From ceramic to ceramised components, the inorganic and nonmetallic material is experiencing a new wave of resurgence in the watch industry. The first wave was easily understood and saw the adaptation of the material to current design templates. A second wave saw brands push their manufacturing capabilities as they fashioned entire watch components out of ceramic. The third and current wave introduces chromatics into ceramic, a complex and balancing act that brands are still learning to grapple with. While some brands flowed with the currents, Rado was the one who made a splash and rode each of the three waves with panache — earning it the moniker Master of Materials.
While Rado’s pioneering spirit and knack for design manifested in numerous collections over the decades, the Rado True Square collection premiered under the motto: “The shape of things to come.” Rado’s historical expertise in quadrilateral watches birthed the Rado True Square with contemporary touches fit for present-day tastes. A square case with soft rounded corners anchored the collection before being peppered with various touches such as artist collaborations and open-heart executions.
This year, the latest execution of the Rado True Square — the Rado True Square Skeleton, joins the ranks. While it shares similarities with the Rado True Square Automatic Open Heart, the Rado True Square Skeleton’s main point of distinction is Rado’s “Art of Skeletonisation” touch. The open work concept begins with Rado’s new automatic calibre R808. Cutouts to the bridges showcase the essentials of the movement that blends in harmoniously with the dial in a two-level dial format. Contrasting finishing aid with legibility, Côtes de Genève decorations are applied on the movement bridges while the dial features vertical brushing. A pair of blackened bridges divide the dial into three sections. At the upper third sits the escapement with a state-of-the-art Nivachron hairspring. Its antimagnetic and shock-resistant nature lends the watch greater accuracy and reliability. The watch hands occupy the centre third while the movement’s barrel (which provides 80-hours power reserve when fully wound) is positioned at the bottom third.
Rado released three iterations of the Rado True Square Skeleton in the brand’s signature black, plasma or white monobloc high-tech ceramic case (38mm diameter) with matching bracelets. The lightweightness of the watch might present a facade of weakness, but the high-tech ceramic cases are three times harder than stainless steel. Other desirable features of ceramic aid the wearing experience as its smooth surface offer comfort to the skin and its resistance to discolouration gives it an eternal beauty.
