DiaStar, True Square, Manhattan… Since the 1960s, Rado has specialized in shaped watches. Square cases have thus been declined in many ways, notably through a model like the Anatom.
Launched in 1983, it has just celebrated its 40th anniversary with a new edition that also highlights the brand’s favourite material: high-tech ceramics. With its ever so unique design and new colours, the Rado Anatom is a forty-something that is completely in tune with the times!
Square watches have always been popular at Rado
If they have gained a renewed interest for a few months now, the square watches have been favored by Rado for a while already. The love story between the Swiss brand and these angular cases began as early as the 1960s, with the development of the first Manhattan line.
This stylistic exploration continued with the DiaStar Executive, the V2200 model, and of course, the Anatom in 1983. A few years later, Rado also began to take an interest in a new material, high-tech ceramic, confirming the brand’s willingness to break from the norm.
Ceramica, Sintra, r5.5 are all watches that have marked the recent history of the Lengnau house. Until the launch of the True Square Open Heart in 2020, which represents (almost) a culmination for Rado, in its constant quest for harmony between aesthetics and comfort, tradition and innovation.
In 40 years, the Anatom has not aged a bit
Much like a brand that remains “under the radar”, the Anatom is arguably one of the most underestimated watches of recent decades. Yet it is one of the most iconic and representative of Rado’s expertise.
Created in 1983, this model is the result of an ambition: to merge durability and modern design. Inspired by the DiaStar, the first Anatom revolutionized the concept of comfort with a design that perfectly fits the curve of the wrist. Moreover, its name, evoking both the anatomical aspect and a touch of retro atomicity, underlines this quest for harmony and innovation.
To “caress the human form”, the Anatom has a two-faced rounded sapphire glass, held in place by hard metal bars in a dovetail arrangement.
Forty years later, nothing has changed, or almost nothing. The 2023 version remains faithful to the original model, while benefiting from numerous additions. Thus, the case size has increased from 28 to 32.5 mm in diameter, and the timeless design is enhanced by a matte black high-tech ceramic bezel, creating a stunning effect.
The horizontal lines of the dial (not unlike those of the 1979 Piaget Polo) have disappeared in favor of a satiny brushed, polished and lacquered background, with a gradient of green, blue or cognac. The limited edition specially created for the 40th anniversary of the Anatom is dressed in black, with a discreet “Jubilee” mention at 6 o’clock (as on the 1990 watch) and 11 baguette diamonds instead of indices.
Finally, the other major change to this watch is not aesthetic but technical: the 1983 quartz calibre is succeeded by the new automatic Rado calibre R766 movement. Equipped with increased magnetic resistance thanks to the Nivachron™ spiral, it provides a 72-hour power reserve.
Available at 3750 euros, the three new colorful versions of the Anatom offer a very beautiful offspring to the 1983 watch. And what about the 40th-Anniversary limited edition, whose price peaks at 11 300 euros?
