What if I told you there's a square watch out there that blends futuristic materials, open-worked movement, and daily wearability without compromising style or comfort?
Sounds like a stretch? Think again.
I had the pleasure of reviewing the Rado True Square Automatic Skeleton, a striking piece that redefines everyday luxury with a distinct design identity.
First Impressions
Let's start with what makes this watch instantly memorable—its visuals.
The 38mm square case features soft, rounded edges and measures just 9.7mm thick, making it impressively sleek for a ceramic timepiece. Crafted from Plasma High-Tech Ceramic, this case has both presence and subtlety. Rado's proprietary plasma process gives the ceramic the shiny lustre of metal without using metal at all. The result? A smooth, lightweight, and scratch-resistant finish that wears beautifully on the wrist.
The Dial
The skeleton dial is truly the star of the show. It offers a full view into the movement's intricate inner workings, giving you a front-row seat to the beauty of mechanical watchmaking. Every glance reveals something new.
The watch features sapphire crystals on both the front and the exhibition case back, both treated with anti-reflective coating for clarity. At 4 o'clock, you'll spot Rado's rotating rhodium-coloured anchor, a symbolic touch that pays homage to the brand's automatic heritage since the 1950s.
Under the Hood: The Rado Caliber R808
Powering this watch is the Rado Caliber R808, a skeletonized automatic movement with a clean three-hand display and no phantom date position—a small but thoughtful detail collectors will appreciate.
This movement features a Nivachron™ balance spring for anti-magnetic reliability and offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve, giving you more than three days of runtime without winding.
Lumination
The Rado True Square doesn't skip on nighttime visibility either. The white SuperLumiNova® applied to the markers and hands glows modestly in the dark while remaining bright and crisp during the day.
Bracelet
The integrated matte black Plasma Ceramic bracelet echoes the case design and features a discreet butterfly clasp. It's smooth, sleek, and wears incredibly well. Whether you're at the office or out for the evening, this watch balances presence with comfort effortlessly.
Final Thoughts
Let's be real—this is not a traditional watch. And that's exactly why it works.
The Rado True Square Automatic Skeleton embraces a design language that's minimal, mechanical, and unmistakably modern. For those used to classic round dials or safe designs, this square skeleton offers a welcome break from the ordinary.
If you've never owned a skeleton watch—or a square one—this might be the piece that brings both into your collection. It's not trying to blend in. It stands confidently in its own space.
And most importantly, it's wearable, expressive, and true to itself.
Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this review, make sure to check out the video version on Timeless Catalyst. Until next time, keep ticking with purpose.
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