Increasingly used in watchmaking and requiring a true expertise, ceramic is a material with many qualities. Durable, unalterable, hypoallergenic and lightweight, it is extremely smooth to the touch, which makes for an undeniable feeling of comfort on the skin. Matte or polished, this material brings a whole new dimension to watches. A dimension in which the timepiece becomes a design object in itself.
RADO, True Square Thinline Les Couleurs™ Le Corbusier
Coloured ceramic is an art
It would be a crime to write about ceramic watches without mentioning Rado. In the last 35 years, the maison indeed became a master in the art of high technology ceramic more than thirty-five years ago, though it is a difficult to machine material. In addition to the first collection True Thinline Les Couleurs™ Le Corbusier, the brand proves its mastery once again with three new references True Square Thinline Les Couleurs™ Le Corbusier. These watches are inspired by the remarkable work on colour of the famous architect and designer Le Corbusier: Architectural Polychromy.
This major work has 63 different shades total. 43 of them were released in 1931, then 20 other shades were added in 1959. With harmonious and practically unlimited combinations that truly impact humans and space, these shades can be found on this design trio. The maison was able to copy the colours of the famous palette: a true technical feat.
One watch, three possibilities
This is also the first time that Rado used several different coloured ceramics in a single piece. The result is a success. The first version has a case and a bezel made of dark grey and slightly greyed English matt high-tech ceramic. It also has a grey sun-brushed dial punctuated with hands that echo the green shade of the links. As for the second model, it bears colours like grey brown natural umber and cream white.
These shades are also present on the case, the dial, and the bracelet. The last variation has a timeless completely black look – or should we say ivory black. All animated by a well-made Swiss quartz movement, these watches have a rectangular case – 37 x 43.3 mm – only 5 mm thick, which provides extreme comfort for your wrist, whether it is slender or on the thicker side. The caseback also deserves special mention, as its sapphire crystal is decorated with digitally printed Le Corbusier colours strips.
