RICHARD MILLE, RM35-02 'RAFA', A RARE RED QUARTZ TPT AUTOMATIC SKELETONISED WRISTWATCH

Manufactured from 2016, the RM35-02 ‘RAFA’ is part of the incredible collection of Richard Mille timepieces that bear the ‘Rafael Nadal’ name, extraordinary watches that are a byword for innovation, extreme lightness and shock-resistance.

The automatic RM35-02 ‘RAFA’ was available in either Carbon TPT or bright red Quartz-TPT. Called TPT (thin ply technology) quartz, its strength and lightness is unparalleled. The silicon layers are treated with a red matrix that was specially created for Richard Mille, then layered using an automatic system that changes the direction of the fibres in each layer by 45° C. These layers are fused together at 120°C before it is machined into the desirable shape. The result is a case material that is extremely resistant to temperature changes, is hypoallergenic, and can withstand accelerations of up to 5,000 gs.

The RMAL1 calibre movement is equally impressive with baseplate and bridges in wet-sandblasted grade 5 titanium that have been PVD/Titalyt treated for exceptional rigidity. The movement is powered by a double-barrel system which provides greater torque stability. The self-winding mechanism is Richard Mille’s patented variable-geometry rotor which can be adjusted to suit the wearer’s level of activity.