rado

This is not the first Rado watch I've seen that actually looks like a TV screen - but it does look a lot like one. Applying their new style of minimalism (but not too much minimalism you can't easily read the watch dial), the new Rado r5.5 line is another all ceramic beauty from the brand that doesn't try too hard to look good. These designs are all created by artist Jasper Morrison.The square shaped case gracefully edges into a solid lug structure for the also all ceramic bracelet at the ends of the case. The dials are done with a sunburst polish and the watch comes with gold or steel tone hands and indexes.

You can opt for a chronograph or three-hand variant of the r5.5 watch (I still don't get the name). The thin cases have Swiss quartz movements in them. Rado didn't mention how wide the cases are, so I can't share that with. Crystals are of course sapphire. One thing I have noticed about most all Rado ceramic watches are that no matter how old they are, the watches almost always look new due to the brand's particular good use of the highly scratch resistant ceramic compound. Look for the Rado r5.5 watches soon.

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

A welcome addition to the increasingly lively line of Rado watches is this new Sintra Automatic for 2009. The shape of the watch as it widens at the case is almost iconic at this point, while most of the visible features of the watch are ceramic - available in black or platinum colors. It has a sort of smooth, effortless elegance that works well on both the male and female wrist (models sized for each gender are available). The inner case of the watch is steel, while the screws and clasp are titanium. Inside the watch is an automatic ETA 2892 movement that ought to power the easy-to-read face nicely.

I like that the face of the watch is actually very easy to read. Certain Rado watches have been less easy on the eyes from a legibility standpoint, but the round dial and lume covered hands are simple and effective. A large sapphire crystal over the face is flush with the rest of the watch case. I think the Sintra line was always "futuristic" in style, but never too far out there as to alienate people wanting a classic looking watch. The Sintra is now an icon for Rado, and still a handsome timepiece for a few thousand dollars.

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

This is the first ever fully ceramic watch from Rado, which is a bit ironic as Rado is the company that really helped popularize ceramic as a material to used in watches. This watch also is part of Rado's 20th anniversary as a watch company. I don't think it was until the Chanel J12 came about though, that other watch makers started really picking up on the ceramic material as much. This is the newest version of the Rado Jubile Ceramica. The watch is not exactly totally ceramic, as the movement and such is still metal. The dial is interesting (and non ceramic) being made up of 102 black treated baguette cut diamonds which are set into white gold - I've never quite seen anything like it. The metalized text on the dial is actually on the bottom of the sapphire crystal. The watch is available in the all black tones as pictured or in steel and platinum tones.

Inside the thin watch is an ETA 255.441 quartz movement, but you really can't tell as there is no seconds hand. I must admit that it is a pretty watch with a significant "stealth wealth" feel. Not that the watch isn't impressive, but rather that the luxury appointments are designed into the watch in a creative and subtle manner. More of a connoisseurs Rado, versus something too showy. Of course the watch isn't exactly a breeze to read, but this fine timpiece runs more on the jewelry, rather than instrument side of watches.

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

The Moodie Report has pictures of the new Integral Chronograph Jubilé women's watch from Rado. The watch has a platinum-finished case decorated with 24 white diamonds. The dial come in three colors: burgundy, turquoise and white and has platinum finish Arabic numerals of 12, 4, and 8 and timekeeping functions for 1/10 second, 30 minutes and a small second counter. There is a date window at the six o'clock position. The bracelet is a combination of platinum-finish ceramics with either steel links or a leather strap in a color that matches the dial.