Borna Boschunjak
While many of the water age techniques we rely on have existed in some way for centuries, watches are certainly not immune to the cyclical nature of trends. We seem to be doing it on big, brave, 1950s-inspired divers, and fully adopt the 1970s and 1980s. It’s no surprise that Rado chose to revive its anatomy line in 2023, as it means funky case shapes and materials. However, its latest iterations have brought about the functionality that was missing at startup. We have already seen the Anatom Jubile and its minimal diamond set dial, but this grey-covered Anatom of high-tech ceramic is set to entertain the crowds, combining 80’s funk with modern design.
Case and bracelet
Our reviews usually talk about cases and bracelets, but when it comes to integrated bracelet watches it only makes sense to talk about them in the same breath. This is even more true with watches like Anatom, and the bracelet defines the wearing experience, if not the wearing experience. When anatomy was first re-released in 2023, it came with an integrated rubber strap. It was a bit unusual not having the bracelet option.
In true fashion of the 1980s, it has a two-tone appearance, although not in the traditional sense. Instead, Rado uses a combination of “high-tech plasma” ceramics and what is called PVD rose gold. On paper, the 32.5mm width and the length of the 46.3mm lagtoo lug suggest a very small watch, but the link on the bracelet is not completely clear and the case is rectangular, so there is no need to worry about small watches. The wide bracelet really dominates, so even though the case itself doesn’t take up much of the wrist real estate, it actually has enough presence.
Add all the fact that the bracelet isn’t tapered enough to find with its unintegrated type and a fully polished finish. Rado also did a good job of balancing the wrist watch. The cases are measured at a thickness of 11.3mm, but the bracelet is overly slim and doesn’t feel dicky in comparison. If you’ve ever worn a chunky cuff bracelet, the anatomy is worn as well, with the same smoothness on the outside, which helps close the butterfly clasp.
Dial
Using the case and bracelet as a highlight of the watch, the dial does not need to make the design obvious. it’s not. Rado applies subtle horizontal textures that continue the pattern of the bracelet links and uses a simple application time marker that fits lightly tapered hands. Dial purists (really included) are happy to find a date window arranged symmetrically at 6 o’clock. There is even a date disk that matches the gray on the dial. This is something I think is really important, not made for explicit features, but watches that are very focused on design, or have long lasting on the affordable aspects. The little Easter eggs found in many Rado models are 12 anchor logos and actually spin like a winding rotor.
Movement
And speaking of rotating anchor-type ones, Rado clearly put some thought into the design of the movement. The Rado R766 variant has received several notable upgrades, but the bone is the bone of the ETA 2892, a mid-range automatic from a movement maker known for Slimness. Visually, there is an anchor winding rotor of course, but more importantly, the power reserve increased to 72 hours as a result of lowering the beat rate from 4Hz to 3.5Hz, but is likely to contribute by the upgraded main spring.
As far as other decorations go, the Swatch Group movement maker has tried some simple finishes with the sunray brushing of the bridge and the stripes of the rotor. But as expected, this was not the focus of this watch, nor was its implicit value.
verdict
Rado has long sat in the middle of the Swatch Group offering in terms of price range, but often offers good value by focusing on defending the use of premium materials such as ceramics. The new high-tech ceramic anatom with a case matching bracelet clearly stepped into the luxury segment with a price tag of $7,550, and does a commendable job for backing it up with paper specifications and wearing experience.
Two potential latencies that anatomy can experience on the journey to justify Rad’s new positioning is the use of relatively normal movements and bulkiness that small people can find difficult to compete between us. Luckily for Rad, the execution of ceramic cases and bracelets (headlining acts) is impressive and should be a step that justifies the steeper price range and encourages anatomy.
RADO Anatom Automatic Pricing and Availability
Gray high-tech ceramic Rado Anatom Automatic is available from Rado Retailers. Price: $7,550
Brand Rad Model Anatom Automatic Reference R10203102 Case Dimensions 32.5mm(W) x 11.3mm(T) x 46.3mm(LTL) Case Materials High Tech Ceramic, Stainless Steel Water Resistant 50m Crystal (S) Sapphire Front and Back Dial Grey Bracelet High Tech Ceramic and PVD Rose Gold Gold Rouse Movesting, Foldable 2892 Base, Automatic Power Reserve 72 Hours Functional Time, Minutes, Seconds, Date Availability Prices $7,550 Now
