The GOAT Collection: Watches & Treasures from Tom Brady
The GOAT Collection: Watches & Treasures from Tom Brady
Richard Mille
Reference RM35-03 FQ 'Baby Nadal' | A blue and white quartz TPT skeletonized automatic wristwatch with a butterfly rotor, Owned and Worn by Tom Brady, Circa 2022
Auction Closed
December 11, 02:00 AM GMT
Estimate
300,000 - 500,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: skeletonized
Caliber: cal. RMAL2 automatic, 38 jewels
Movement number: 6420, 243’857
Case: quartz TPT, sapphire crystal display case back secured by eight screws
Case number: 246
Closure: rubber Richard Mille strap and titanium double folding clasp
Size: 50 x 43 mm
Signed: case, dial, and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Richard Mille presentation box with outer packaging, travel case with outer packaging, Warranty dated May 2022 and confirming the purchaser as Tom Brady, and booklets
Despite being a relatively young brand, Richard Mille has quickly established itself as a manufacturer of some of the most rugged and complex wristwatches of the 21st century. To test and enhance the durability of its timepieces, Richard Mille has collaborated with some of the world’s top athletes since its inception. So, it was no surprise when, in 2010, the brand announced a partnership with one of tennis' all-time greats, Rafael Nadal, also known as the "King of Clay."
The RM 35-03 Baby Nadal, the fourth model in the RM 035 collection, introduced an innovative winding mechanism called the "butterfly rotor." Developed over three years, this patented system is designed to protect the barrel from the wear and tear caused by high-intensity movements in sports, where rapid rotor winding can occur. The butterfly rotor is made of two pie-shaped titanium pieces that can be adjusted into two positions via a pusher located at 7 o'clock. In the first position, the pieces form a half-circle, allowing the rotor to spin and wind the barrel like a traditional mechanism. In the second, more intriguing position, the two pieces align directly opposite each other, creating a balanced configuration that is less affected by gravity and movement, effectively halting the winding during intense physical activity. This system enables the winding mechanism to be optimized as needed. An ON/OFF indicator at 6 o'clock on the dial shows whether the rotor is engaged or not.
The RM 35-03 has three versions: one featuring a blue Quartz TPT case with a white Quartz TPT case band (as seen in this example), and another with a white Quartz TPT and Carbon TPT case and Carbon TPT caseband, and one with Carbon TPT for the case and case band. Given his status as a high intensity athlete, it’s no surprise that Tom Brady is a collector and wearer of Richard Mille timepieces. We are thrilled to offer this watch from the G.O.A.T. Collection, complete with its full set of accessories, including a Certificate of Origin that confirms Tom Brady as the original purchaser.