Having more than 25 years of experience with ceramic technology means that Rado is possibly the most qualified watch brand to produce ceramic watches. Its most recent breakthrough materialised this year in the form of the Rado Esenza Ceramic Touch which boasts a ceramic case connected to four electrodes which are in turn linked to a high tech quartz movement. There are two microchips embedded within the movement which control the functions of the watch, thus eliminating the need for a conventional crown.

Rado has always been a strong advocate of new technologies in watchmaking. This timepiece is programmed to take orders directly from your index finger. Actually, it doesn’t matter which finger you use. What matters is where you touch because the detection of finger movements in certain sequences instructs the chip to move the hands, thus allowing the time to be set and reset.

To get the watch into ‘Setting’ mode, simply touch the case at eight o’clock for two seconds. The minute hand will stir slightly. Then slide your finger down the right side of the case and a short ‘beep’ will sound.

To set the hours, slide your finger along the left side of the case CLOCKWISE for +1 hour and ANTICLOCKWISE for -1 hour. To set the minutes, slide your finger along the right side of the case CLOCKWISE for +1 minute and ANTICLOCKWISE for -1 minute.

When that’s done, touch the case again at eight o’clock for two seconds. The minute hand will stir slightly and two short ‘beeps’ will sound. If this step isn’t completed, this smart watch will automatically exit ‘Setting’ mode after 10 seconds.

The Rado Esenza Ceramic Touch exists in two colour variations, black and white, with additional options of straps or bracelets, with or without diamonds (Top Wesselton full-cut). The non-gem set bracelet models are priced at S$3,490 (white) and S$3,210 (black).

Gem-set models on bracelet are priced at S$3,910 (white) and S$3,630 (black).

Finally, gem-set models on satin strap are priced at S$3,070 (white) and S$2,790 (black).