“Watch & Act!” Auction Item – Lot 16: It’s a Rado Ashleigh Barty party and you’re invited
Nick KenyonWorld women’s number one tennis player Ash Barty has collaborated with Rado to release a watch this year, bringing us the Rado HyperChrome Ashleigh Barty Limited Edition, a white-hot polished ceramic watch that matches perfectly with the uniform of Wimbledon, which was her first junior Grand Slam win – ahead of her career-defining Grand Slam win at the French Open in 2019.
Taking advantage of Rado’s expertise in ceramics, both the case and bracelet of the watch have been produced in a polished white ceramic, with the case reinforced with stainless steel. The bracelet is finished with a deployant clasp for a snug fit, and tapers nicely into the 36mm case.
The gleaming case is where the watch really shines. The bezel is fitted with 60 diamonds around the circumference of the dial, which not only draws the eye inward but could also be used as minute markers. Once your eye has been drawn into the dial, you’re treated with the soft pearlescent glow of the mother-of-pearl dial, which has been radially spoked for emphasis and is only punctuated with a white date indicator. As a final touching nod to the career success that Ash Barty has had at such a young age, the watch is limited to 123 pieces, as Ash reached the world No. 1 position at the age of 23.
What we like about it
Ash Barty had a remarkable Australian Open, becoming the first Australian woman to reach the semi-finals since 1984. Also during the tournament she was named 2020’s Young Australian of The Year. Ms Barty is a national treasure, and a consummate professional and an exemplar for how all athletes should go about their business. She does everything with grace and aplomb. This watch is made to honour her ascension to the rank of World No.1, and it is a fitting tribute to such an achievement.
Features
Manufacturer: Rado
Model Name: HyperChrome Ashleigh Barty Limited Edition
Year: 2019
Reference: 23186354
Material: Ceramic with mother-of-pearl dial
Dimensions: 36mm diameter
Calibre: Quartz movement
Bracelet/Strap: Ceramic three-link bracelet with deployant clasp
View the lot right here.