Rado True Round × Les Couleurs Le Corbusier Review

Rado maintains a long-term collaboration with Les Couleurs Suisse.

During this time, 12 collections were released based on the 63-color system of Le Corbusier, described in his book Polychromie Architecturale. In the latest joint project, Rado goes beyond simply using the Swiss-French architect's color palette. The new series of watches includes four shades from Le Corbusier's system while simultaneously paying tribute to his key architectural works. Thus, the trio of Rado True Round × Les Couleurs Le Corbusier Special Editions is not just an exploration of color but a tribute to a master of modern architecture.

Historical Context and Inspiration

This week is special for me: I'm writing about two watches connected to two world-renowned architects. Yesterday's review of the Lebond Attraction immersed me in the world of Antonio Gaudi, and today we will explore the work of Le Corbusier. Preparing for the articles allowed me to refresh my knowledge of these outstanding individuals. For the new True Round trio, Rado drew inspiration from three historical Le Corbusier sites, using shades from his color system and textures of materials used in the buildings. Let's take a closer look at each model.

Features of Rado True Round × Les Couleurs Le Corbusier Special Editions

All three models are made of ceramic - Rado's signature material. Previously, the brand released monochrome True Round, each model painted in one of the 63 shades from Le Corbusier's system. The new series goes further: each case measures 40 mm in diameter, 10.4 mm in thickness, with a lug-to-lug distance of 47.3 mm and water resistance up to 50 meters. Inside is the automatic Rado caliber R763 - a modification of the Powermatic 80 from Swatch Group with a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and an 80-hour power reserve.

First Model: A Tribute to La Cité Radieuse

The first model is dedicated to La Cité Radieuse - a massive concrete residential building in Marseille, France. This is the first of five residential buildings designed by Le Corbusier in France and Germany, completed in 1952, which redefined urban housing. The design of the dial is inspired by the texture of raw concrete - béton brut.

Model Specifications:

• Case, bracelet, and crown made of high-tech ceramic in a matte Ivory White (4320B) shade - used by Rado for the first time, developed over several years.
• Ceramic dial of the same color with laser engraving of béton brut texture, adding depth and authenticity.
• Three hands in three blue shades from Le Corbusier's color system:
  • Hour hand - Lucent Sky Blue (32021)
  • Minute hand - Luminous Ultramarine Blue (32020)
  • Second hand - Light Ultramarine Blue (32023)

The contrast of colors ensures easy readability of the time, and the combination of four shades creates a soft and harmonious appearance.

Second Model: Inspired by Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts

The second model draws inspiration from the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts - a well-known building of Harvard University, completed in 1963. The building stands out with its angular aesthetic of raw concrete, sharply contrasting with the classical architecture of the campus. It is the only Le Corbusier structure in North America and one of his last creations, protected as part of the U.S. cultural heritage.

Model Features:

• Case, bracelet, and crown in Iron Grey (32010) from the Polychromie Architecturale system.
• Dial of the same shade with laser engraving of the facade's molded concrete texture.
• Contrasting lacquered hands:
  • Hour hand - Cream White (32001)
  • Minute hand - Powerful Orange (4320S)
  • Second hand - Slightly Greyed English Green (32041)

This dark gray variant differs from the first model while maintaining a soft matte finish, making it closer in perception to the white version than to the third.

Third Model: Architectural Legacy of the Assembly Building in Chandigarh

The third model is inspired by Le Corbusier's urban project for Chandigarh, India, specifically the Assembly Building - part of the Capitol Complex, built in 1962. It is not just an architectural object but an element of the conceptual plan of the new capital of Punjab, with a rational geometric grid and harmony of nature and architecture. These principles still underlie urban planning.

Model Specifications:

• Case, bracelet, and crown in Ivory Black (4320E) ceramic.
• Dial with laser engraving of the Assembly Building facade.
• Three lacquered hands:
  • Hour hand - Powerful Orange (4320S)
  • Minute hand - Emerald Green (4320G)
  • Second hand - Olive Green (4320F)

This restrained and elegant version completes the unique trio.

Conclusions and Additional Details

On the back of each case is a transparent sapphire case back with digital printing of all 63 shades of Le Corbusier's color system, forming a colorful ring around the movement. In the center is the architect's logo and a reference to Polychromie Architecturale. For design professionals, this is an important element, integrating the full palette of colors into the watch's design.

The watches come in signature commemorative boxes, designed in the spirit of the color system. All three models are available at a price of €2,750. At first glance, the watches appear minimalist, but familiarity with their history and details reveals their depth and uniqueness. The soft matte hue of the ceramic and comfort in wearing make these models appealing to enthusiasts.

It is particularly interesting that Le Corbusier was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds - the center of Swiss watchmaking, adding additional cultural context to these watches. The Rado True Round × Les Couleurs Le Corbusier trio is an example of how watches can become expressive carriers of stories and cultural symbols.

Table: Main Specifications of Rado True Round × Les Couleurs Le Corbusier Special Editions

This expert study demonstrates how Rado True Round × Les Couleurs Le Corbusier Special Editions combine watchmaking innovations with historical and architectural heritage, allowing watches to become full-fledged cultural artifacts.