Rado's Captain Cook Ceramic Skeleton automatic watch with the R808 calibre.
With its respect for tradition and preoccupation with heritage, it can feel like the world of horology is obsessed with the past.
Which is why welcoming the launch of a new Rado collection is so much more refreshing!
On hand recently in Kuala Lumpur to present Rado’s 2022/2023 collection, Rico Steiner – the Swiss brand’s vice-president for international marketing – was certainly very keen to talk about the watchmaker’s brand new Centrix collection of watches designed especially for the ladies.
“The new range takes several design cues from the original Centrix, which was first launched in back in 2010. But we have elevated its silhouette and refined many details.
“Now, inspired by the imagery of desert dunes and a landscape bathed in shades of gold, ochre and brown, this reinterpretation is arguably the sleekest, most evocatively feminine watch Rado has ever produced,” he states proudly.
Steiner (right) and René Furler, Rado head of international retail, at the 2023 novelties presentation. — SS Kanesan/The Star
The brand-new Rado Centrix also continues to highlight the Master of Materials’ relentless research into new elements, innovative production techniques and harmonious aesthetics.
The latest Centrix is perhaps the most elegant yet, ranging from a petite 30.4mm up to 39.5mm.
It’s now available in a choice of dark and lighter shades, ranging from the ultra-trendy plasma grey to the more classical rose gold. The timepiece case-back also has a sapphire crystal window that offers a clear view of its dynamic movement in action.
“The watch’s unmatched precision and reliability is thanks to the state-of-the-art movements in both the automatic and quartz versions of the product line,” Steiner emphasises.
True Square in high-tech ceramic cases feature a split-level dial and a cut-away top plate to reveal the skeletonised R808 automatic movement.
Of course, Rado is also synonymous with trendy, design-led watches, along with its pioneering use of high-tech ceramics. So, with its new True Square – Rado’s innovative square timepiece with an injection-moulded monobloc high-tech ceramic case – is now somewhat of a signature product for the brand.
The Captain Cook x Marina Hoermanseder Heartbeat.“Taking the spirit of the previous True Square Open Heart in a different direction, the latest True Square models in sleek black, plasma and white high-tech ceramic cases feature a split-level dial and a cut-away top plate to reveal the skeletonised R808 automatic movement,” explains Steiner.
Perhaps the most playful timepiece in this year’s Rado collection is the Captain Cook model created in collaboration with the French-Austrian fashion designer Marina Hoermanseder.
Its fun glamour can be seen in the strap options. One of it is an extra-long calf leather strap that wraps twice around the wrist with her trademark outsized buckle.
“Together with the award-winning designer, we have created a Captain Cook with a rainbow-coloured gem-set dial. Visible through a sapphire case-back is the self- winding R763, which is of the ETA C07.611 calibre that’s also used by several sister brands within the Swatch Group,” reveals Steiner.
He also notes that the watch’s movement delivers an 80-hour power reserve, achieved by reducing its balance frequency to just 3 Hz, while the barrel arbor is smaller to accommodate a longer mainspring.
