WATCHES & STYLE

Ahead of The Curve

29 May 2023

Rado’s most popular watch is about to gain an even bigger following.

For over a decade, the Rado Centrix has been a crowd-pleasing collection that adds a touch of everyday elegance to the brand’s famous high-tech ceramic offerings by focusing on chic dials and cases in a variety of sizes, colours and gem-set options. These latest additions don’t just showcase new colourways, but also an updated case, sapphire crystal and movements for greater style and substance.

The most obvious changes can be seen – and felt – on the newly rounded contours of the Centrix case. Inspired by windswept desert sandscapes and dunes, the overall look is softer and more sensuous. As always, each reference comes in a small and large size, but these dimensions have been slightly enlarged over its predecessors. The small series comes in 30.5mm while large models come in an expressive 39.5mm.

And now, fully extending past the dial and to the case edge is a new and improved rounded sapphire crystal. Formerly sharp edges have been replaced by a pebble-like crystal that is set flush into the case, increasing tactile delight. This also gives the wearer a clearer view of the dial, which has been beautifully finished in a variety of styles depending on the reference. The small, automatic models come with a silver or brown faceted and lacquered dial with a three-dimensional effect, while the large models feature sunray brushed dials in brown or black. On the quartz versions, the small size displays a faceted and lacquered black dial while the large size seduces with a smooth, black lacquered surface.

Take a closer look and you’ll notice that the Rado logo is also a little larger than on previous Centrix watches. The “Jubile” inscription found above the date window at 6 o’clock indicates the use of precious stones for the hour markers. Thanks to laser-enhanced detailing, the brand’s anchor symbol on the crown is more prominent.

The curved case sides flow seamlessly into the case back, which has also been redesigned with fewer markings and a new laser-engraved serial number. Self- winding models come with an exhibition case back, and wearers will be able to admire the calibre R582 and the game- changing Nivachron hairspring it’s been equipped with. Developed by parent company Swatch Group in partnership with Audemars Piguet, the paramagnetic hairspring is even more resistant to magnetic interference than silicon ones, which are the current industry favourite.

Its titanium base is also a superb defence against temperature variations that may affect chronometry, and offers excellent shock resistance. The power reserve is 48 hours and 80 hours for the small and large models respectively.

The quartz references are equally impressive, thanks to computer chip technology that enables the watch to automatically detect and respond to sudden movement or shock, and makes the necessary corrections to ensure uninterrupted timekeeping precision.

The new Centrix’s lugs glide smoothly into the bracelet elements, completing the new, more elegant look. The former closure has been replaced with a triple-fold stainless steel buckle for added security. All cases are in polished stainless steel, either left with its original silvery sheen or coloured with a rose or yellow gold hue.

See here for Rado's Centrix collection.