What is that big, black watch on Rafael Nadal's wrist? It is the Richard Mille RM027 Tourbillon that seems to accompany him to all his tournaments. Find out more about this enigmatic watch that is always on Nadal's wrist. When Rafael Nadal swings into action on the tennis court, there is always a large, black watch on his right wrist. And though it may look like a cheap, black plastic Casio from the distance it is a highly sophisticated and expensive mechanical watch worth several hundreds of thousands of pounds. Not only is it unusual to see a tennis player wearing a watch on court, it is even more odd that it is a highly complicated tourbillon, more often seen in the more sedate atmosphere of a board rooms, than being thrashed around a tennis court. The tourbillon, a device invented at the end of the 19th century to improve timekeeping in pocket watches seems out of place in the high impact game of tennis. It is the turbo, fuel-injection, 16 cylinder, all bells and whistles engine of the watch world, and Rafa seems remarkably fond it of it. Is Rafael really keeping his eye on the time or has his ultra-light Richard Mille watch become something of a good luck charm?I hope to be able to interview him and ask the question but for the meantime, I assume, that like most men, he is in awe of the micro-mechanical marvel of this machine, with the workings visible through the dial. The fact that this watch, like all Richard Milles, is based on the pared-down aesthetics of Formula 1 Racing, can only add to its appeal and is about as close to wearing a F1 engine on your wrist as it comes. And it only weighs 20 grams, strap included making the RM 027 Tourbillon is the lightest mechanical watch ever designed and the first watch to be worn by a player in a Grand Slam. Just as well that it is extremely shock resistant and comfortable on the wrist. While most brands would suggest you leave your delicate tourbillon watch in the changing room at Wimbledon, Richard Mille took delight and saw the marketing potential of putting the watch on the wrist of a player in top level tennis matches. Unlike a traditional watch, Richard Mille has researched highly resistant, lightweight materials such as LITAL® that is used for the moving parts and a carbon-based composite for the casing and the baseplate is made from titanium. Months of experimenting and countless tests on the arm of Rafael Nadal, who fully participated in designing and developing the model, were necessary to refine and perfect this ultra-technical model which can withstand the most violent of blows. Rafael Nadal said "It is an honour for me that someone like Richard has chosen me as one of his ambassadors. I know that he has worked very hard to be able to create this very special watch. I am honoured and I am sure it will be a special and successful partnership."
