Rafael Nadal is one of the greatest tennis players to ever grace the court. At a time when Richard Mille was a small fish in the ~$50bn watch industry, Nadal joined with them and birthed the ultimate athlete and watchmaker partnership. Their alliance began in 2010, and since then, they have created 9 phenomenal watches which have been nothing short of ground-breaking. Nadal proudly wears the ultra lightweight timepieces on the court, which is a testament to Richard Mille’s impressive craftmanship. Some may even say they are his lucky charm, guiding him to victory.
‘Rafa and I have a life-long commitment. We are there come rain or shine. It is more than just watchmaking – it’s life!’
Rafael Nadal Richard Models
In total, the duo has created nine watches, consisting of five iterations of the RM027 and four versions of the RM35. These timepieces vary significantly in price, with the cheapest models available on the grey market for around $150,000, while the most expensive ones fetch over $1.3 million. Below are the timepieces they have created:
Conclusion.
In its early days, Richard Mille faced scepticism and criticism from many in the industry. However, their strategic celebrity partnerships played a crucial role in elevating them to one of the most sought-after luxury watch brands. Nadal, in particular, has been a key figure in this journey, frequently collaborating with the brand. The question remains, what’s next for Rafael Nadal and Richard Mille? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.