High-tech ceramic is now widely used in luxury watches. The Swiss brand Rado is the original and unrivaled specialist in this material. Following its revival in 2025, the latest model, "Anatom," also features a unique design crafted from high-tech ceramic. Rado's "Master of Materials" skills have been fully utilized to create a watch that only Rado could create.
Ref. R10203102. The bezel, bracelet, and crown are crafted from polished plasma high-tech ceramic, while the stainless steel end pieces, bracelet connecting pieces, and dial hands and indexes are beautifully accented with rose gold. The color scheme is reminiscent of early hard metal models. Automatic movement (Cal. R766). 21 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve: approximately 72 hours. High-tech ceramic case (46.3mm x 32.5mm, 11.3mm thick). Water resistant to 50m. Price: 705,100 yen (tax included).
Photographs by Masanori Yoshie
Text by Shigeru Sugawara
Text by Shigeru Sugawara
Edited by Yousuke Ohashi (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2025 issue of Kronos Japan]
The pride of the "Master of Material"
Ref. R10201712. The bezel, bracelet, and crown are made of polished black high-tech ceramic, paired with a black PVD sandblasted stainless steel inner case. The black lacquer dial with diamonds at 12, 3, and 9 o'clock recreates the classic Jubilee movement. Automatic (Cal. R766). 21 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. High-tech ceramic case (46.3mm x 32.5mm, 11.3mm thick). Water resistant to 50m. Price: 722,700 yen (tax included).
Rado has a special presence in the Swiss watch industry because it has always had a consistent policy for its products and has pioneered new worlds of watches with its unique technology. One of its representative models is the classic "Anatom," which was revived at the end of 2023 with a new high-tech ceramic case.
The original Anatom model was born in 1983. Combining a rectangular case with an integrated bracelet, this watch had a number of groundbreaking features. The case was made of scratch-proof hardmetal, a material that Rado has been using since the 60s. The exquisite curves that connect the case and the bracelet are based on anatomical design, or human anatomy, which is where the Anatom name comes from. While ergonomic approaches are not uncommon these days, it is noteworthy that Rado was one of the first to incorporate them into its designs.
(Left) An article explaining how Rado manufactures sapphire crystal. It states that it takes more than 60 steps to create this scratch-proof material (Rado High-Tech Materials, 1997).
The same can be said for the sapphire crystal, which is perfectly integrated into the curved form. Rado was a pioneer in the manufacturing and processing of synthetic sapphire, a material second only to diamond in hardness. In the 80s, before sapphire crystal became widespread, the technology used to mold it into a square, curved, dome-like shape was nothing short of astounding. High-tech ceramic was introduced in 86. Lightweight, scratch-resistant, long-lasting in its beauty, and comfortable to wear. Rado was a literal frontrunner in the quest for the ideal high-tech material, exerting a major influence on others, and thus earned itself the reputation of being called the "Master of Materials."
The latest 2025 model inherits the concept of the model revived in 2023, but takes a step further in its exploration of materials and design, creating a new appeal for Anatom. What is interesting is that the appearance of the new generation Anatom has been clearly revealed following its revival. Of the five models, four are made of polished black high-tech ceramic, just like the previous model, while the remaining one is the most contemporary style model made of plasma high-tech ceramic.
Rado is known for its special processing technique, in which the molded high-tech ceramic is placed in a special furnace and plasma-treated to transform the surface into zirconium carbide, creating a metallic texture. This plasma high-tech ceramic model is the most advanced version of the Anatom material, but the metallic texture, which evokes the 1980s, is a well-thought-out touch.
The biggest difference from the previous model is the use of a high-tech ceramic bracelet instead of a rubber strap. The unification of materials, combined with the ergonomic design, has resulted in a more comfortable fit, marking a major step forward for Anatom.
Ref. R10204712. Black lacquer dial with three diamonds and black bar indexes. 38 diamonds are set on the stainless steel end pieces that connect to the polished black high-tech ceramic case, and 124 diamonds are set on the bracelet connecting links, enhancing the aesthetic. Automatic winding (Cal. R766). 21 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. High-tech ceramic case (46.3mm x 32.5mm, 11.3mm thick). Water resistant to 50m. Price: 143 million yen (tax included).
This high-tech ceramic bracelet also features new details. Depending on the model, the case end pieces and bracelet connecting links are colored in rose gold or yellow gold, reminiscent of the stylish two-tone design of the 80s. The Super Jubilee model features a bold attempt to create a dressy look by setting diamonds in these areas, contrasting with the black high-tech ceramic. While the visual impact is overwhelming, you will also realize that diamonds are not only decorative, but also scratchproof and the ultimate material for eternally beautiful brilliance. The overall shape of the bracelet is also balanced, with the case width being 32.5mm, designed to taper to 20mm.
Ref. R10200152. Polished black high-tech ceramic model. The stainless steel end pieces and bracelet connecting links, as well as the black lacquered dial with irregularly spaced horizontal lines and yellow gold hands and indexes create a gorgeous two-tone effect. Automatic winding (Cal. R766). 21 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. High-tech ceramic case (46.3mm x 32.5mm, 11.3mm thick). Water resistant to 50m. Price: 705,100 yen (tax included).
The dial design is significantly different from the previous model with its gradient color, and shows inspiration from the Anatom and its reinterpretation. The horizontal lines on the black or gray lacquer dial are reminiscent of the stripes found on the original model, but the intentional irregular spacing of the lines adds a touch of originality. In contrast to these line indexes is the Jubilee dial, which features diamond indexes at 12, 3, and 9 o'clock and a reproduction of the French word "jubilé." This is very similar to the early models and past variations. This minimalist design, also seen in Rado's stylish "Ceramica," is one of the distinctive features that makes Rado instantly recognizable.
Ref. R10201152. The bezel, bracelet, and crown are made of polished black high-tech ceramic, paired with a black PVD sandblasted stainless steel inner case. The black lacquer dial with irregular horizontal lines is matched with white hour and minute hands and indices. Automatic winding (Cal. R766). 21 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. High-tech ceramic case (46.3mm x 32.5mm, 11.3mm thick). Water resistant to 50m. Price: 687,500 yen (tax included).
The revival in 2023 also saw the renewal of the movement. When it was first released in the 1980s, it was a quartz movement, and an automatic model was also produced from 96 to 97. However, since its revival, all models have been equipped with the latest automatic movement: Rado's Caliber R766. This movement, which boasts excellent features such as an anti-magnetic Nivachron balance spring and a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, can be seen through the case back. The new Anatom not only boasts high-tech materials, but also a reliable engine, further enhancing its appeal.
