Rado r5.5 Automatic Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed)
Feb 11th 2010 at 12:02PM

This is the next Rado watch that was designed by Jasper Morrison. He has been giving Rado new types of modernist minimalist designs recently and they have really helped the brand stay in character but also relevant in today's market. I have a special place in my heart for Rado given their work to advance ceramic watches being of the first to offer them en masse.

While many Rado watches arrive with Swiss quartz movements, this new model will feature a Swiss ETA automatic 2829A2 movement that is decorated and visible through the caseback window. Like most Rado watches, the r5.5 Automatic will be constructed mostly of ceramic (in black) and also have some black PVD coated steel and titanium (the caseback) as part of the watch's construction.

I find the dial in the TV screen shaped case to be very easy to read. it is like a Rado interpretation of a diver watch. Really easy to read and spot hour markers done in SuperLuminova luminant that contrast well with the black face. The hands are equally easy to spot making for a bold, yet uncomplicated look. Jasper did a nice job with this one. Unlike most ceramic watches that are shiny in finish, the r5.5 Automatic will have a matte finish that continues onto the bracelet (that is titanium and ceramic). Don't forget that ceramic has a really good ability to resist scratches and wear. Look for the watch soon and likely to cost several thousand dollars.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Rado r5.5 Automatic Watch