News
Rado’s New Watch Changes Color, Just Like Kunihiko Morinaga’s Clothing Designs
News
Rado’s New Watch Changes Color, Just Like Kunihiko Morinaga’s Clothing Designs
Rado has partnered for the second time with Kunihiko Morinaga, often referred to as a “fashion scientist” for his creations which change color with sunlight or ultraviolet light. Rado’s True Square, a high-tech ceramic watch, has a transparent dial with photochromic treatment, allowing it to change color according to available light.
In 2017, Rado parntered with Kunihiko Morinaga, known for his avant-garde designs and use of photochromic technology, on the limited-edition True Shadow watch. This year, they have released their latest collaboration – the Rado True Square x Kunihiko Morinaga special edition watch. It is a unique collaboration between Rado and the revolutionary Japanese fashion designer.
Rado True Square x Kunihiko Morinaga Special Edition
Often referred to as a “fashion scientist” and a “fashion poet”, Kunihiko Morinaga is a disruptive designer born in Tokyo in 1980. He launched his brand, Anrealage, in 2003 after graduating from Waseda University and Vantan Design Academy.
Kunihiko Morinaga
Morinaga and Anrealage have been celebrated for their innovative designs, often seeming to contain a touch of alchemy. Their creations, which change color with sunlight or ultraviolet light, have generated renewed interest in the fashion world.
Morinaga’s groundbreaking approach was showcased during Beyoncé’s record-setting Renaissance tour. The superstar took center stage in a white bell sleeved Anrealage coat that changed color when exposed to UV light, a perfect expression of Morinaga’s unique genius. Morinaga explains, “My design philosophy is making things visible that were originally invisible. It is similar to removing one’s clothes and unveiling the body.”
The Rado True Square x Kunihiko Special Edition watch is visually stunning. Encased in a polished black monobloc high-tech ceramic case and crown, it features a black PVD sandblasted titanium case back, fitted with a sapphire crystal etched with the special edition’s name.
Rado True Square x Kunihiko Morinaga Special Edition
The transparent dial, one of the watch’s defining elements, demonstrates Morinaga’s signature style. It has a photochromic treatment, allowing it to change color according to available light. According to Morinaga, the intent was to “add color and take it away”, capturing the ethereal nature of time through a photochromic lens that changes color based on ultraviolet light.
Rado True Square x Kunihiko Morinaga Special Edition
The True Square’s dial darkens when exposed to sunlight. However, as the sun sets, the dial evolves into a grey shade, eventually becoming transparent, revealing the Rado R734 automatic movement at the heart of the watch. It may remind one of the photochromic “transition lenses” found in eyewear. Nevertheless, each time the dial becomes transparent, it is neat to see the automatic mechanical movement being exposed. Equipped with an antimagnetic Nivachron balance spring, the movement base plate features a nice circular grain decoration.
Rado True Square x Kunihiko Morinaga Special Edition
In contrast to the captivating dial are the rhodium-colored hour and minute hands. They have a white veneer and are coated with white Super-LumiNova, ensuring they remain legible regardless of the sun’s position.
The Rado True Square x Kunihiko Morinaga is accompanied by a polished black high-tech ceramic bracelet secured by a titanium three-fold clasp. The watch is water-resistant to 50 meters, and a special edition certificate is included for authentication.
Rado True Square x Kunihiko Morinaga Special Edition
Retailing at $2,700 USD, the Rado True Square x Kunihiko Morinaga special edition watch is a unique blend of technology and design, a result of a natural partnership between an innovative brand and a disruptive fashion visionary.
Tech Specs
Rado True Square x Kunihiko Morinaga Special Edition (Ref. R27086172)
Movement: Rado R734 self-winding (base ETA caliber C07.611), 80-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Case: 38mm x 44.2mm x 9.7mm; high-tech ceramic case and crown
Dial: Transparent with photochromic effect; hands in rhodium color with white veneer, and white Super-LumiNova
Strap: Polished black high-tech ceramic, Titanium 3-fold clasp
Price: USD 2,700
