striking on a black or white strap, so whichever is your flavour on the pairing front. Its a watch with plenty of options.
Size-wise this the 35-02 is what I’d consider to be mid-sized for a RM. Its 44.5mm by just under 50mm with a height of 13mm. Its a lugless tonneau with a curved back to fit any size of wrist and is light and comfortable despite sharing similar stats to a Panerai or Sea-Dweller. Its absolutely fine on a 6.5 inch wrist and above, and I have to concede that while my love for old steel is unparalleled, there is no watch on earth that I find as comfortable as a modern material RM.
They are like wearing fresh air.