Rado is undoubtedly a leader in the "material revolution" in the watch industry. Since the 1960s, they have been releasing a succession of watches using groundbreaking materials. When it comes to their new releases, everyone will think of "watches made with revolutionary materials never before seen." However, the first new releases Rado will be releasing in 2019 are surprisingly reissues of two classics that were also released in the 1960s. Why is Rado releasing reissues now? The reason is not just related to new materials, but to their "history and pride" as a watch brand.
A rotating red anchor mark is placed at the 12 o'clock position on the dial. In addition to the stainless steel bracelet, an interchangeable NATO strap is included to complement casual fashion. Another major attraction is the latest long power reserve movement with approximately 80 hours of operation. Automatic winding. 21,600 vph. Stainless steel (diameter 37.0 mm, thickness 14.3 mm). Water resistant to 22 bar. Limited to 1962 pieces worldwide. Priced at 230,000 yen.
Text by Yasuhito Shibuya
Re-Imagined Future by RADO
Rado has made a name for itself in the watch industry as a "Master of Materials," or in other words, an "innovator of materials." Since launching the world's first scratchproof watch, the DiaStar 1, in 1962, which combined tungsten carbide, a hard alloy used in cutting tools, with sapphire crystal, the second hardest crystal after diamond, the brand has focused on research and development of new materials, creating cases made from previously unusable materials such as high-tech ceramics and synthetic diamonds. For over half a century, the brand has been at the forefront of the materials revolution in wristwatches.
However, Rado's innovation is not limited to materials. By utilizing the excellent properties of new materials, the company has always created original styles. In terms of design, too, it has always presented the world with "new styles of watches" that are ahead of their time. In other words, Rado is both an "innovator in watch materials" and an "innovator in watch design."
Rado has released two limited edition reproduction models that allow you to enjoy the charm of the brand's origins, the 1960s designs, in their original sizes: the Rado Captain Cook Mark II and the Rado Tradition 1965 M Auto.
So why did Rado choose these two models from its vast archives to reissue them after more than half a century? The answer is that this design embodies the elements that should be passed on to the future.
The Rado Captain Cook Mark II above is a faithful reproduction of the design of a sporty, waterproof model that was released in 1962 and featured an inner bezel operated by the crown at 4 o'clock.
The two-tone red and white inner bezel, which normally functions as a minute scale but rotates to function as a minute scale, allows you to read the elapsed time up to 60 minutes at a glance, making it convenient for everyday use. Moreover, the stainless steel bracelet, made with modern technology, has a superb finish and is comfortable to wear, while maintaining the classic and elegant design.
Like the case, this square model features rectangular hour and minute hands and indexes, and a square date window at 6 o'clock, all with a unified, linear design. A rotating anchor mark also serves as the index at 9 o'clock. The original had a day/date display, but by displaying only the date, the watch has a cleaner, simpler look. Automatic winding (ETACal. 2671). 28,800 vibrations per hour. Power reserve of approximately 38 hours. Stainless steel (28.0mm x 35.0mm, 10.6mm thick). Water resistant to 5 bar. Limited to 1965 pieces worldwide. Priced at 210,000 yen each.
Meanwhile, the Rado Tradition 1965 M Auto, shown next to the two in the image, is a watch with a sharp rectangular case that was released in 1965 and was designed with inspiration from the skyscrapers of Manhattan, New York. Along with a retro-modern atmosphere that is somehow soothing to the senses, you can enjoy the minimalist, bold and cool aesthetic that is symbolized by the high-tech ceramic watches that have been the "face of Rado" from the 1980s to the present.
Even in the world of inexpensive designer watches, it's rare to find such a simple, square design. The more you look at it, the more fresh and precious it becomes.
Both models also feature the iconic clockwise rotating red anchor on the dial, a detail perfect for a reissue, but they also incorporate modern advancements such as sapphire crystal crystals and the latest automatic mechanical movements.
Therefore, it can be used on a daily basis without any special considerations, and anyone can enjoy it with peace of mind.
The limited edition numbers are based on the year of birth of each model, with the model on the right being 1962 pieces. The models on this page are with a silver dial and a blue dial, both of which are 1965 pieces each.
Each one is a "future version of a masterpiece" that Rado has been presenting to watch enthusiasts for over half a century.
Contact info: Rado/Swatch Group Japan ☎03-6254-7330
