Richard Mille and professional golfer Bubba Watson have had a continuous brand partnership dating back to 2011.
The new RM 38-02 Tourbillon Bubba Watson is the third tourbillon developed from the collaboration and the fourth timepiece created during the decade-plus that Watson has been a Richard Mille brand ambassador.
Inspired by Watson’s “lucky charm” color pink, the asymmetrical tonneau case is made from a high-tech layering of Quartz pink TPT®, white Quartz TPT®, and Carbon TPT®.
Like the original from 2011, this timepiece is designed to be worn while hitting a golf ball, and considering there’s a tourbillon, the potential shock was a huge problem, and the RM 38-02 can withstand an impressive level of 10,000 g’s, according to Richard Mille.
The RM 38- 02 movement is built around a baseplate in Carbon TPT®, which comprises many layers of parallel carbon filaments. The baseplate supports grade 5 titanium bridges. The color pink is a nod to Bubba’s iconic Ping driver and brings subtle touches of pink inside the movement, including on the micro-perforated bridge located on the back, echoing the pattern of Watson’s driver.
The design of the asymmetrical case, which has already been used on previous models, is tapered in a way that reportedly cancels out “friction with the torque-limiting crown on the wrist.”
“I have been pushing Richard for a pink watch for ten years and here it is!” said Bubba Watson on seeing the RM 38-02 Tourbillon for the first time. The RM 38-02 Tourbillon Bubba Watson is a numbered limited edition of 50 pieces.
Photos by Richard Mille.
