ReviewThe Rado DiaMaster Grande Seconde Automatic
Great design, cutting edge technology and comfortable wear
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For over half a century now, Rado watches have featured technology that is highly innovative and cutting edge. To understand how Rado has experimented with metals and materials for decades and has created some of the most durable and finest watches; join us on a short journey as we delve a bit deeper to study their evolutionary process.
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The History and Science behind Rado’s Hi-tech Cutting Edge Technology
As early as the sixties, Rado dreamt of creating watches out of a material that is as hard as natural diamond. And their dream turned into reality when in 1962 they introduced Hardmetal in watch manufacturing. Hard metal is more durable than steel, gold and platinum and is still used by them.
Rado took the innovation in materials to the next level when they pioneered high-tech ceramic in watchmaking. They developed the patented process in forging plasma high-tech ceramic in an oven at temperatures as high as 20,000°C to transform finished white ceramic into a unique material with an otherworldly metallic shine – but without the use of any metal. Since this path breaking innovation, high-tech ceramic is playing a central role in their approach to watchmaking. Their high-tech ceramic timepieces are objects of beauty and craftsmanship. They are also lightweight, allergy proof and incredibly comfortable for anyone with sensitive skin.
Rado did not stop here; in pursuing their strong quest for innovation in metallurgy, they then developed Ceramos™ – an amalgamation of high-tech ceramic and metal. It is a unique material that combines and optimizes the properties of both materials: the lightness and durability of ceramic and the irresistible luster of metal. Ceramos™ has been fashioned by Rado in a variety of colours, including platinum, gold and rose gold. It is lightweight and offers unrivalled comfort to the wearer.
The Rado DiaMaster Grande Seconde – Classic yet Unconventional
Now that you know enough as to how Rado revolutionized the use of a number of unique materials to create some of the most durable and futuristic watches, let us take a look at their DiaMaster collection. The Rado DiaMaster Grande Seconde comes in two popular versions – light and dark. While the dark version is resolutely bold & modern, in terms of looks, the light version, on the other hand, is extremely neat. The large open dial offers easy readability and an unobscured view.
View Rado DiaMaster Grande Seconde watches
The 43mm case is made of high-tech plasma ceramic with a mono-block construction. Under the slightly domed crystal, the case has a generous size and comes with sturdy lugs that achieve a nice balance on the wrist.
The Rado DiaMaster Grande Seconde gets its metallic lustre with the use of high-tech ceramic plasma, developed and patented by Rado. Quite extraordinary. The watch draws its unique looks from the layout of its dial. Instead of the usual main dial, it has been assigned two sub-dials that are intertwined, with two large counters displaying hours and minutes on the right and an oversized billboard for small seconds on the left.
The unconventional light or dark dial presents the two sub-dials with indexes, which are positioned off-centre for effortless legibility. The date window is placed inside the seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock with black on white and white on black numerals respectively. The seconds dial, which is the smaller of the two, is decorated with a fine concentric guilloche that creates a sunray effect. Overall, a classic and mesmerizing look.
The enabling mechanism is based on an ETA 2892 movement, which was specially developed for this timepiece. The automatic watch can be adjusted with the simple crown that has an easy grip and Rado’s trademark anchor emblem.
Turning the Rado over you are greeted by the brilliant execution of the movement that can be enjoyed via the sapphire crystal see-through case back. The watch comes with a power reserve of 45 hours and is water resistant to 100m (easily withstanding spills and splashes).
DiaMaster Automatic Grande Seconde Light
The plasma ceramic case of the Light version is complemented by a silvery-white dial, and rhodium colored hands. Subtle and minimalistic, a brown leather strap accentuates the metallic brilliance of the ceramic case and brings an undeniably vintage feel to the overall timepiece.
DiaMaster Automatic Grande Seconde Dark
The Dark version on the other hand, has a matching dial, contrasting gold faceted hands, and gold indexes. It is equipped with the complex five-link ceramic bracelet which is a design commonly seen on metal straps. A comfortable watch, ideal for the man who dares to be different; thanks to its futuristic technology.
An award-winning timepiece
Watch designing is an integral part of what Rado does and its unique approach to industrial design has been recognized with over 30 international design prizes. The distinctive DiaMaster Grande Seconde has received the prestigious and recognized 2015 GOOD DESIGN™ award.
Rado imagines, engineers and creates watches by employing deep scientific understanding of metals and other suitable materials to deliver superior quality timepieces. And at its value, the DiaMaster Grande Seconde is certainly one of the few watches in its class, with a Swiss-made caliber and a simple and well-finished dial, case, and movement. You would agree that both these watches are fitting for all occasions.
What are your favorite Rado watches? Have anything more to add to the story? Tell us in the comments section below!
