Rado’s underrated Anatom has finally received a full ceramic bracelet – but how does it wear?
Jamie WeissWhen the Rado Anatom was re-released in 2023 to mark its 40th anniversary, it didn’t make as much of a splash as I thought it should. At a time when we’re all going nuts for integrated bracelets, here’s a very chic, visually distinct retro revival that doesn’t owe its design to any of the Genta classics and sits at an affordable price point – especially considering it has a ceramic case. Ceramic Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks start at around US$50,000 – the Rado Anatom retails for less than a tenth of that! No one would argue that Rado is in the same tier as AP, but you get my point. Perhaps the reason the Anatom didn’t take off is that it was initially re-released only on an integrated rubber strap. However, Rado has since rectified that, offering the Anatom on a full ceramic bracelet, expanding its appeal.
Making the case
When the Anatom made its comeback in 2023 (it was first released in 1983 as the DiaStar Anatom, cased in Rado’s ‘hardmetal’ tungsten carbide composite and utilising a quartz movement), it launched with three black-cased models with coloured fumé dials: red, green and blue, all on rubber straps. However, rather than adding ceramic bracelets to these three models, Rado has paired the bracelet with a few other variants: two black ceramic-cased models with black lacquered and striated dials, one with steel middle links and one with gold PVD middle links; one grey ceramic-cased model also with gold PVD middle links; and two more feminine models with diamond indices, one with diamond-set steel middle links and one with plain steel middle links. Confusing, I know. It’s the latter of which we were able to get hands-on with.
All current Anatom models feature 32.5mm cases, but that figure is a bit misleading. The Anatom’s case features a pronounced curved design, and when worn on a bracelet, wears much more like a bangle than a watch – in a good way, mind – with its glossy ceramic construction emphasising its jewellery-like feel. Even though the model we reviewed has diamond indices, positioning it as a more feminine prospect, the Anatom in all its guises is a distinctly unisex watch that wears well both on big gorilla wrists like mine, as well as more dainty wrists like our Australian partnerships manager Beth’s, who kindly volunteered as our wrist model for this write-up. Thanks, Beth!
A bangle sans jangle
It’s hard to overstate just how much having a ceramic bracelet transforms the Rado Anatom. Its rubber strap is by no means bad, but with this sort of watch – with most integrated bracelet watches, actually – the wear experience is just as much (if not more so) about the bracelet. And the Rado Anatom’s bracelet is stellar. Many ceramic bracelets, especially integrated ones, feel insubstantial and jangly. In my opinion, part of the appeal of an integrated design is that it should feel more substantial than a watch with traditional lugs. You also typically pay a premium for ceramic, so it can be disappointing when you’ve forked out extra for a ceramic bracelet for it to feel less than confidence-inspiring.
Thankfully, the Anatom’s bracelet is quite reassuring. I think that has much to do with the steel middle links: not only are they visually appealing, but they also provide weight and stability. On that: the Anatom is actually a surprisingly heavy watch, weighing in at 140 grams. Typically you think of ceramic watches as being lightweight, but I don’t mind that it’s got a bit of heft. My only complaint about the bracelet is that it lacks the clever deployant clasp found on the Anatom’s rubber strap, which extends when unfastened to allow the watch to better slip over your hand. Instead, it has a standard butterfly clasp, which is perfectly fine, but not quite as cool.
As I alluded to at the start of this article, I’m a fan of the Anatom’s looks. It’s called the Anatom as Rado intended for its convex shape and cylindrical sapphire crystal to ‘anatomically‘ mould itself to a wearer’s wrist – and it certainly does that, and does so while being easy on the eyes. Its combination of a square dial and watch head with a curvaceous profile and gently tapering bracelet gives it a distinctly timeless, functionalist aesthetic. I even like the dial of this ‘Jubilé’ model: the untextured black dial gives it a very clean look, and its diamond indices are subtle enough that it wouldn’t look out of place on a masculine wrist.
What about the movement?
Powering the modern Rado Anatom is the calibre R766, which is a Rado-exclusive movement based on the ETA 2892-A2. However, compared to the ETA 2892-A2, the Rado R766 beats at 3.5 Hz rather than 4 Hz, potentially in service of boosting the power reserve to a more impressive 72 hours up from 42 hours, and also has an anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring. This is a pretty great little movement – it’s not as pretty or refined as some of the calibres you’ll find in many integrated luxury sports watches, but it’s perfectly respectable.
Closing thoughts
Maybe I’m missing something or I’m out of touch with the rest of the watch community, but again – I just don’t understand why more people aren’t talking about the Rado Anatom. Is it a failure of marketing? Is its design not needle-shifting enough? Is its price point, while affordable compared to most ceramic integrated watches, a bit too steep compared to steel competitors like the Tissot PRX or the Christopher Ward Twelve? I’m not sure of the answer, but I think those who invest some time in trying one on will be more than convinced of its value.
Rado Anatom pricing and availability
The Rado Anatom on a ceramic bracelet is available now from Rado dealers and Rado’s online boutique. Price: US$4,550, A$7,700, CHF4,450
| Brand | Rado |
| Model | Anatom Automatic Diamonds (model tested) |
| Reference | R10201712 |
| Case Dimensions | 32.5mm (W) x 11.3mm (T) |
| Case Material | High-Tech Ceramic and stainless steel |
| Weight | 140 grams |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Black, Top Wesselton diamond indices, swinging Rado logo |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Bracelet and strap | High-Tech Ceramic and stainless steel, butterfly clasp |
| Movement | Rado R766, ETA 2892-A2 base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$4,550 A$7,700 CHF4,450 |