Endgame Tier

Richard Mille concludes its RM 27 Rafael Nadal series with fifth-generation, career-high model.

- GORDON NG

The story goes that when Richard Mille first approached Rafael Nadal in 2008 about collaborating on a timepiece, the athlete was initially dismissive. As someone who did not have the habit of wearing anything on his wrist, a watch seemed extraneous. A friend, thankfully, convinced Nadal to revisit the thought and a partnership was soon born.

The RM 27 Flying Tourbillon-the first timepiece to bear the tennis player's name was a marvel when it debuted on the 2010 competitive circuit. At just under 20 grams including the strap, it was the lightest watch in the world at the time. As for Nadal, that season is remembered as one of the greatest. The Mallorcan won seven titles and became the first male player in history to win Grand Slams on clay, grass and hard court surfaces.