Richard Mille

• cal. RM027 manual winding nickel lever movement, 19 jewels, mono-metallic balance rotating within an one-minute tourbillon carriage • skeletonized dial, titanium movement baseplate and aluminum-lithium bridges, luminous dot indexes and skeletonized hands • carbon composite tonneau-form case secured by 8 titanium screws • case, dial and movement signed • with a Richard Mille buckle 

Manual winding movement running and tourbillon function in working order during the time cataloguing. Dial is nice and clean. Case and buckle with minor scuffs from light wear. Overall appears in excellent condition. *Please note the movement has not been tested for time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

With a Richard Mille warranty card, instruction manual and pouch. 

Fascinated by the combination of technology, performance and practical aspects in a wristwatch, Richard Mille managed to prove once more that an extreme reduction in weight could be achieved with total efficiency and accuracy. Rafael Nadal’s decision to wear the watch in front of such a large crowd was extremely brave and his confidence in the watch was thoroughly proved, as one’s game could have been adversely affected even by the miniscule weight.

In 2010 Nadal went on to win 3 out of 4 grand slams wearing the RM 027 watch and in the same year he became the first man to win Grand Slams on clay, grass and hard courts within a season and once again achieve the coveted number 1 ranking.

RM027 is hailed as one of the world’s lightest watch ever constructed. The case was made out of carbon based composite and the base-plate from titanium. All these components provide the watch with more flexibility and shock resistance. The movement base-plate of the RM 027 Tourbillon is made from Titanium and LITAL® alloy, a high lithium content alloy containing aluminium, copper, magnesium and zirconium, making it one of the most light-weighted mechanical tourbillon wristwatches with a movement weight of only 3.83 grams. This example is equipped with a sapphire crystal top made to order by the discerned collector to replace the original Grilamid material, showcasing the depth and dimension of the highly complicated movement.

The RM 027 was launched in a limited edition of 50 pieces and was soon regarded as one of the most iconic and important sports watches ever made in the 21st century.