True Automatic Blackout Ref. R27056162

In recent years, Rado has been releasing stunning interpretations of their classic models that embrace modernity with fresh new designs alongside their splendid use of materials. Like many of Rado’s timepieces, creating beautiful cases that are incredibly scratch-resistant has been their forte ever since the brand’s early days. Having this in mind, Rado unveiled the True Automatic collection of watches that showcased a strikingly bold appearance, packed full of attractive attributes including a full ceramic case and bracelet that showcases what Rado absolutely does best with a minimal, no-frills dial. 

From a brand that was initially conceived as a small atelier, to become an industry leader for innovation more than a century later. Rado is a well-respected name that is no stranger to the watch world, producing incredibly robust timepieces that pushes the boundaries of what was achievable with luxury watchmaking with top-class Swiss craftsmanship, revolutionary high-tech materials and outstanding timekeeping performance. While originally founded in Lengnau, Biel/Bienne, Switzerland in 1917 as ‘Schlup & Co.’ by brothers Fritz, Ernst and Werner Schlup, it wasn’t until the brand took off in the early 1950s, selling watches under the ‘Rado’ name we’re familiar with today.

Rado True Automatic Blackout Ref. R27056162

Ever since its founding, Rado has fostered the philosophy “if we can imagine it, we can make it”, which still holds true today, reflected by the brand’s highly-durable, innovatively designed timepieces. Rado is perhaps best known for their innovative use of technologically advanced materials, being one of the pioneers in the watchmaking industry adopting high-tech ceramics in their watches. Although the implementation of ceramic is widely seen across innumerable watch brands in this day and age, Rado revolutionized the industry with the birth of the Rado Integral back in 1986 with its use of scratch-resistant high-tech ceramic in the bracelet. 

Indulge in the smooth, sensuous feel of Rado’s plasma high-tech ceramic on the entirely polished case construction of the Rado True Automatic Blackout Ref. R27056162, a phenomenal material developed by Rado that resulted in an extreme hardness of 1,200 vickers, five times harder than steel while being notably lighter. On top of being hypoallergenic, the dark metallic appeal of the blackout ceramic definitely brings a snazzy touch, standing out from the usual stainless steel. 

Rado’s plasma high-tech ceramic case

Measuring with a case diameter of 40mm, a thickness of 10.4mm and a lug to lug distance of 47.5mm, the Rado True Automatic Blackout Ref. R27056162 fits exceptionally well on the wrist, finding a sweet spot between a modern dress watch and a sporty everyday wear. Just like the case, the 15mm 3-link style plasma high-tech ceramic bracelet feels incredibly well made and offers a whole different experience from probably any other bracelets out there, it almost feels like the bracelet becomes one with the wrist every time you put it on. Being especially lightweight, having it on the entire day will be a pleasant experience. 

While the Open Heart variant of the Rado True collection adopts a stunning openworked dial with a rather busy and sophisticated aesthetic, the Rado True Automatic Blackout Ref. R27056162 embraces a beautiful minimal deep black dial that showcases a conventional, well-balanced dial with slim gold-treated handsets and hour indices. At the 3 o’clock position lies a discreet black date window, blending into the black dial to keep the dial pleasingly clean. The dial is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal treated with anti-reflective coating, keeping the dial crystal clear for your enjoyment. 

Superluminova for night reading

Under the hood, the Rado True Automatic Blackout Ref. R27056162 is driven by the Swiss ETA C07.631 self-winding movement based on the ever-reliable Powermatic 80 movement. Featuring a power reserve of a whopping 80 hours, this 25 jewel movement beats at a 3 hertz rate of 21,600 beats per hour (BPH) with hand winding and hacking capabilities. Encased within a closed case back, the watch is water resistant to 50m, handling light splashes easily. 

From both a performance and a visual standpoint, the Rado True Automatic Blackout Ref. R27056162 is one of Rado’s most fascinating timepieces that combines all the right elements to create a stellar full ceramic timepiece. This feels like the perfect implementation of Rado’s plasma high-tech ceramic with the construction of the case and bracelet that seamlessly blend with each other to result in a cohesive design that will not fail to impress. 

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