Rado True Square Automatic Skeleton 38mm Unisex Watch

Ref. R27197152

Rado has long treated high-tech ceramic not as a coating but as the whole structure, and this watch is that philosophy at its most committed — a monobloc case, crown, and bracelet cut from the same matte black material, with no metal interrupting the surface. The square format suits it: the flat planes of ceramic read as architectural rather than decorative, and at 38mm the proportions sit comfortably on a range of wrists without the case bulk that skeletonised movements sometimes demand. The dial rewards attention. A sandblasted top plate sits proud of the lower one, which carries horizontal brushed finishing that catches the movement working beneath it. At four o'clock a rotating rhodium anchor marks the seconds, giving the eye something specific to settle on. The R808 runs on a Nivachron hairspring — antimagnetic, and more stable across temperature changes than a conventional alloy spring — and its 80-hour reserve means a watch left unworn on Friday will still be running Monday morning. At 117g, the bracelet contributes most of the weight, but ceramic wears differently to steel: it stays cool, takes no scratches worth mentioning, and does not drag against the skin. The titanium clasp underneath is the only concession to metal, and you would not know it without looking.

Reference

R27197152

Brand

Rado

Case size

38mm

Case thickness

9.7mm

Case material

Ceramic

Case shape

Square

Dial

Black

Crystal

Sapphire

Movement

Automatic

Calibre

R808

Functions

Skeleton dial

Water resistance

50m

Bracelet / strap

Ceramic bracelet

Strap colour

Black

Clasp

Deployant clasp

Lume

Super-LumiNova

Retailer

Goldsmiths