Why the RM 35-03 Fits His Personality
While a lot of people thought he was wearing a RM 055 Bubba Watson, when our team took a close look at his wrist, we were immediately able to tell that it was a Richard Mille RM 35-03 Rafael Nadal sitting on a white strap. The RM 35-03 is a perfect match for someone with Makhachev’s athletic mindset. The Rafael Nadal line has always been about combining extreme engineering with a featherweight feel, and this model pushes that idea further with Richard Mille’s innovative “butterfly rotor” and a sculpted tonneau case.
It’s built for performance, but it doesn’t shy away from bold aesthetics. On the wrist, it’s impossible to miss, yet still looks functional rather than flashy. That balance mirrors the way Makhachev carries himself: efficient, disciplined, and completely dialed in.
A Closer Look at the RM 35-03
Created in collaboration with tennis legend Rafael Nadal, the RM 35-03 showcases Richard Mille’s obsession with pushing boundaries. The watch has the following features:
- A curved tonneau case in lightweight Quartz TPT or Carbon TPT
- The signature butterfly rotor lets the wearer control the winding system
- A vibrant skeletonized movement with layered bridges
- A sporty white rubber strap that makes the whole piece pop
It’s not just an expensive accessory. It’s a piece of engineering meant to be used, not stored.
Also Read: Richard Mille Just Refreshed the RM 17–02 Lineup With Two New Variants
Islam Makhachev’s Watch Collection
This isn’t Makhachev’s first dip into high-end watches. Over the past few years, he’s been photographed wearing an impressive lineup of luxury pieces, including the following watches:
- Richard Mille RM 11-03 McLaren
- Richard Mille RM 67-02 Sebastian Ogier
- Rolex GMT-Master II Batgirl
- Rolex Submariner Date
Makhachev’s wrist game clearly reflects the same progression as his career, both confident and very intentional.
