A Sports Watch This Affordable Shouldn’t Come with So Many Luxury Features

Rado makes beautiful watches, many of which have luxurious appeal. But it doesn’t operate in the modern luxury watch space.

That is, until the recent Anatom Automatic in High-Tech Ceramic release, which indicates the Swatch Group-owned watchmaker discreetly sliding into territory normally occupied by its upmarket sister brands, such as Omega and Glashütte Original.

Rado

This updated version of a core design from the 1980s features a horizontally textured dial, integrated bracelet and predominantly ceramic build — all feature typically reserved for the contemporary luxury space.

Another on-trend attribute that works in the Anatom Automatic’s favor is its size. At 32mm wide, the square case measures up to mid-twentieth-century examples from Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre, which influence today’s shrinking watch diameters.

Polished off

Rado is no stranger to ceramic, having utilized it in smaller measures since 1986, and recently adding it to the Captain Cook line.

Rado

But the Anatom Automatic expands the use of high-tech ceramic, which consists of the same zirconium oxide used in most ceramic watches but ground into an extremely fine and uniform powder. Then it is molded with heat and pressure.

This particular ceramic creates a lustrous surface when polished and is far more resistant to tarnishing and scratching than steel. It is the perfect material to blend with the Anatom’s signature sapphire crystal, which covers the entire top of the case.

Rado

The polished ceramic case and crystal blend seamlessly into one smooth surface wrapped around the wrist. Since the integrated bracelet only narrows slightly through the first three links, it appears more like a piece of jewelry than a watch.

Approachable luxury

Despite incorporating several trendy attributes from the modern luxury watch market, the Anatom Automatic is still relatively affordable. Rado utilizes one of the brand’s standard automatic movements and a framework of steel parts to keep the price down.

Rado

It runs on the in-house caliber R766, which is based on specifications from and produced in collaboration with fellow Swatch Group brand ETA. It is a reliable workhorse movement with a 72-hour power reserve but it isn’t quite on par with what you would find ticking away inside most luxury watch cases.

A three-piece central-folding clasp hidden beneath the links completes the bracelet’s look, creating a seamless loop of ceramic and steel. The only issue is that the length is not adjustable, and a size must be selected upon purchase.

Rado

On the surface, the Anatom Automatic is a bold move for Rado, venturing into modern luxury territory. That said, nothing about the watch is unprecedented.

The Anatom was first released in 1983 and revived in 2023, though with a casual rubber strap. And Rado has a strong history with ceramics, notably utilizing it in dive watches.

Rado

If anything, this is a shot at the luxury watch market rather than an attempt to break into it. The Swiss watchmaker rarely tops the $4,000 mark, but that is cheap compared to most ceramic integrated watches.

With the Anatom Automatic High-Tech Ceramic, Rado is doing what it does best: offering an incredible bargain.

Rather than a classic dress watch or sporty dive watch, it is on a luxury ceramic watch with an integrated bracelet.

Availability and price

The Rado Anatom Automatic High-Tech Ceramic is available now from Rado and authorized dealers for $4,400.

It comes in black with steel accents or gray with PVD rose gold-coated steel accents.

For those with even more luxurious tastes, there are two diamond-studded options as well.

Rado

Rado Anatom Automatic High-Tech Ceramic

Specs

Case Size	32mm
Movement	Rado caliber R766 automatic
Water Resistance	50m

• $4,400 at Rado

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