Introducing: The Rado True Open Heart Automatic

July 18, 2018

In the early '60s, Rado released its first scratch-resistant wristwatch, the Diastar. In the years since,?the company has made its name with durable watches that look new after years of wear, most famously through the pioneering use of ceramic. Today we're introducing new take on Rado's True line that's being offered in three different ceramic colors: black, brown, and the metallic-looking example that Rado calls Plasma.?But the main design attribute of this watch is its openworked dial, which puts the movement front and center and shows off the beating heart of the escapement at 12 o'clock. It's a relatively simple watch in terms of its display: The only function here is the time, after all, yet the dial still has a fairly busy look with cutouts offering views onto the different parts of the movement, which happens to be modified version of the ETA 2824. (You can also see it through a sapphire caseback.) ?Like many Rados, the little anchor on the logo, situated at the three o'clock position, rotates with the motion of your wrist. The Rado True Open Heart Automatic in brown ceramic. Initial Thoughts In terms of pure watchmaking, Rado's ETA-based output may not be?earth-shattering fare, but the company often makes up for that with thoughtful C in many cases award-winning C watch designs, and collaborations with leading industrial designers (among them Konstantin Grcic and Jasper Morrison). The very best Rados evince a modern, minimalist look that has made the brand a favorite of the art and design sets. The case and the bracelet of the of the Rado True Open Heart follow this formula in a predictable way, but the openworked dial, though not Rado's first, isn't what one tends to expect Rado. To me, and I think to many watch lovers who appreciate Rado, the movement is the least important part of the watch, so it's surprising to see it placed front and center. Still, I think this particular execution of an openwork dial succeeds in the difficult task of looking at home on a Rado. The Basics Brand: RadoModel: True Openheart AutomaticReference Number: Plasma Ceramic, 01.734.0510.3.010; black ceramic, 01.734.0100.3.011; brown ceramic, 01.734.0511.3.030Diameter: 40mmCase Material: CeramicDial Color: Black or brown openworked dialIndexes: Applied batonsLume: Yes, hour markers and handsWater Resistance: 50 metersStrap/Bracelet: Ceramic bracelet The black ceramic option is probably the most classic Rado option. The Movement Caliber: ETA C07.631Diameter: 11.5 lignesFunctions: Hours, minutes, secondsFrequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vph)Power Reserve: 80 hoursWinding: Automatic Jewels: 25 jewelsAdditional Information: Movement adjusted to -3 / +5 seconds per day The three versions of this watch offer subtle, but different takes on the same formula. Pricing & Availability Price: Black ceramic, $2,050; brown ceramic, $2,150; Plasma high-tech ceramic, $2,200Availability: NowFor more click here.