Recommended Free Tools
The Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal is the fourth watch in the brand’s RM 035 “Baby Nadal” collection. Its defining feature is a patented butterfly rotor that lets the wearer switch off rotor-driven winding in sport mode. The model was introduced in December 2021, so it is not a new 2026 release.
What is the RM 35-03 “Baby Nadal”?
Richard Mille describes the RM 35-03 as the fourth watch in its RM 035 Rafael Nadal collection, a line inspired by Nadal’s RM 027 tourbillon watches. The brand says development took three years and culminated in the butterfly-rotor winding mechanism. Richard Mille calls the RM 035 family its “baby Nadal” watches.
The model was introduced in December 2021: Europa Star’s release page is dated that month, and Richard Mille’s official video was published on December 8, 2021. It is therefore more accurate to treat the RM 35-03 as a model explainer than a newly launched watch. Europa Star’s December 2021 coverage and Richard Mille’s dated video support that timing.
How the butterfly rotor works
The automatic movement winds as the rotor turns. In its normal configuration, two rotor weights create an off-centre centre of gravity, producing the torque that winds the barrel. The rotor is specified to wind anti-clockwise.
#1 Best Overall
- Stainless Steel case with Black Resin Band
- Black Dial with date window at 3 O'clock
- Luminous markers and hour hands; sweep second hand
- Anti-reverse bezel
- Water-resistant to 200 M (660 feet)
Pressing the sport-mode pusher at 7 o’clock activates a dedicated gear train that moves the weights to a 180-degree angle. In that position, the rotor is balanced and no longer generates winding power. An indicator at 6 o’clock shows whether sport mode is engaged. Richard Mille says the wearer can vary rotor geometry to control winding according to lifestyle and sporting activity; sport mode does not stop the watch or its timekeeping.
A separate selector at 2 o’clock chooses among winding, neutral and hand-setting. Its indicator shows the selected function. These controls have different jobs: the 7 o’clock pusher changes rotor geometry, while the 2 o’clock selector changes the movement’s operating function.
Rank #2
- Black Dial Design: Black dial with full Arabic numerals pairs with a green fabric slip-thru strap that changes in seconds
- Adjustable Strap: A comfortable band fits securely up to an 8-inch wrist circumference for everyday wear, day in and day out
- Indiglo Backlight: A push of the button illuminates the dial and luminous hands in the dark, day or night, rain or shine
- All-Weather Durability: A mineral glass crystal and water resistance to 50 meters keep this field watch ready for daily wear
- Built to Last: A Timex watch is designed for durability and everyday reliability; every piece reflects our commitment to quality without compromise
Published specifications
| Specification | Richard Mille’s published details |
|---|---|
| Movement | RMAL2 skeletonized automatic; hours, minutes and seconds; butterfly rotor, sport mode and function selector |
| Power reserve | Around 55 hours, with a stated ±10% tolerance |
| Frequency | 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) |
| Jewels | 38 |
| Movement dimensions | 31.25 × 29.45 mm; 5.92 mm thick |
| Case materials | Carbon TPT and Quartz TPT variants |
| Water resistance | 50 metres |
| Baseplate and bridges | Grade 5 titanium with specified surface treatments |
These are the manufacturer’s published specifications; the power-reserve figure is approximate and carries the stated tolerance. See Richard Mille’s RM 35-03 model page for the official description and specification.
What distinguishes the case variants?
The documented material distinction is between Carbon TPT and Quartz TPT cases. Richard Mille’s official video describes the butterfly rotor arriving in both materials. The cited specifications establish those case materials and 50-metre water resistance, but do not establish regional stock, production status or a current retail price. Confirm the material on the specific watch and its documentation rather than inferring it from a seller’s shorthand or photographs.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- DAY/DATE CALENDAR: stay organized with the convenient day/date calendar displayed on the beautiful blue dial
- STURDY STAINLESS STEEL CASE: designed for durability, this men's watch features a stainless steel watch case that can withstand everyday wear and tear SEIKO QUALITY: handcrafted timepieces for every occasion
- CLASSIC BROWN LEATHER STRAP: the combined sophistication and versatility of a supple leather watch band make these the perfect men’s watches for any occasion
- 50M WATER RESISTANT: whether you're washing your hands or snorkeling off the coast, these men's wrist watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters, providing peace of mind in any situation
- SMOOTH AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT: our self-winding automatic watches for men deliver precise and smooth movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping LUMINOUS HANDS AND MARKERS: even in low light conditions, the luminous hands and markers ensure that you can read the dial indicator
Release date, price and availability
The available dated release evidence points to December 2021, not 2026. Richard Mille’s official video is dated December 8, 2021, while Europa Star’s release page is dated December 2021. The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry’s new-model entry and December 2021 coverage by SJX also discuss the rotor’s weights moving to 180 degrees; Richard Mille’s product page is the primary source for the detailed mechanism.
A current manufacturer retail price, authorized availability by region and production status are not established by those sources. A 2026 Sotheby’s result identifies one white Quartz TPT RM 35-03, but a single auction example does not establish general market value or current availability. For a specific listing, assess condition, provenance and the exact case material; do not treat one auction result as a price guide.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
