Rado True

Rado effortlessly blends timeless, simple design with high-tech materials in their True collection. The large, round, and reserved dial design contrasts beautifully with the flowing shapes of the cutting-edge ceramic cases. Since the line's introduction in 2006, its range of models has grown considerably. True watches now come in various colors, with skeletonizing or with diamonds, and featuring quartz or automatic movements. Sizes range from 30 to 40 mm, which makes them interesting for both men and women.

The limited edition models , designed by designers who otherwise have nothing to do with watches, is quite a treat. The results are both interesting and extraordinary. The twelve timepieces representing the 12 zodiac signs are also quite unique and only available in limited numbers.

Prices for a Rado True are just as diverse as the model catalog and depend largely on the year of production, condition, and caliber. Older models with quartz movements can be found in both men's and women's sizes for as little as 480 euros. If you would prefer a watch from the current collection, True Colors watches are a great entry point. These 40-mm watches are also quartz-powered, include a textile strap, and come in brown, blue, gray, and green. Plan to spend between 820 and 890 euros, depending on the color. Be sure to set aside around 1,000 euros for the current standard edition True women's watch with a black ceramic case, matching ceramic bracelet, and a quartz movement. The men's version costs about 1,100 euros.

A similar model with a mechanical automatic ETA C07.611 movement goes for around 1,200 euros. Should you choose a True Automatic in white, expect to pay just over 1,300 euros. The True Automatic Open Heart is the right choice for those looking to see the ETA movement in action. Rado equipped this watch with a transparent mother-of-pearl dial, which offers a splendid view of the interior while also shimmering in various colors. One of these watches costs about 1,500 euros in mint condition. Pre-owned models are available starting at 1,100 euros.

The True Jubile or Diamonds models are particularly glitzy. Rado utilizes diamonds as their indices, giving these watches a truly elegant touch. These models also come with the choice of a quartz or automatic movement. Be sure to have about 1,400 euros on hand for an automatic watch with four diamonds on the dial. The version with a shimmering blue mother-of-pearl dial costs about 200 euros more, and a True Automatic Diamonds with 12 diamonds on the dial demands about 1,800 euros. The quartz-powered True Diamonds is markedly less expensive. The model with four diamonds costs just over 1,000 euros, while the 12-diamond model costs 1,200 euros.

Rado presented the True Designers collection to the public in late 2017. This collection contains six limited editions, each with runs of only 1,001 pieces, and each designed by a different designer or artist. Rado gave them plenty of creative freedom: The only stipulation was that the case shape could not be changed. This resulted in some extraordinary models, such as the True Shadow from Japanese fashion designer Kunihiko Morinaga. Depending on the lighting, the look of this watch completely changes. The photochromic crystal above the skeletonized dial takes on a dark color in bright light, while the crystal becomes transparent in low light environments, revealing the intricate automatic movement. The price point for this watch comes in at around 1,900 euros.

You can also purchase the True Phospho for the same price. This watch was designed by design trio Big Game. It is the only watch in the collection to have a production run of 1,003 pieces, three of which were reserved for the designers themselves. You can also see the automatic ETA movement in this watch, though the view is a bit obstructed. The dial is a perforated plate of black bronze with points of luminous material for the indices. The True Blaze is yet another member of the Designers collection. It is the brainchild of American interior designer Sam Amoia. It comes with a rough, glittery metallic dial and gold-plated hands and line indices. You will need to set aside around 1,800 euros for one of these timepieces.

The True Face from Polish architect Oskar Zieta is also a real looker. Its red-gold-plated seconds hand reflects off the concave, highly polished stainless steel dial. Then there's the True Stratum designed by Rainer Mutsch, which has a black dial that resembles a vinyl record. Plan to spend almost 2,000 euros on each of these watches.

The True Star Sign was introduced in late 2017 and is especially geared toward women. Its 30-mm case is made of plasma high-tech ceramic, lending it a metallic sheen. The dial is made of blue mother-of-pearl, which is meant to represent the night sky. The lower half of each timepiece features the constellation of a zodiac sign made of diamond dust-coated star-shaped appliques. In addition, four diamonds function as indices on the dial. Each of these twelve models had a limited run of 999 pieces, is powered by an automatic movement, and costs about 2,400 euros when new.

Though it is no longer in the current catalog, the quartz-powered True Chronograph is still worth taking a look at. It has a small seconds dial at 6 o'clock, a 12-hour counter at 10, and a tenths-of-a-second counter at 2. The date display sits at 4 o'clock, and an additional central seconds hand functions as a 60-minute counter. This 44-mm chronograph comes in black, white, or with a metallic shine. New models go for around 1,200 euros.