There’s a certain stark, edgy style that we like to think of as architect chic. It’s favored by fellows who wear Lemaire and Raf Simons. Guys who sport Alain Mikli or oversized statement eyeglass frames. Men with Prada messenger bags. You get the picture.
This year, Rado has updated its True Collection, rolling out a series of six, limited edition timepieces by internationally recognized architects and sculptors, fashion and industrial designers that perfectly suit this aesthetic.
True Time
Rado has always been a bit of a quirky brand. They were one of the first to embrace the scratch-proof hard-wearing ceramic as a material for making cases and bracelets. Now, as the technology evolves, other companies have made ceramics one of the biggest trends across the industry. But Rado is staying one step ahead by leading innovation in materials, but also pushing the boundaries of what a watch can look like.
Rado launched the new collection at Baselworld in March 2017 and has been introducing new True models throughout the year. The whole monochromatic menagerie is now available. And there’s a distinct look for anyone who values style as well as substance.
Case Workers
For the 2017 True Collection, Rado first teamed up with American interior designer Sam Amoia for the True Blaze. This 40mm, time only automatic watch dazzles with its glittering dial and shiny silver plasma ceramic/stainless steel case and bracelet.
For those who want something a little more complicated, there’s the True Phospho. Designed in partnership with Swiss design studio Big-Game. It’s a unique take on the skeletonized face The black brass dial has many tiny perforations that let the ETA Caliber C07.631 automatic movement peek through. The indices and hands are also painted in Super-LumiNova to make the time easy to read.
The True Cyclo – co-created with French designer Philippe Nigro – features a simpler take on the True, emphasizing the original case shape with a harmonious blend of matte black and silver finishes.
Ceramics Class
Austrian designer Rainer Mutsch contributes the Rado True Stratum, whose face presents a series of asymmetrically arranged descending step sand graphic yellow or grey baton hands on an otherwise all black bracelet and case.
There are also two, more maximalist models in this minimalist timepiece collection. The Rado True Face, co-created with innovative Polish architect Oskar Zieta, uses reflective surfaces on the dial to create movement. And Japanese fashion designer Kunihiko Morinaga’s plays with light and color with artfully engraved surfaces on the dial.
(Not part of the True Collection but still cool is Rado’s square Ceramica collaboration with designer Konstantin Grcic, pictured above.)
Priced between $2,700 and $3,600, the limited edition Rado True Collection is available now online and in stores.