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At long last, updates to the incredible Rado Anatom have landed in Australia! Five new models, all encased in High-Tech Ceramic, are all part of this exciting expansion.

Being colloquially known as the “Master of Materials” carries significant weight for Rado. It suggests not only that their watches are built to an exceptional standard, but also that the brand is continually pushing boundaries through innovative craftsmanship. Lesser brands might shy away from such expectations, finding them too lofty to consistently fulfil. Yet since its founding in 1917, the Lengnau-based brand has earned a reputation for pairing unconventional techniques with high-level micro-engineering — and doing so with remarkable consistency.

One of these inventive yet masterfully crafted timepieces was the Rado Anatom. Originally introduced as part of the DiaStar line in 1983, the Anatom quickly set itself apart from other DiaStar models thanks to its distinctive rectangular case and ergonomic design. Though it eventually disappeared — like many other models during the height of the Quartz Crisis — the Anatom made a triumphant return four decades later. Now established as its own standalone collection, the revamped Anatom arrived in four striking renditions, housed in black PVD-coated steel cases and paired with matching rubber straps. We even had the pleasure of seeing these impressive novelties in person when Watch Advice was cordially invited by the brand to their official Australian launch at Quay Restaurant in Sydney.

Related Reading: Rado Launches Their 2024 Releases At Quay Restaurant, Sydney

As impressive as these pieces were, we couldn’t shake the feeling that this wouldn’t be the last we’d see of the Anatom line. Given its DiaStar roots, we quietly predicted that Rado would eventually unveil a new version in their signature High-Tech Ceramic — a logical step, considering the material features prominently throughout their current catalogue. And in late 2024, it turns out we were right: Rado officially announced the international launch of brand-new Anatom references, this time fully encased in High-Tech Ceramic!

Bearing the same frame as the previous releases, the new Rado Anatom HTC models measure 32.5mm wide, 46.3mm long, and 11.3mm thick. You might have the impression, then, that the watch is rather small in stature, but note that the Anatom HTC is not a round watch. The rectangular silhouette makes the watch wear a lot larger than one would expect, and the bracelet doesn’t lay fully flat when placed on the ground, expanding the watch’s on-paper dimensions when worn. Still, the Anatom HTC’s elegant and streamlined silhouette allows it to wear remarkably well — especially since Rado has remained faithful to the Anatom’s legacy of ergonomic comfort.

As mentioned, the new Anatom HTC models are constructed almost entirely from Rado’s signature High-Tech Ceramic. Unlike conventional ceramics — which tend to be porous and therefore more brittle — High-Tech Ceramic is specially engineered to be densely packed. This makes it far more resistant to impact and shattering, without compromising its hallmark scratch resistance and lightweight feel.

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A Deep Dive Into The Rado Captain Cook & The Materials That Helped Chart Its Path

The only components not crafted from this material are the connecting links in the bracelet and the butterfly clasp, both of which are made from stainless steel. The type of stainless steel finish you get depends on the specific model: there’s a classic black version with standard stainless steel links; a striking black-and-gold edition with yellow gold PVD coating; a carbon-enriched plasma grey model paired with rose gold PVD; and even a luxurious black version adorned with 162 Top Wesselton full-cut diamonds set into the bracelet. Naturally, the dial colours follow the case theme — with matching tones of black or grey, accented by complementary touches of yellow gold, rose gold, or diamond embellishments alongside comfortably lumed hands and indexes.

However, no matter how inventive the design or engineering behind a watch may be, it’s rendered incomplete without a reliable and precise movement to back it up. Fortunately, Rado doesn’t just focus on groundbreaking aesthetics — the brand also holds a strong position within the Swatch Group when it comes to producing dependable timekeeping instruments. Leveraging Swatch Group’s manufacturing powerhouse, ETA, Rado equips the Anatom HTC with the Calibre R766. This movement beats at a smooth 3.5Hz (25,200 VpH) and offers a robust 72-hour power reserve. While the movement finishing is relatively minimal, the anchor-shaped automatic rotor — a nod to Rado’s iconic logo — adds a playful and satisfying visual detail that any watch enthusiast can appreciate.

My Thoughts

Rado’s positioning within the Swatch Group is certainly unique. They’re not entry-level like Tissot or Certina, yet they don’t operate in the ultra-luxury space like Omega or Glashütte Original. And while some might think I’m overstating the brand’s significance — or unfairly labelling it as ‘mid’ — that would be incorrect. In truth, Rado occupies a thoughtful niche within the group, which I’d place adjacent to or just beneath Longines in terms of price point. That placement grants them creative freedom, allowing for innovation without making the cost prohibitive for many collectors.

Related Reading: Rado Year In Review 2024 — A Perfect Blend of Tradition and Technology With CEO, Adrian Bosshard

In the watch world, bold design and engineering decisions are a rarity at more attainable price points. Sure, brands like Jaquet Droz or Blancpain deliver incredible innovations — but they usually come with equally incredible price tags. Rado, on the other hand, has taken a measured and consistent approach to luxury watchmaking, introducing forward-thinking concepts like the Anatom HTC at a relatively accessible level. It’s this balance of boundary-pushing design and solid, high-quality craftsmanship that sustains Rado’s distinctive position in the industry — and I’m genuinely glad the Anatom HTC line exists as a result of that philosophy.

References & Specifications:

Ref. R10203102

Australian RRP: AU$7,550

Ref. R10200152

Australian RRP: AU$7,550

Ref. R10201152(Black)/R10201712(Diamonds)/R10204712(Full Diamonds)

Australian RRP: AU$7,350 (Black)/$7,700 (Diamonds)/$15,050 (Full Diamonds)

Availability: Available now, via Rado.com, Rado boutiques and all authorised dealers.