Rado Taps Latest Ambassador Ji Chang-wook to Co-Design Latest Release
In 2023 when Rado first tapped Korean actor and singer Ji Chang-wook as global brand ambassador, it was a fair assumption that we would see the superstar frequently sporting the brand’s latest and greatest watches on red carpets and in marketing campaigns, but we didn’t see this coming. It seems Chang-wook’s passion for the watchmaking process runs deep, and his curiosity for watch design and production soon spiralled into the development of the watch we see before us today: the True Square Open Heart x Ji Chang-wook Limited Edition.
The conversation began during Chang-wook’s visit to Rado’s high-tech ceramic lab, where Rado CEO Adrian Bosshard realized that Chang-wook was very engaged in the experience, inquiring and pondering aloud what the various bits and pieces did and how they fit together. What was meant to be a brief introduction to the brand quickly shifted into a conversation of a limited edition, deciding firmly on the use of high-tech ceramic, a skeletonized platform, and of course ruby indices. The latter of which are both culturally relevant for their association with good luck, as well as being Chang-wook’s native birthstone. The choice to use ruby-red Super-luminova for its hour and minute hands is a nice (and seldom seen) choice as well.
The end result is an absolutely charming execution of the True Square Open Heart — a fully matte ceramic case and integrated bracelet, contrasted with the brilliance of 12 ruby hour markers and the exposed components of its self-winding calibre. The Rado calibre R734 boasts an 80-hour power reserve, and is fitted with an antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring to further improve overall timekeeping accuracy.
Whether or not you’re a fan of the Korean superstar, the watch stands strongly on its own. Its 38mm square case is remarkably comfortable on the wrist, wearing rather light due to its high-tech ceramic construction, and tucking well under cuffs with a slender 9.7mm case profile. The choice to give its case and bracelet a fully matte finish pulls things together perfectly, as having high-polished elements on its bracelet would distract from its cohesive dial execution.
In a market where so many watch brands have a tendency to play things safe, we have to give Rado credit for yet again delivering a charming collaborative limited edition that stands out. It’s bold, it’s thoughtful, and more than anything it’s a perfect example of Rado sticking to its core design ethos rather than trying to blend in with the masses. With only 987 examples, this is exactly the kind of piece we’d be happy to get our hands on. ($5,000)
Learn more about the Rado True Square Open Heart x Ji Chang-wook here.
All imagery courtesy of Rado.
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