Ahead of Baselworld 2018, the world’s biggest watch show, which takes place next month, Rado recently previewed a new chronograph that combines scratch-resistant black ceramic and bronze.
The HyperChrome Bronze Chronograph Limited Edition comes in a matte black ceramic case measuring 45 mm x 13 mm (50.3 mm lug to lug) and is contrasted by bronze chronograph pushers and side inserts. The hands and indices are a similar hue to the bronze but are actually rose gold-plated.
Bronze is an alloy that consists primarily of copper and is mixed with materials such as tin and aluminum. The Black Bay Bronze is made of a special, mostly aluminum and copper bronze alloy that prevents patination. This bronze (CuSn8) will gain a natural patina over time, as this particular alloy is not treated in a way that prevents the patina from forming.
Ultimately, there will be a really unique look once the bronze starts changing against the perfect matte black ceramic that will not even show a scratch or any signs of wear.
Interestingly, rose gold actually changes a bit too, with the exception of unique materials such as Everose gold that are designed to maintain their pink color forever; most rose gold gains a yellow hue over time, and so that is likely to happen with the hands and indices.
The dial of the watch has a vertical straight grain, which adds further to the juxtaposition of all the different elements.
Hours, minutes, dat,e and chronograph functions are powered by a 4Hz automatic ETA 2894-2 with 37 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve.
The watch comes with a brown vintage leather strap with a stainless steel extendable folding clasp polished black high-tech ceramic cover. The front sapphire crystal is curved, and the case back is made of ceramic and sapphire. Water-resistance is 100 meters.
A cool combination of materials, although, case materials aside, the off-the-shelf ETA 2894-2 movement is not as appealing a proposition when you consider that you can buy numerous in-house chronographs for around the same price or less.
Limited to 999 pieces, the HyperChrome Bronze Chronograph (Ref. 650.0168.3.115) will retail for approximately $5,000.
Photos by Rado.
