A small confession: overall, I am not a big fan of skeletonized watches.
Although I love the opportunity to observe the movement's workings, I prefer doing so through the sapphire glass on the case back. It's a matter of aesthetics because, as a design enthusiast, I adore a thoughtfully designed and impeccably executed dial. Of course, there are exceptions. Some brands masterfully create skeletons - like Audemars Piguet, Hublot, and Richard Mille. Rado is among them. Recently, we've seen several open versions of the True Square and Captain Cook models. Thus, it's logical that the brand now introduces the Rado Anatom Automatic Skeleton. Unsurprisingly, this visual style fits perfectly into the Anatom collection. Let me explain why.
The History of Rado Anatom Automatic Skeleton
One of the highlights of last year for me was getting acquainted with new Rado Anatom Automatic models with ceramic bracelets. In my review, I detailed how the full-ceramic Anatom models hold a special place in my heart. They instantly take me back to family vacations in the 90s when my mother lovingly gazed at classic Rado Ceramica watches while passing store windows. As a teenager, I was very drawn to these watches due to their unusual design and unconventional materials. Therefore, I was delighted to dive back into the atmosphere of those days by trying on full-ceramic Anatom Automatic models.
Before the release of these models, Rado revived the Anatom collection at the end of 2023, introducing several models with rubber straps. Now Rado takes the next step - presenting a skeletonized version of the Anatom Automatic. The novelty combines the plasma color of the full-ceramic model's case with a comfortable rubber strap used in the first updated Anatom models. But most importantly, it is the first skeletonized model in the current Anatom lineup.
Technical Specifications of Rado Anatom Automatic Skeleton
The new model features a high-tech ceramic case, 32.5 mm wide, 11.5 mm thick, and 46.3 mm long. The case thickness has increased by 0.2 mm compared to the regular version, but this is absolutely imperceptible on the wrist. The case construction is multi-component: the bezel and the crown are made of Rado's proprietary high-tech ceramic.
The middle of the case is made of matte stainless steel. As seen in the photos, the curved sapphire crystal, which is part of the case architecture, protects the skeletonized dial. The edges of the glass have a gray metallic coating that harmoniously matches the plasma color of the ceramic bezel. The large glass is beautifully curved, perfectly mirroring the shape of the case.
The watch comes with a comfortable gray rubber strap with metal inserts made of steel with a yellow gold PVD coating. The strap is equipped with a folding clasp made of stainless steel with a gray plasma ceramic cover. This strap completes the stylish look of the watch and ensures high comfort when worn.
Features of Rado's High-Tech Plasma Ceramic Color
As I noted in a previous review, the classic color of Rado's ceramic is black. It is with this color that I associate warm memories of classic Rado Ceramica models from the 90s. However, out of the three models I tested last year, my favorite was the gray plasma color option. This shade and texture are unique: the combination of liquid metal shine and gray tone creates a watch that does not stand out as brightly as the black versions, and I like that. Therefore, I was delighted to see that the new Anatom Automatic Skeleton model was chosen in this color.
The plasma color of the ceramic perfectly complements the skeletonized design of the watch. Some models are simply made for open dials, and Anatom is one of them. The white minute scale is located on the periphery of the dial and is adorned with large white indices with Super-LumiNova, which glow brightly in the dark. Golden skeletonized hands hover above the dial, also filled with luminescent material.
Features of the Skeletonized Dial of Rado Anatom Automatic Skeleton
Thanks to the open dial, there is an excellent view of the inner workings of the Rado R808 caliber. The minimalist design combines various finishes and colors, creating an attractive composition. Among the elements are gray bridges, components with an anthracite matte finish, and golden wheels and gears.
The skeletonized and multi-level construction allows you to see the balance spring at the 12 o'clock position, the barrel, and the mainspring between 4 and 6 o'clock. A pleasant detail is the visible winding mechanism at the 3 o'clock position. I particularly enjoy the combination of rectangular and round shapes that make up the skeletonized caliber.
Although I am not a big fan of skeletonized watches, this design suits the Anatom model very well. During the short time I spent with the Rado Anatom Automatic Skeleton, I repeatedly returned to different details, and I can only praise the brand for the excellent appearance of the watch.
The caliber R808 is not new. It is also used in the Captain Cook Skeleton and True Square Skeleton models, which we have reviewed earlier. It is an automatic movement with 25 jewels, based on the ETA C07.901+ from Swatch Group. It has a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of 80 hours.
Comfort of Wearing Rado Anatom Automatic Skeleton
After adjusting the strap and snapping the folding clasp with a characteristic click, I immediately recalled the excellent ergonomics of the Rado Anatom. The curved profile of the case fits perfectly on the wrist. Combined with the lightweight ceramic, the watch provides true pleasure when worn. The comfort of the Anatom remains impressive.
On the wrist, the small details stand out. A pleasant touch is the vertically placed Rado logo in the upper right part of the bezel - a small but very successful accent that fits perfectly into the design.
Additionally, wearing the watch emphasizes the value of the golden links and hands. They add just the right amount of elegance and highlight the retro notes. However, despite the two-tone design, I do not consider this watch a retro model. The modern design combined with the skeletonized dial creates a very contemporary look. Nevertheless, the two-tone palette often associates me with watches from the 70s-80s, and here it is a successful addition.
Final Conclusions on Rado Anatom Automatic Skeleton
First and foremost, I was impressed by the high level of comfort and how well the skeletonized design suits the Anatom model. The watch weighs 87.6 grams, making it lightweight. But this would not matter without thoughtful design. The curved profile fits superbly on the wrist, and the rubber strap is durable and well-made, without compromising on comfort.
Overall, the watch leaves the impression of a carefully thought-out and excellently executed product.
The open design is a pleasant bonus that I cannot help but appreciate. Although I prefer the regular version of the Anatom, I must admit that the skeletonized style suits this model better than most other watches. The modern, almost futuristic design and materials perfectly complement the skeletonized dial. This makes the Rado Anatom Automatic Skeleton a logical and successful step in the development of the collection, which will surely resonate with brand enthusiasts.
The new Rado Anatom Automatic Skeleton model is already available and costs 4,500 euros. For this price, you get an excellent watch made from lightweight materials with a visually appealing skeletonized dial and a level of comfort that surpasses many competitors. These are exactly the kind of watches I look for for everyday wear, and this model has once again reminded me why the Anatom series is so valued.