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 the 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 patination.
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, date 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 stainless steel extendable folding clasp polished black high-tech ceramic cover. The front sapphire crystal is curved and the case back is made with a 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 an appealing 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.
Learn more at Rado.
