jamie weiss
When the Rado Anatom was re-released in 2023 to celebrate its 40th anniversary, it didn’t create as much buzz as I expected. Now that we’re all obsessed with one-piece bracelets, here comes a retro revival that’s super chic and visually unique. This is in an affordable price range, especially considering that its design does not rely on Genta classics and is made of ceramic. case. The ceramic Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks costs about $50,000, while 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 why the Anatom didn’t catch on is because it was initially re-released only with an integrated rubber strap. But Rado has fixed that and now offers the Anatom on a full ceramic bracelet, expanding its appeal.
file a lawsuit
When the Anatom returned in 2023 (first launched in 1983 as the Deerstar Anatom, with a case made from Rado’s “hard metal” tungsten carbide composite material and a quartz movement), it featured a colored fumé dial. Three black case models are now available. , green and blue, all with rubber straps. However, rather than adding a ceramic bracelet to these three models, Rado combined the bracelet with several other variations. Two black ceramic case models with black lacquered and striped dials, one with a steel middle link and the other with a gold PVD middle link. One gray ceramic case model also has a gold PVD middle link. There are two more feminine models with diamond indexes, one with a diamond-set steel middle link and the other with a plain steel middle link. I understand that it’s confusing. It is the latter that we were able to actually touch.
All current Anatom models feature 32.5mm cases, but this number is a bit misleading. The Anatom case has a pronounced curved design, and when worn on a bracelet, it feels more like a bangle than a watch. The shiny ceramic construction emphasizes the jewel-like feel. The model we reviewed has diamond indexes, giving it a more feminine feel, but the Anatom is a decidedly unisex watch no matter how you dress it, and it’s perfect for large gorilla wrists like mine. It also looks great on more delicate wrists, like the Australian Partnership. The manager, Beth’s, was kind enough to model the wrist for this article. Thank you, Beth!
bangle without jungle
It cannot be overstated how much of a difference a ceramic bracelet has made to the Rado Anatom. Rubber straps are never a bad thing, but for this kind of watch, in fact for most watches with integrated bracelets, the fit is just as important (if not more) than the bracelet. And the Rado Anatom bracelet is amazing. Many ceramic bracelets, especially the one-piece ones, feel insubstantial and jangly. In my opinion, part of the appeal of the one-piece design is that it feels more substantial than a traditional lug watch. Also, since you usually pay a lot of money for ceramic, you may feel disappointed when you pay extra money for a ceramic bracelet because you don’t feel confident about it.
Thankfully, the Anatom bracelet is very reassuring. I think this has a lot to do with the steel middle link. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also provides weight and stability. On top of that, the Anatom is actually a surprisingly heavy watch, weighing in at 140 grams. Ceramic watches are generally considered to be light, but I don’t mind a little weight. My only complaint about this bracelet is that it lacks the clever deployment clasp found on the Anatom’s rubber strap. This clasp stretches when loosened to allow the watch to slip easily into your hand. Instead, it has a standard butterfly clasp, which is perfectly fine but just not as cool.
As I alluded to at the beginning of this article, I’m a fan of Anatom’s look. It’s called the Anatom because Rado intended its convex shape and cylindrical sapphire crystal to be shaped “anatomically” to the wearer’s wrist. And it certainly does that and is easy on the eyes at the same time. The square dial, contoured watch head and gently tapering bracelet combine to give it a distinctly timeless and functionalist aesthetic. I also like the dial of this Jubilee model. The untextured black dial gives it a very clean look, and the diamond hour markers are subtle enough to look comfortable on a masculine wrist.
What about movement?
Powering the latest Rado Anatom is Caliber R766, an exclusive Rado movement based on the ETA 2892-A2. However, compared to the ETA 2892-A2, the Rado R766 vibrates at 3.5 Hz instead of 4 Hz, potentially extending the power reserve from 42 hours to an even more impressive 72 hours, and also features anti-magnetic Nivachron whiskers. It also has a mainspring. . This is a very nice little movement. It’s not as pretty or sophisticated as the calibers found in many all-in-one luxury sports watches, but it’s completely admirable.
lastly
Maybe I’m missing something or maybe I’m out of touch with other people in the watch community, but then again, I don’t understand why more people aren’t talking about the Rado Anatom. I don’t understand. Was it a marketing failure? Hasn’t that design changed enough? Its price is reasonable compared to most ceramic all-in-one watches, but is it a little too expensive compared to steel competitors like Tissot PRX and Christopher Ward Twelve? I think those who try it on will be fully convinced of its value.
Rado Anatom price and availability
The Rado Anatom ceramic bracelet is now available from Rado dealers and Rado online boutiques. Price: US$4,550, A$7,700, CHF4,450
Brand Rado Model Anatom Automatic Diamond (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 meters Crystal Sapphire front and back Dial black, top wessel Tons of diamond indexes, swing Rado logo lug width integrated bracelet and strap high-tech ceramic and stainless steel, butterfly clasp Movement Rado R766, based on ETA 2892-A2, automatic power reserve 72 hours Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, date Availability Current price US$4,550
AUD 7,700
4,450 Swiss Francs
