The landscape of modern horology is often defined by a tension between heritage and forward-thinking innovation. Few brands navigate this dynamic with the same conviction as Rado, a manufacturer whose identity is inextricably linked to pioneering materials and audacious design. With the latest extension of its Anatom collection, Rado introduces a trio of timepieces that are not just technically proficient but are bursting with an infectious, vibrant energy. These new models, dubbed the "Living Colours," build upon a legacy that began over four decades ago, reinterpreting a classic for a new era that celebrates bold self-expression.
Rado’s reputation as the "Master of Materials" is not a mere marketing slogan; it is a foundational pillar of the brand's history. Since its inception, Rado has consistently challenged the traditional confines of watchmaking, venturing into material science with the zeal of a research laboratory. While the industry was long rooted in gold and steel, Rado introduced the world to an entirely new category of resilience with the DiaStar 1 in 1962, utilizing incredibly hard tungsten carbide. This relentless pursuit of durability and novel aesthetics paved the way for the brand’s most significant contribution: the adoption and perfection of high-tech ceramic as a primary watchmaking material.
Courtesy of Rado
The brand's journey with ceramics began in the 1980s, a period of creative ferment that perfectly suited Rado's avant-garde sensibilities. They were among the very first to successfully integrate this high-performance material, prized in aerospace and medical fields, into the delicate art of watch design. Unlike metals, high-tech ceramic offers a unique combination of extreme scratch resistance, remarkable lightness, and a warm, silky feel against the skin. It is a material that is both visually and tactilely distinct, allowing for an purity of color and form that traditional materials cannot match. This deep-rooted expertise is the bedrock upon which the Anatom is built.
First unveiled in 1983, the original Rado Anatom was a product of its time, yet it was concurrently decades ahead. Its defining feature was a revolutionary ergonomic design. The case was conceived to conform perfectly to the natural curvature of the human wrist, an approach that prioritized wearer comfort in a way that was groundbreaking. The name itself, "Anatom," was a direct reference to this anatomical harmony. It was a watch that didn't just sit on the wrist; it became a part of it, establishing a design language that was fluid, streamlined, and unmistakably Rado.
The enthusiastic global response to the recent revival of the Anatom collection speaks volumes about the enduring power of its design. The contemporary models successfully channel the spirit of the 1983 original while elevating it with the latest advancements in materials and mechanical engineering. The silhouette remains instantly recognizable, a sleek and flowing form that stands apart in a sea of round watches. It carries the legendary visual allure of its predecessor but is infused with a modern flair and technical substance that affirms Rado’s continued leadership in innovation.
Just in time for the sun-drenched months of summer, Rado has infused this iconic design with an electrifying dose of color. The three new interpretations are inspired by the crisp, juicy hues of favorite summer fruits: a zesty lemon yellow, a sharp lime green, and a rich grapefruit red. This is not a subtle nod to color; it is a full-throated celebration of it. These watches are designed to be noticed, to brighten the mood, and to serve as a vibrant centerpiece for any summer ensemble, promising to carry that same optimistic energy throughout the rest of the year.
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The case construction of the Anatom is a masterclass in material integration and sophisticated finishing. Its distinctive rectangular form flows into an organic curve, a shape that gives the watch its name and its signature comfort. This unique profile is topped by a polished black high-tech ceramic bezel. The deep, lustrous black of the ceramic provides a perfect, high-contrast frame for the vibrant dials within. The choice of ceramic is deliberate, offering a surface that is virtually impervious to scratches, ensuring the watch maintains its pristine look through years of wear.
This polished bezel sits atop a case middle crafted from sandblasted black PVD-coated stainless steel. The matte, granular texture of the sandblasted finish creates a subtle yet effective visual and tactile contrast with the glossy ceramic. This interplay of textures adds a layer of depth and sophistication to the watch's overall design. The crown, also rendered in black high-tech ceramic, features a laser-enhanced Rado anchor logo, a small but significant detail that underscores the brand’s meticulous attention to every component.
One of the most striking features of the Anatom is its edge-to-edge sapphire crystal. It is not flat, but cylindrically curved with precise bevels to perfectly follow the anatomical lines of the case. This seamless integration creates an unbroken, fluid surface that flows from bezel to crystal and back again. To enhance the depth of the black case, the crystal is metallized in black on its underside and treated with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface, which guarantees superb legibility by minimizing glare.
Powering these colorful timepieces is the Rado calibre R766, a robust and reliable automatic mechanical movement. Visible through a sapphire crystal exhibition case back, the movement is a testament to Rado's commitment to horological substance. The clear view reveals the intricate workings and finishing, a feature deeply appreciated by watch enthusiasts who value the mechanical heart of their timepieces. The stainless steel case back is securely fastened, contributing to the watch's overall structural integrity.
The technical specifications of the calibre R766 are impressive and speak to a focus on modern performance. It offers a substantial power reserve of 72 hours, meaning the watch can be set down for an entire three-day weekend and will still be running accurately when picked back up. Furthermore, it incorporates an anti-magnetic Nivachron™ hairspring. This advanced alloy protects the movement’s delicate regulating organ from the pervasive magnetic fields emitted by everyday electronics, which can otherwise compromise a watch's accuracy.
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Rado underscores the quality of this movement by noting that it is adjusted in five positions, a rigorous standard that exceeds typical requirements. This meticulous regulation process ensures a higher degree of accuracy and stability across various conditions and as the watch is worn throughout the day. The presence of 21 jewels within the movement reduces friction at critical points, enhancing efficiency and longevity, ensuring that the Anatom is a reliable companion for years to come.
