INTRODUCING: Evergreen design – the Rado Ceramica 

Cameron Wong

Rado is synonymous with ceramic. The brand pioneered the use of the material, creating its very own niche along the way. With its combination of incredible scratch resistance and lightness, it’s easy to see why it’s such a good material for watch cases. Perhaps the most iconic of all ceramic watches is the aptly named Rado Ceramica, which debuted nearly three decades ago. This chic and minimalist design is something of an evergreen, looking as fresh today as it did when it was first released. This year Rado decided to take on the challenging task of refreshing the Ceramica, seeking help from renowned industrial designer, Konstantin Grcic. Grcic is known for his simplistic take on design and passion for technology and avant-garde materials, so naturally, he was the perfect fit. But don’t just take our word for it: the watch recently won a Red Dot award for product design.

There are two new Ceramica models. With the same strong lines and gently curved outline, the bold rectangular cases and integrated bracelets of these two new additions have been given the full matt treatment – one in black and the other in a softer grey.

The dial of the matt black model is vertically brushed and its stick indices are fully coated in Super-LumiNova. The matt grey model’s vertically brushed dial is devoid of any lume and the indices have been replaced with concave dots. These subtle differences create two very different takes on the Ceramica’s modern style.

But perhaps the most interesting news for watch fans is that, for the first time, the Ceramica is powered by an automatic movement – the ETA 2671. Due to its smaller size, this movement is the obvious choice for the slim, 30mm wide and 41.7mm long case of the Ceramica. Which, like previous versions, is made from high-tech ceramic, making it hypoallergenic and able to adapt to your body temperature almost immediately.

Rado has mastered the use of high-tech ceramic in watchmaking, and the new automatic Ceramica combines this sophisticated material with sophisticated design.

Rado Ceramica Australian pricing

Rado Ceramica in black, (ref. R21808152) $3450, in grey (ref. R21846102)  $3575