A black shiny, square watch is one of the enduring images that comes to mind when one mentions Rado. It was the same feeling Matthias Breschan, then-CEO of Rado, vividly recollected when he first joined in 2011, as he told us during an interview we had with him in issue #56. More importantly, the brand recall is a testament to the watchmaker’s efforts in differentiating itself from increasingly stiffer competition. That shiny, square watch is the Ceramica, which was launched in 1990, but three decades on, Rado embarks on a new adventure as it seeks to build on a legacy in watchmaking that it pioneered.

The True Square, as the new collection is named, is positioned under the brand’s True umbrella. This includes the True, True Thinline and now, the True Square collections. Though each collection has a unique identity, all share DNA — watches made entirely in high-tech ceramic offering unparalleled lightness and comfort for the wearer (elsewhere in the issue, we advance the notion that ceramic might be one of the most comfortable materials to wear – Ed)

For the first time, Rado has manufactured a square watch with an injected monobloc case construction using either high-tech ceramic or plasma high-tech ceramic. The former can be finished with a matte or high-glossy appearance while the latter radiates a metallic glow. Both enable rounded curves, instead of angular ones, which accentuate the fluidity of the case construction as it flows to meet the matching bracelet. A titanium caseback is fitted to reduce the weight further, bringing the entire package to an astonishing 120g, including the bracelet.

The True Square Automatic Open Heart seen here offers a different approach to the otherwise elegant-looking True Square Automatic. The industrial approach to skeletonisation at this level imparts a steampunk sensibility to the Open Heart that is unlike any other Rado watch. The openworked dial offers a glimpse at the 80-hour power reserve automatic ETA C07.631 calibre and the Côtes de Genève decorated movement holder. Three variations of the True Square Automatic Open Heart are produced — high-polished high-tech ceramic in black or white and a plasma high-tech ceramic in bluish grey.

Rado True Square Automatic Open Heart Specs and Price

Movement Automatic ETA C07.631; 80-hour power reserve

Case 38mm in high-polished high-tech ceramic or plasma high-tech ceramic; water resistant to 50m

Strap Matching high-tech ceramic bracelet

Price $3,460 (black ceramic) $3,760 (plasma) and $4,340 (white ceramic)