The Richard Mille RM 038 Tourbillon Bubba Watson is a high-performance luxury timepiece specifically engineered to withstand the extreme centrifugal forces and shocks generated by a professional golf swing. The 39.70mm by 48mm tripartite case is crafted from magnesium WE 54, an aerospace-grade alloy chosen for its extreme lightness and strength. This material undergoes an electro-plasma oxidation treatment known as Miarox, which creates a protective white ceramic coating that enhances scratch resistance and provides a unique, matte aesthetic. The watch features a skeletonized dial that offers a deep, three-dimensional view of the movement, protected by sapphire crystals on both the front and back, and is secured by a white rubber strap.
The technical heart of the RM 038 is a manually-wound tourbillon movement featuring a baseplate and bridges made of grade 5 titanium to ensure rigidity and durability. The movement architecture incorporates a bridge design inspired by suspension bridges, providing the flexibility needed to combat the high-G environments of professional sport. In addition to the tourbillon, which counters the effects of gravity on timekeeping, the caliber provides a 48-hour power reserve and features a free-sprung balance for improved shock resistance. The watch is water-resistant to 50 meters, a feat achieved through the use of Nitril O-ring seals within its complex case construction.
General reviews of the RM 038 highlight its remarkable lightness and wearability, often describing the experience of holding it as surreal due to the disconnect between its visual volume and physical weight. Collectors and enthusiasts frequently praise its exceptional visual depth and the “architectural” nature of its openworked movement. While the watch is celebrated as a landmark achievement in engineering for its ability to protect a delicate tourbillon during active play, some critics note its polarising design and high secondary market value. Despite its specialized purpose, it remains a highly coveted “Grail” piece among haute horlogerie enthusiasts for its scarcity and innovative use of materials.