The Sleek RADO True Square Automatic Skeleton

Progressive Engineering and the RADO True Square

When I hear the word RADO, I cannot help but envision the Captain Cook. That was my introduction to the brand. My first love. So to speak. The Master of Materials bit came later. But perhaps that is what I like best about RADO. They are so much more than any one of their collections.

This past summer, I had the opportunity to dive with the Captain Cook High Tech Ceramic. It was as though two worlds had collided—the vintage styled tool watch and the sophisticated realm of progressive engineering. Then I experienced the Captain Cook High Tech Ceramic Skeleton.

You stick around one brand long enough and you begin to see a pattern. Or maybe it’s a path. Cue up the Rado True Square Automatic Skeleton.

Rado True Square Automatic Skeleton Luxury Watch Review — ^{Rado True Square Automatic Skeleton @calibre321}

Recognizable Design Language

Despite the diversity in its range, RADO has a recognizable design language that is infused with the past but moving ever forward, plumbing its back catalogue but also reinventing those emblematic designs with the sleek and shadowy hues of plasma ceramics. Employing the traditional methods of mechanical watchmaking, but creating a contemporary architecture in which to suspend them.

The True Square Automatic Skeleton is the convergence of these seemingly divergent paths.

Rado True Square Automatic Skeleton Swiss Watch Review — ^{Skeleton Dial @calibre321}

Evolution of the RADO True Square

Rado’s advanced work with the Integral and the Ceramica—both watches conceived in the 1980s—has come to logical resolution in the True Square, passing through the earlier Open Heart along the way and culminating in the Automatic Skeleton.

Of the three references launched this year, the dark grey—referred to as Plasma High Tech Ceramic, as it must be fired at a higher temperature than other colours—is my favourite. Its austere, monochrome minimalism is very appealing, and it wears like a second skin.

Rado True Square Automatic Skeleton Men's Watch Review — ^{High Tech Plasma Ceramic @calibre321}

Key Features of the RADO True Square

The case, at 38mm in diameter, is a sort of “everyman” sizing. Coupled with the startling short lug to lug of 44.2mm, and a case thickness of only 9.7mm, the True Square Automatic Skeleton can almost disappear on wrist. Did I mention that it weighs less than 120g on the bracelet?

I don’t wear many dress watches. I’m the type to rely on a stainless steel sports watch to the trick in a pinch. But I wore the Plasma High Tech Ceramic iteration of the True Square to a media event in Toronto last week, paired with a grey suit. At various points throughout the evening, I found myself gazing down at the restrained aesthetic, the smooth pebble-like polish—dark one moment, absorbing the rich tones of the room, and refracting white light the next. The intricate dial design, with its bold black bridges and subtle pops of purple jewels—its glimpses of brassy gear work—can be mesmerising. As can the ever-present anchor, spinning faithfully above the brand name in the bottom right corner of the dial.

Rado True Square Automatic Skeleton High-Tech Ceramic Watch Review — ^{R808 Calibre @calibre321}

Eighty Hours of Power

The R808 calibre, with its Nivachron hairspring and massive 80-hour power reserve whirrs away on full display in its smooth 3Hz sweep, resistant to magnetism and variations in temperature.

Rado True Square Automatic Skeleton Watch Review — ^{Three link integrated ceramic bracelet @calibre321}

Seamless Cohesion

Here, too, unlike in many watches, the ceramic three-link bracelet is integral to the watch’s design. With its butterfly clasp, it appears an almost seamless circle on wrist. Despite the lack of micro-adjust, its silky finish makes for a comfortable wearing experience.

The only missed opportunity might be the titanium case back, where a sapphire display porthole offers an unobstructed view of the rotor. Here, other than some subtle Damaskeening and a little perlage, decoration is minimal. A small quibble overall.

Specs

Case	High Tech Plasma Ceramic 38 Diameter 44.2mm Lug to Lug 9.7mm Thick /w Glass 20mm Lug Width Titanium Display Case Back 50m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Sapphire Crystal /w AR Skeleton Dial Applied Index Super-LumiNova
Movement	R808 Nivachron Hairspring 21 600bph 25 Jewels 80-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	3-Link High Tech Plasma Ceramic /w Butterfly Clasp

Rado True Square Automatic Skeleton

Final Thoughts

In 1957, at the launch of the Rado Green Horse, the brand motto was, ‘If we can imagine it, we can make it. And if we can make it, we will.” More than sixty years later there appears to be the same synergy at work between art and engineering. The True Square Automatic Skeleton is a perfect blend of both. If it can melt the heart of the most fervent tool watch enthusiast (guilty as charged), it can certainly work its way into any enthusiast’s collection. The True Square Automatic Skeleton is an unorthodox integrated bracelet option, but one with handsome proportions, a comfortable wearing experience, and innovative design.

Pricing & Availability

The Rado True Square Automatic Skeleton retails for $2800 USD ($3800 CAD). For more information, please visit the brand website.

About the author

Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.

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