SEEING is Believing

Introducing Rado True Square x Kunihiko Morinaga Ref. R27086172 a timepiece that truly encapsulates the freedom of creativity and expression.

- TAN SIOK HOON

Some believe that our life is mapped out in an order of seven-year cycles where each cycle carries a unique focus and significance. It has been seven years since Rado collaborated with the visionary Japanese fashion designer, Kunihiko Morinaga, to create the limited-edition True Shadow timepiece in 2017.

For their second partnership endeavour, each party once again leverages their signature — mastery of materials for Rado and colour-changing technology for Morinaga — to synergise on their latest joint creation. When you encounter the Rado True Square x Kunihiko Morinaga Special Edition watch, you will understand what a visual showstopper it is — a perfect fusion of artistry and precision.

Anchored by a sleek and contemporary squarish polished black monobloc case of 38 mm diameter in high-tech ceramic, the masterpiece is secured by a black PVD sandblasted titanium case back fitted with a sapphire crystal flaunting the metalised words: KUNIHIKO MORINAGA SPECIAL EDITION. What steals the show is the watch’s transparent dial, embellished with photochromic treatment that triggers colour changes of the dial according to the availability or level of light.

“The intent was to add colour and take it away. I tried to capture the ethereal nature of time in the design by integrating a photochromic lens that changes colour based on ultraviolet light,” the avant-garde designer explains. That means in the presence of light, the dial becomes dim and when light becomes scarce, the dial morphs into a grey shade and finally becomes transparent to reveal the Rado calibre R734 with an 80-hour power reserve. Sitting at the core of the watch, its automatic mechanical movement — equipped with an antimagnetic Nivachron™ balance spring sporting circular grain decoration, just like the movement holder — is an intricate sight to behold.