TGR Staff - Photos Via Rado 09/17/2023
In the heart of the Swiss watchmaking country, where precision and innovation have been the guiding stars for centuries, Rado has been called the "Master of Materials." With a legacy that spans generations, this renowned watch brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of design and engineering. This time, Rado embarks on a journey inspired by the visionary architect and designer, Le Corbusier, to introduce a collection that marries timeless colors, extraordinary design, and remarkable materials - the True Square Thinline Les Couleurs™ Le Corbusier collection.
Le Corbusier, a luminary figure in the realms of modern architecture and design, was born in 1887. His groundbreaking work and innovative ideas have left an indelible mark on the world of architecture, urban planning, and design. However, it's not just his architectural genius that is celebrated; Le Corbusier's fascination with color theory also played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic vision. In 1931, he introduced a palette of 63 shades that he deemed "architectural, naturally harmonious, and able to be combined in any way." Almost 90 years later, these colors continue to captivate and inspire.
The responsibility of preserving and licensing these iconic colors now rests with Les Couleurs Suisse SA, under the auspices of the Fondation Le Corbusier. And it is this prestigious foundation that has entrusted Rado, the watchmaking powerhouse, with the exclusive license to infuse these enduring colors into their high-tech ceramic and sapphire crystal creations.
Why, you may wonder, is color so crucial in the world of watchmaking? Well, according to Le Corbusier himself, "Color is an incredibly effective triggering tool. It is a factor of our existence." Thus, Rado's True Square Thinline Les Couleurs™ Le Corbusier collection brings this vision to life, marking the first time that the brand has combined these vibrant ceramic elements in a single timepiece.
In this collection, Rado presents three distinct watches, each embodying the brand's commitment to quality, performance, and innovation. However, what truly sets these timepieces apart is their bold yet understated combination of seductive, muted colors.
The first watch in this collection boasts an iron grey matt high-tech ceramic monobloc case and crown. Its sapphire crystal reveals an iron grey sun-brushed dial adorned with slightly greyed English green printed indexes and hands, along with the unmistakable Rado logo. Completing the ensemble is an iron grey matt high-tech ceramic bracelet with mid-links in slightly greyed English green ceramic and a PVD-coated titanium threefold clasp.
For those who prefer a more subdued color palette, the second reference in the collection is a masterpiece. With a grey-brown natural umber matt high-tech monobloc ceramic case, it exudes calm and sophistication. The grey-brown natural umber sun-brushed dial harmoniously complements the case, while the grey-brown natural umber and cream-white matt high-tech ceramic bracelet features a PVD-coated titanium threefold clasp.
The third member of the True Square Thinline Les Couleurs™ Le Corbusier collection is a bold expression of classic watchmaking colors. It showcases an ivory black matt high-tech monobloc ceramic case and crown, paired with a tone-on-tone sun-brushed black dial. The ivory black high-tech ceramic bracelet completes the look, with ivory black printed indexes and the Rado logo adding the finishing touches.
With cases measuring a discreet 37 x 43.3 mm and a thickness of just 5.0 mm, these watches offer remarkable wearer comfort. But it's not just their size that makes them special; the casebacks are adorned with digitally printed iconic Le Corbusier color strips, along with the words "LE CORBUSIER signature POLYCHROMIE ARCHITECTURALE" and "LIMITED EDITION ONE OF 999," confirming the exclusivity of this series.
For true aficionados and collectors, Rado has crafted something extraordinary - a Collector's Box featuring a new True Square Thinline Les Couleurs™ Le Corbusier timepiece in classic black, surrounded by eight round Thinline Les Couleurs™ Le Corbusier models from the current collection. This explosion of color, extraordinary design, and high-tech materials is limited to just 99 pieces, but each of these watches is also available individually for those who are just beginning their collection.
Inspired by the chromatic vision of one of the world's greatest designers, the Rado True Square Thinline Les Couleurs™ Le Corbusier watches are not just timepieces; they are sublime expressions of a brand that never ceases to push its own boundaries. With this collection, Rado invites you to experience the synergy of color, design, and craftsmanship on your own wrist. It's not just a watch; it's a statement of style, innovation, and timeless elegance.