RAFAEL NADAL MODEL, REF. RM035 AL ALMG, CASE NO. 186, CIRCA 2012

Launched in 2011, the RM 035 marked an important milestone for Richard Mille as the manufacture’s first timepiece to receive Chronofiable® certification. Developed by the CCF SA (Centre de Contrôle de la Fiabilité de l’Horlogerie Suisse) during the 1980s, the demanding 21-day testing process simulates the ageing and stresses experienced by a watch during normal wear. The certification demonstrated the ability of the RMUL1 calibre to withstand extreme conditions without compromising its timekeeping performance.

Weighing a mere 4.3 grams, the extensively skeletonised RMUL1 movement required a full year of development. Numerous versions of the titanium baseplate were tested to ensure that removing material would not compromise the movement’s rigidity or shock resistance. The final construction combines a PVD-treated titanium baseplate with bridges and balance cock in Titalyt®-treated titanium, providing exceptional rigidity and surface flatness while maintaining an extremely low weight.

The RM035 case is crafted from alumagnesium, a lightweight yet highly resistant alloy of aluminium, magnesium and copper also used for components such as Formula 1 racing pistons. Following machining, the material undergoes an electro-plasma oxidation treatment known as Miarox®, creating a crystalline oxide ceramic surface with exceptional resistance to wear, scratches and corrosion. Its distinctive dark appearance results from chemically inert, light-resistant spinels.