Feather Weight Champion

Richard Mille and Rafa are at it again, pushing limits and setting a new standard.

IF THERE is one obvious trait that Rafael Nadal and Richard Mille share — besides flamboyance — it would be perseverance. Just as the watchmaker first rose to the seemingly impossible challenge of creating an ultra-light piece for Nadal nine years ago, a determined Nadal recovered from his well-reported injuries and landed his 10th French open title in June — and a place in history as the first man to win the same grand Slam la decima. So it was only fitting that another record-breaker had accompanied the no 2 seed throughout the highly anticipated tournament and eventually to the podium: the rm 27-03 tourbillon Rafael Nadal.

Nadal’s hard-charging style is an obvious consideration when it comes to crafting a movement as sensitive as a tourbillon. tennis fans will know how much passion the Spaniard pours into every match; the explosive physicality of his game is legendary. He bolts across the court to chase down balls before launching an assault with a huge swing of his racquet — his serves can reach 215km/h. This is also a player whose lethal weapon of a heavy top spin forehand goes as fast as 4,000rpm.