Fresh colours, cool shape, hard material: Rado presents three new "Anatom" models

Fresh colours, cool shape, hard material: Rado presents three new "Anatom" models

When the “Anatom” was launched in 1983, the market had already been familiar with unusual watch formats for some time. These were usually square or rectangular, often had a delicate, feminine character and were worn primarily as pieces of jewelry.

Rado, too, was already at home in the world of rectangular watch designs, as evidenced by a model from around 1930. The 1960s saw the release of the "Manhattan" model, which was even water-resistant thanks to a patented sealing system. Many other models with an angular, geometric design followed.

Today, watches with four corners are one of the trademarks of the self-proclaimed "Master of Materials." This love of materials was also evident in 1983 during the construction of the "Anatom." At that time, the material in question was synthetic sapphire crystal, which had been used for watch crystals since the 1980s. Due to its hardness and, above all, scratch resistance, it was and remains equal to, or even superior to, metals.

For the Rado brand, with its innovative approach to materials, this opened up a world of new design possibilities. Because synthetic sapphire crystal is virtually indestructible, it no longer needed to be framed or protected. However, a way to machine the hard material had to be found. Rado found this solution and used diamond tools for milling and shaping.

The story of the “Anatom” by Rado

Only in this way was the extravagant "Anatom" possible in 1983. The rimless sapphire crystal used, manufactured in several layers, celebrated its Rado debut with this model, followed by other innovative watch designs for which the brand holds numerous patents in the relevant fields.

The designers' primary focus with the "Anatom" was its harmonious and "anatomical" character. In addition to the convex or "rounded" sapphire crystal, new flowing shapes and variations in the strap and case lugs emerged. This new design paradigm would shape the brand's overall public image for decades.

"The innovative fusion of the contours and design of a timepiece with finer 'anatomical' aspects not only resulted in greater wearing comfort but also a flowing appearance. This created optimal conditions for a product line that would last four decades and attract worldwide attention," reported Adrian Bosshard, CEO of Rado, on the occasion of the "Anatom's" 40th anniversary in 2023.

The first version was still called "DiaStar Anatom," and the advertising at the time stated: "The company has succeeded in developing a shape for its latest scratch-resistant watch line, 'DiaStar,' that corresponds to the human anatomy. The collection is called 'Rado DiaStar Anatom.' The name says it all."

The first versions were still equipped with a quartz movement, as was common in the early 1980s; it was not until 1996/97 that the first automatic model appeared in the “Anatom” collection.

To mark its 40th anniversary two years ago, an updated ceramic version with an automatic movement was released for this signature Rado timepiece, reflecting the DNA of the collection and the brand.

Citrus-fresh “Anatom” trio

Rado has refreshed the comfort, high-tech ceramic case, rimless sapphire crystal, and striking appearance of the "Anatom" for summer. Appropriately, with the refreshing colors of lemon yellow, lime green, and grapefruit red, which are sure to continue their psychological impact even beyond the warmer season.

Each model features a bezel made of polished black high-tech ceramic and a cylindrical sapphire crystal with fine chamfers. The black metallization and anti-reflective coating on the inside ensure unobstructed readability at all times.

The case back is made of sandblasted stainless steel with a black PVD coating, while the stainless steel caseback features a sapphire crystal. This reveals the Rado automatic caliber R766, tested in five positions, with a Nivachron hairspring and a 72-hour power reserve.

If you look at the front, you'll notice – in addition to the bright colors – the brand's famous moving anchor symbol at 12 o'clock, the date window at 6 o'clock, and the rhodium-plated hands with white Super-Luminova coating.

Flexible rubber wristbands, resistant to UV radiation and a wide range of chemicals, ensure a firm hold.