The dials of the new Anatom models are where the "Living Colours" theme truly comes to life. Each one features a captivating gradient effect, transitioning from a solid, deep black at the periphery to a burst of vibrant color at the center. This artistic choice creates a stunning sense of depth, drawing the eye inward toward the heart of the dial. It’s a dynamic and visually engaging execution that feels both contemporary and sophisticated, perfectly complementing the watch's sleek exterior.
Legibility is paramount, and the Anatom delivers with clean, well-defined hands and markers. The applied hour indices are rhodium-colored, providing a bright, metallic contrast against the colorful gradient background. Both the indices and the matching rhodium-colored hands are generously coated with white Super-LumiNova®, a high-performance phosphorescent material that glows brightly in the dark, ensuring time can be read easily in any lighting condition. The dial is tastefully completed with the iconic moving anchor symbol below 12 o’clock and a neatly integrated date window at the 6 o’clock position, which preserves the overall symmetry.
The Lemon-Yellow model (Ref. R10201259) is a pure distillation of solar energy. Its black-to-yellow gradient dial radiates with the intensity of a bright midday sun. The effect is dazzling, evoking feelings of warmth, optimism, and high energy. This model is paired with a matching yellow strap made from high-performance fluorine rubber, creating a cohesive and powerfully summery statement. It’s a watch that exudes confidence and is sure to be a conversation starter, whether worn on a sandy beach or to brighten up a day at the office.
With its own distinct personality, the Lime-Green Anatom (Ref. R10201319) channels the verdant freshness of nature. The black-to-lime-green gradient is crisp and invigorating, reminiscent of freshly cut summer lawns or the new foliage that heralds the arrival of spring. Paired with its matching green rubber strap, this version feels optimistic and full of life. It’s a color that stands out for its vibrancy and connection to the natural world, making it a perfect expression of hope and renewal.
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Drawing inspiration from a delightful summer breakfast, the Grapefruit-Red variant (Ref. R10201409) captures the unique, juicy red of its namesake fruit. The black-to-red gradient is warm, rich, and inviting, offering a hue that is both bold and sophisticated. Complemented by the perfectly matched red rubber strap, this model has a succulent and appealing character. It is a color of passion and pleasure, making a statement that is both powerful and tastefully executed.
The choice of strap material is as deliberate and performance-oriented as the case itself. Each of the colorful straps is crafted from fluorine rubber, commonly known as FKM. This is not ordinary rubber; it is a high-tech fluoroelastomer prized for its exceptional properties. It is incredibly flexible and comfortable on the wrist, while also being completely odorless. More importantly, it is remarkably resistant to wear and tear, UV radiation, and a wide range of chemicals, ensuring the vibrant color remains true and the strap remains durable through all manner of summer activities.
This commitment to quality extends to the clasp, which provides a secure and comfortable fit. The watch is fastened with a brushed stainless steel 3-fold clasp, operated by simple pushers. In a move that highlights Rado’s cohesive design philosophy, the cover of the clasp is made from polished black high-tech ceramic. This small but crucial detail carries the primary case material all the way around the wrist, creating a unified aesthetic and feel. It is a testament to the fact that no component was overlooked in the pursuit of a complete and well-executed design.
Ultimately, the wearing experience is what defines the Rado Anatom. Its dimensions of 32.5 mm in width, 46.3 mm in length, and a slim 11.3 mm in height, combined with its namesake anatomical curve, result in exceptional ergonomics. The watch hugs the wrist in a way that few other timepieces can, minimizing its presence while maximizing its visual impact. This unparalleled comfort, born from the lightweight ceramic case and the supple FKM rubber strap, makes it an ideal watch for continuous, everyday wear.
Courtesy of Rado
These three colorful new members of the Anatom family are a powerful demonstration of Rado’s dual mastery of advanced materials and ergonomic design. They are technically robust, visually stunning, and supremely comfortable. By embracing such bright, living colors, Rado is poised to attract a new generation of watch lovers to one of its most distinctive creations—individuals who value not only the history and mechanics of a fine watch but also its power as a tool for personal expression. They represent a joyful and confident step forward for a collection rooted in futuristic design.
The new Rado Anatom "Living Colours" models in Lemon-Yellow (Ref. R10201259), Lime-Green (Ref. R10201319), and Grapefruit-Red (Ref. R10201409) are positioned as premium offerings that blend high-concept design with serious watchmaking credentials. Reflecting their advanced materials and sophisticated mechanical movement, the watches are priced at $3,550 USD.
Case: Polished black high-tech ceramic bezel; sandblasted black PVD coated stainless steel middle part; stainless steel case back with sapphire crystal; dimensions 32.5 x 46.3 x 11.3 mm; water-resistant to 5 bar (50m).
Movement: Rado calibre R766, automatic; 72-hour power reserve; antimagnetic Nivachron™ hairspring; 21 jewels; adjusted in 5 positions.
Dial: Black to color gradient (yellow, green, or red); rhodium-coloured applied indexes and hands with white Super-LumiNova®; date window at 6 o’clock.
Strap: Fluorine rubber (FKM) strap in matching color (yellow, green, or red); brushed stainless steel 3-fold clasp with a polished black high-tech ceramic cover.
Price: $3,550 USD
Reference Number: R10201259 (Lemon-Yellow), R10201319 (Lime-Green), R10201409 (Grapefruit-Red)
Notes: The watch's name "Anatom" comes from its signature feature: a curved case and crystal designed to anatomically fit the wrist for enhanced comfort. It combines a high-tech ceramic bezel with a high-performance FKM rubber strap.