When Rado announced his comeback for the Anatom series, it brought many memories. I vividly remember my mother was a huge fan of black ceramic rad watches in the 1990s. So, while I checked out Pete Sampra and his Movado Museum Watch promotional materials, my mother was keeping an eye on Rado Ceramica in the store windows of several German retailers. Eventually, she settled on multiple flashy watches from other brands, but I’m sure she enjoyed it a lot. What’s more, the fact that she loved Ceramica so much as a non-surveillance person has always remained with me. So it’s no surprise that I was happy to try out the latest additions to the Rado Anatom lineup. These three models are slightly larger and feature high-tech ceramic bracelets. As you can imagine, I wanted to know more.
We’ve featured previous RADO anatomy releases here at Fratello. Mike reported on the revival of the Anatomy Series, and Rex had the pleasure of reviewing one of the three first models of the updated Anatomy Collection. But one thing that was missing was a complete ceramic bracelet. Because from now on, Rado offers anatomy with high-tech ceramic bracelets. But these three new releases have many more than just bracelets. Essentially, they are completely new anatomy models with larger, slightly different cases, new dials and the aforementioned bracelet. The result was the trio’s Radonathom model, which quickly became my favorite Rado model.
New RADO Anatomy Model
Let’s start with the details of these watches and think about why I love them so much. All three feature newly engraved ceramic cases, 32.5mm wide, 46.3mm long and 11.3mm thick. The curved sapphire crystal, bezel and bracelet links have tedious edges. Additionally, the case is elegantly tapered towards the integrated bracelet. This tapered even more from 25mm on the case to 20mm on the clasp. This natural flow from the case to the bracelet is characterized by the angle part that begins the taper. However, thanks to the round bevel, the shape is always elegant and soft.
I received three versions of anatomy for review. The first is a polished black ceramic model with a ceramic bracelet with black and stainless steel connection links. The second model is similar to the first model, but replaces the silver tone part of the bracelet with a gold PVD one. Finally, there is a polished plasma ceramic model with matching bracelets containing rose gold PVD connection links. Rado’s plasma ceramics come in a colour similar to polished titanium. The hue is slightly darker than stainless steel, but I feel it is different from titanium as I can see brushes and blown up titanium watches. It’s an unusual look and feel that I adore.
Three Dial Variations
The three watches include similar dials with a clear feel from the 80s. The two black ceramic models feature black lacquered dials with irregular striped patterns, while the plasma ceramic models have gray dials that follow the colour of the case and bracelet. It also displays the same irregular striped pattern as the two black dials. All three dials feature classic configurations with simple time markers and hands. As you can imagine, the colour depends on the version you like. The black and gold model features sophisticated gold markers, white Lume, golden radon anchor logos and hand processed with a 6 o’clock date window.
The black and silver models have rhodium coloured applied indexes and hands. Just like the black and gold versions of them, they are treated in white rooms that provide contrast day and night. Like the black and gold model, the date display is black with white printing, with “Swiss-made” text printed in white below.
Finally, the plasma ceramic version features a lacquered gray dial with contrasting rose gold hands and markers. Like the other two models, Rado used white Lume for contrast. But overall, the feel of this dial is much softer and more friendly to the eyes. I was surprised at how much I liked this look. Due to my long history with rad ceramic watches, I usually feel they should be black ceramic. However, this plasma ceramic version proves me wrong.
The bracelet perfects the anatomy of the rad
The big news about these three releases is the introduction of new bracelets. As mentioned before, the two-tone bracelet consists of links made up of black or plasma-colored ceramics with stainless steel connecting links in colours that match the dial accents. It also features a stainless steel hidden butterfly clasp with push buttons in accent colors for each model.
The bracelet feels sturdy and well made, and individual links have room to move up and down, allowing you to shape it all the way to your wrist. When I received the watch, the bracelet was too big for my wrist. However, when I tried to size the bracelet, I found out that I could only delete one link on each side of the clasp. It was quite confusing as I need to remove the following link so that it fits my not-so-small 18.5cm wrist.
