Rado has introduced a new series of True Round watches, collaborating with Les Couleurs Suisse to pay tribute to the renowned architect Le Corbusier. This collection moves beyond simply adopting his iconic 63-shade color palette, integrating design elements directly inspired by his significant architectural achievements. The trio of timepieces showcases Rado’s advanced ceramic craftsmanship, harmonizing with Le Corbusier’s visionary design philosophy. These watches are not merely an exploration of color but a profound homage to a master of modern architecture, capturing the essence of his work through innovative material use and artistic expression.

Each watch in this collection reflects a unique aspect of Le Corbusier’s legacy, translating the textures and colors of his buildings into wearable art. This initiative highlights the brand's commitment to creating watches that are both aesthetically pleasing and rich in narrative. By intertwining horology with the principles of architectural design, Rado offers enthusiasts a chance to wear a piece of design history, demonstrating how watches can serve as powerful mediums for storytelling and cultural appreciation. The collaboration exemplifies a deep respect for Le Corbusier’s lasting impact on design and color theory.

Architectural Inspiration in Ceramic Design

The latest Rado True Round collection, developed in partnership with Les Couleurs Suisse, draws profound inspiration from the architectural genius of Le Corbusier. These three distinctive watches transcend a mere palette application, instead embodying the essence of the architect's most celebrated structures. Each timepiece is meticulously crafted from high-tech ceramic, a material known for its durability and unique aesthetic properties, providing a sophisticated canvas for Le Corbusier's 63-shade color system. The collaboration signifies a deeper integration of architectural concepts, with Rado channeling direct inspiration from the textures and colors found in his iconic buildings, creating watches that are both aesthetically innovative and rich in historical context.

The meticulous design process behind these watches involved not just selecting colors from Le Corbusier’s extensive system but also incorporating the tactile qualities of the materials he favored, such as béton brut. This approach results in a collection where each watch tells a story of its architectural muse. The True Round models, with their 40mm cases, 10.4mm thickness, and 50m water resistance, are powered by Rado’s R763 automatic movement, a Powermatic 80 variant offering an 80-hour power reserve. This blend of precise engineering and thoughtful design makes the collection a testament to the enduring influence of Le Corbusier’s vision and Rado’s commitment to innovative watchmaking, celebrating the profound connection between timekeeping and architectural artistry.

Homage to Le Corbusier's Iconic Structures

This exclusive collection pays tribute to three of Le Corbusier's pivotal architectural creations, translating their distinct characteristics into watch designs. The first model honors La Cité Radieuse, a monumental concrete apartment building in Marseille, France, celebrated for its revolutionary urban living concept. This timepiece features a matte Ivory White ceramic case and bracelet, a color achieved by Rado after years of development, complemented by a laser-engraved dial that replicates the rough texture of béton brut. Its dial is adorned with three blue hands in varying shades from Le Corbusier’s color system: Lucent Sky Blue, Luminous Ultramarine Blue, and Light Ultramarine Blue, ensuring clear readability and a soft-toned aesthetic.

The second watch is inspired by the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts at Harvard University, Le Corbusier’s only building in North America, known for its angular, raw-concrete aesthetic. This model boasts an Iron Grey ceramic case, bracelet, and crown, matching its laser-engraved dial that mimics the building's facade texture. Contrasting lacquered hands in Cream White, Powerful Orange, and Slightly Greyed English Green enhance its unique visual appeal. Finally, the third watch celebrates Le Corbusier’s visionary urban planning for Chandigarh, India, particularly its Palace of Assembly. This timepiece features an Ivory Black ceramic case and bracelet, with a dial that intricately depicts the facade of the Palace of Assembly. Its hands, in Powerful Orange, Emerald Green, and Olive Green, provide vibrant contrast, completing a trio that thoughtfully intertwines architectural history with modern horology.