he new Rado True Square Skeleton is rocking a rugged masculinity with its matt finish, sandblasted detailing and completely exposed movement. In its single-minded respect for materials and the intricate mechanics of timekeeping, it is almost completely without pretence. No cosmetic touches or unnecessary embellishments here, thank you.

This update to the True Square family is showcased in a trio of new timepieces. At its centre, a watch with a matt plasma high-tech ceramic case, crown and bracelet. This is the first time Rado has deployed a matte plasma finish on the True Square line. Its gun-metal vibes convey a self-conscious, confident simplicity. And that pared-back, elemental look is complemented by the movement’s horizontal brushed decoration and anthracite coating, along with sandblasting across the hands, dial background and case back. This new generation also features bolder, blunter hands than before – a subtle but sturdy update.

It is partnered by a matt-black sibling, similarly constructed from high-tech ceramic – across case, crown and bracelet – plus the same anthracite and sandblasted detailing. This one feels like it’s straight out of Gotham City, exuding a sense of raw, brooding power in the sheer darkness of its appearance.

The third in the line-up is also a matt black variant in high-tech ceramic, but with a few differences. The most obvious is its black rubber strap, which gives it an athletic edge. Up close, it has a few more considered aesthetic details, like a horizontal Côtes de Genève finish to the movement, and polished, rather than sandblasted, hands, but it’s hardly a delicate wallflower: we’re still talking superhero swagger.

Take a minute to remind yourself what is so special about high-tech ceramic. Created from the purest, most finely calibrated substances, then fired at remarkably high temperatures, it becomes an unbelievably hard-wearing, scratch-resistant material. It will never fade, because colour is evenly distributed within the material itself. And to make plasma high-tech ceramic, the ceramic elements are enriched with carbon, which during firing gives the finished product a natural metallic sheen.

In short, Rado high-tech ceramic watches are astonishingly pure celebrations of the material they are crafted from – which fits right into this story of unadulterated form. The Rado True Square Skeleton’s indexes tell a similar tale – hewn from single blocks of Super-LumiNova, rather than mere layers or strips, they glorify in its innate luminosity, offering exceptional clarity after dark. All as you’d expect from the Master of Materials.

From form, to function: and there’s plenty to hold the attention with this skeletonised movement. With nothing hidden from view, the mechanics of the Rado calibre R808 automatic movement are there to be revered for the intricate harmony of its springs, cogs, wheels and balances. With an 80-hour power reserve, it’s also a lesson in endurance. Framed by the three windows of the jet-black dial background, this is less a movement than an engine.

Let’s make no bones about it. The Rado True Square Skeleton in a matt finish brings an unusually dynamic presence to the brand’s signature squareness. With these attributes, and a case diameter of 38mm, you’d be forgiven for thinking these timepieces are clearly targeted at men. In fact, Rado True Square watches are routinely worn by anyone, and these are no different, destined to be admired by all those who appreciate their magnetic charisma. (And after all, not all superheroes are men.) This is the raw power of Rado: deconstructed and unleashed.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Movement

• Rado calibre R808, automatic, 25 jewels, 3 hands
• 80-hour power reserve, antimagnetic Nivachron™ hairspring, exceeds standard test requirements from 3 to 5 positions for higher accuracy

R27196152 Dial side with horizontal brushed decoration and anthracite coating, reverse side in nickel colour

R27197152 Dial side with horizontal brushed decoration and anthracite coating, reverse side in nickel colour

R27197169 Dial side with horizontal Côtes de Genève decoration and anthracite coating, reverse side in nickel colour

Case

• Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides
• Water-resistant to 5 bar (50 metres)

R27196152 Matt plasma high-tech ceramic case and crown, monobloc construction, sandblasted titanium case back with sapphire crystal

R27197152 Matt black high-tech ceramic case and crown, monobloc construction, black PVD sandblasted titanium case back with sapphire crystal

R27197169 Matt black high-tech ceramic case and crown, monobloc construction, black PVD sandblasted titanium case back with sapphire crystal

Dial

• Two-level dial, top plate skeletonised, black sandblasted background
• Applied indexes made of white Super-LumiNova
• White-printed minute track
• Rhodium-coloured moving anchor symbol on black background
• White-printed Rado and Automatic logos
• Bottom plate decorated in continuity with the movement

Hands

R27196152 Rhodium-coloured, sandblasted with white Super-LumiNova Rhodium-coloured, sandblasted second hand

R27197152 Rhodium-coloured, sandblasted with white Super-LumiNova Rhodium-coloured, sandblasted second hand

R27197169 Rhodium-coloured, polished with white Super-LumiNova Rhodium-coloured, polished second hand

Bracelet

R27196152 Matt plasma high-tech ceramic, titanium 3-fold clasp

R27197152 Matt black high-tech ceramic, titanium 3-fold clasp

R27197169 Black rubber, matt black high-tech ceramic cover, stainless steel extendable folding clasp

Dimensions

• 38.0 x 44.2 x 9.7 (L x W x H in mm)