The complex structure of the bracelet
But that makes sense after checking the website and trying to size the bracelet. When I removed the initial link and connection parts, I found that the bracelet’s structure was rather complicated and that additional parts placed within the hollow link could be removed and sized. It’s not complicated, but it’s a little task that requires your full attention and focus. But that’s why Rado asks the size of his wrist and sizes the bracelet when purchasing anatomy. If the watch doesn’t fit properly at delivery, you can remove the link to the retailer or do it yourself if it’s convenient. The structure is not as practical as a regular stainless steel bracelet, but it still proves to be impressive.
Internal movement
All three anatomy houses a rad caliber R766. Essentially, this movement is the ETA A31.111 with an anchored Radbrand rotor. The A31.111 is based on the famous ETA 2892-A2. The automatic aperture operates at 25,200VPH, has 21 gems and provides a 72-hour power reserve.
The caliber comes with a Nibacock shock absorber and a Nivocron balance spring. The finishing touches are industrial but very decent. But I feel that in all fairness it fits these watch concepts, so I don’t mind seeing cases other than displays come back.
Wearing Rado Anatom models
These watches jump from the wrist, despite the fact that black is generally a “stealth” colour. In both size and color, they will let you know that you are wearing Rad’s anatomy. When you say “color,” the polished black surface quickly makes the watch stand out, meaning that it actually means finishing. As you can imagine, polished ceramics are fingerprint magnets, which also has drawbacks. If you or someone else touches the watch, you will see them in detail.
Apart from that, the watch fits very nicely on my wrist and looks great. However, we can see that it is not always perfect for people with small wrist sizes. The case and 20mm bracelet are not necessarily too big, but the latter is slightly thicker than the stainless steel bracelet due to its construction with hollow ceramic links. It adds volume and presence to the watch, but it doesn’t work well on small wrists. Despite this, the watch felt like I was at home on my 18.5cm (7.3 inches) wrist.
Rado Anatom wears like a bracelet
I was initially drawn to two black models for the Historical Society, but quickly pivoted to the plasma ceramic version. The colour of the material is interesting and works well with the rose tone details. Hold the middle between stainless steel and titanium and polish the finish. The look and feel made me fall in love with the model very quickly.
What all three watches have in common is that they wear like bracelets for materials and construction. Plus, having a rad anatomy on the wrist has most visual interactions. Once you have set the date and time, it’s best to go. Thanks to the push-pull crown, it’s very easy. It’s pretty small, you have to grip it best and find a way to turn it, but once you do it, it feels solid. There is no play between turning the crown and watching the hands move.
Final Thoughts on the latest RADO Anatomy Models
Overall, I was very impressed with these new versions of Rado Anatom. I could even imagine wearing the plasma ceramic version more frequently. That’s what impressed me the most. The watch looks great, and at 137 grams it’s a joy to wear. It’s not featherlight by the spread of imagination, but I prefer it to have some content. It makes me happy to wear a truly special watch.
Certainly, that’s all three of these watches. This anatomy is distinct from the others when it debuted in the early 1980s, and is still clear today. Therefore, praise to Rad for regaining full ceramic anatomy. Wearing these watches certainly brought smiles to my face many times. If it wasn’t for an impressive look, it was for great memories of our family’s holidays and gave these watches a special place in my heart.
A great personal storyteller
Three new RADO anatomy models are currently available. The black and steel model version costs 4,850 euros, while the other versions cost 5,100 euros. These are quite a price tag, but once you see it, it makes more sense. The three new models are uniquely designed ceramic watches created with clever engineering. Like I said, I was seriously impressed with these watches between them. This is in my best condition and why I love these watches so much. The personal connection bonus makes them valuable to me. Yes, the new Plasma Ceramic Radoanatom found a high place on my wish list. That’s good. For more information, please visit the official Rado website.
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