PLASMA HIGH-TECH CERAMIC
Plasma high-tech ceramic: it’s a kind of magic
Rado first introduced high-tech ceramic in 1986 and it soon established itself as the brand’s signature material. It’s not surprising. Its durability, hardness, scratch resistance, and light weight were irresistible to watch aficionados, who were dazzled by its sensuous feel and its unmatched comfort and wearability.
Rado’s pioneering plasma high-tech ceramic combines the qualities of high-tech ceramic with the unique shine of metal – without using metal. This unique process enriches completely finished white high-tech ceramic elements with carbon, giving them a metallic finish. They can have a polished, brushed or matt surface, which allows for a wide variety of looks. Such a complex material requires all the ingenuity that led to the development of high-tech ceramic along with some essential extra steps.
Rado takes the finished white ceramic components and subjects them to plasma treatment, during which the molecular composition of the ceramic is changed by gases activated by a plasma discharge of 20,000o C – three times the temperature of the surface of the sun – in a specially-designed oven. This plasma carburising process changes the chemical composition of the material but it does not alter the structure. Accordingly it has no effect on the properties of the ceramic, which maintains the same hardness, scratch-resistance, lightness and hypoallergenic benefits as Rado’s other high-tech ceramic colours.
When you first come into contact with a Rado plasma high-tech ceramic watch, you’ll think your senses are playing tricks on you: in spite of its resolutely metallic appearance and texture, the material has no metal content whatsoever. And it will not fade over time, which means that when you pass it on to future generations, it will have exactly the same allure as it did the day you first saw it on your own wrist. It really is a kind of magic.
Rado CEO Adrian Bosshard is passionate about high-tech ceramic plasma’s important role in the brand’s product portfolio. He says, “None of us at Rado ever get tired of talking about plasma high-tech ceramic. Scientists are fascinated by the process. Watch enthusiasts love the look and the comfort of this noble material. And everyone is amazed to learn that it contains no metal. It really is a perfect expression of our material innovation, our pioneering spirit and our commitment to extraordinary design.”
Clearly, Rado is thrilled with its high-tech ceramic plasma story and as Adrian Bosshard says, the brand is passionate about sharing more in-depth information with watch enthusiasts around the world. Here’s a link that will take you straight to a booklet about our most compelling materials. Appropriately, it’s called “It Feels Like Nothing Else.”
The importance of plasma high-tech ceramic to Rado is underscored beautifully by a range of watches that feature the material. They represent the brand’s most popular watch families and have their own distinct personalities, but they share another important bit of Rado DNA: a case or key components crafted from the plasma high-tech ceramic you’ve just met.
The Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Chronograph, with its 43 mm monobloc plasma high tech ceramic case, is at once sporty and sophisticated. The watch, which is truly a perfect companion in any environment, is powered by the calibre R801, an automatic chronograph movement developed for uncompromising reliability. Engineered with 37 jewels and regulated in five positions, it ensures precise timekeeping under the most demanding conditions.
Since its debut in 1983, the Anatom has proven that radical design and ultimate comfort can coexist perfectly. Its signature feature is the cylindrical metallised sapphire crystal with bevelled edges on both faces, which in this version, extends seamlessly into the plasma high-tech ceramic bracelet, creating a smooth, continuous form that merges the case and bracelet into a unified, cohesive shape. Beating at its heart, and on bold display through the sapphire crystal case back, is the automatic R766 calibre.
The True Square Skeleton unites complex high-tech materials and ultra fine craftsmanship. The matt plasma high-tech ceramic case, crown and bracelet, combined with an R808 skeleton movement, which offers an 80-hour power reserve, makes its aesthetic appeal nearly as alluring as its performance. Crowned by a flat sapphire crystal, the dial is an eye-catching symphony of layered craftsmanship.
Rado’s legacy is defined by the inextricable link between two pillars, design excellence and material mastery. The True Round Open Heart is a perfect blend of both. This remarkable timepiece showcases a captivating open heart design, allowing you to admire the detailed, intricate movements of the automatic Rado calibre R734, a pure expression of the art of watchmaking. Fitted with an antimagnetic NivachronTM hairspring, it delivers a power reserve of 80 hours.
The Centrix Diamonds is a classic Rado watch that combines stunning design and technical sophistication. Its rounded sapphire crystal extends all the way to the edge, and its curved case blends seamlessly with the curved edge of the crystal. The aesthetic allure of this iconic timepiece is further complemented with adjusted case lugs and a bracelet made of polished rose-gold-coloured PVD-coated stainless steel with plasma high-tech ceramic middle links.
Plasma high-tech ceramic has earned an important place in Rado’s impressive pantheon of cutting-edge materials. Like each brand’s innovative ceramic, it is smooth to the touch and kind to the skin. It’s durable and scratch-resistant. Thanks to its light weight, it offers wonderful wearer comfort. But it also has an impish sense of humour: it likes playing tricks on your senses. And that is, indeed, a special kind of magic.