Jewellery & Watch News
Slim, lightweight and revealing vibrant colours, the new Rado True Thinline Les Couleurs Limited Edition watches make us feel like we have discovered our very own treasure at the bottom of the rainbow. Designed in collaboration with Les Couleurs Suisse, Rado has gained exclusive access to all 63 colours of the Architectural Polychromy colour theory, a range of shades that are celebrated across the globe for their appeal and allure.
The Les Couleurs Suisse holds the license to Le Corbusier’s original palette of architectural hues and Rado has been given access to nine of these shades to create nine bold-looking limited edition Rado True Thinline Les Couleurs watches. Rado has chosen 9 colours out of a total of 63 that come from Le Corbusier’s legendary Architectural Polychromy colour theory. Le Corbusier is often referred to as the ‘Father of Modernism’ and is considered one of the most iconic architects and designers of the modern era.
The first 43 shades were originally devised in 1931 and the second 20 came later in 1959. All 63 were classified in groups of different shades and tones to help guide designers on how to use different colours to change how interior spaces were perceived. These unique colours are still used by architects and interior designers today, a testament to the concept’s appeal and relevance.
Now Rado is bringing nine of these colours into the world of watches. Each variation is limited to 999 pieces and is crafted from the brand’s famous high tech ceramic. Although Rado is currently only using nine shades from the spectrum, they have beautifully decorated the case back of each the Rado True Thinline Les Couleurs watch with all 63 colours. This might also hint at Rado CEO Matthias Breschan’s indication that these watches are only the beginning of a long and potentially successful collaboration with a faint suggestion that he hopes to do an entire range on all 63 colours.
Currently the Rado True Thinline Les Couleurs Limited Edition watches are available in Cream White, English Green, Iron Grey, Natural Umber and Pale Sienna – five shades that come from the more delicate end of the spectrum from the 1931 palette. We are then treated to four bold, bright colours that represent the 1959 additions in Luminous Pink, Powerful Orange, Spectacular Ultramarine and Sunshine Yellow. Rado CEO Matthias Breschan commented that designing each Rado True Thinline Les Couleurs watch was “a challenge because we had to match Le Corbusier's original colours exactly."
Each Rado True Thinline Les Couleurs Limited Edition watch measures to 39.5mm in diameter and only 5mm thick allowing the high tech ceramic case and matching ceramic bracelet to mould elegantly to the wrist. Each piece also comes fitted with a Swiss quartz movement which provides classic hour and minute function housed beneath sapphire crystal glass. The dial of each Les Couleurs watch comes decorated in the exact same shade as the case with printed indexes and the brand logo at 12 o clock.
You can purchase each of the Rado True Thinline Les Couleurs Limited Edition watches separately at a retail price of £1,750 or - perfectly suited for those of us who are avid collectors - you can treat yourself to the incredible Rado True Thinline Les Couleurs Limited Edition Collectors Box which includes all nine watches in all nine shades. This retails at an incredible price of only £15,450.
The Rado True Thinline Les Couleurs Limited Edition watches are expected to be released towards the end of September 2019 and with only 999 pieces of each colour variation available, we highly recommend pre-ordering your choice as soon as you can on our website. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our watch specialists who will happy answer your questions or take your order over the phone or by email.
Specifications: Rado True Thinline Les Couleurs Limited Edition Watches (R27090602, R27096662, R27091612, R27094642, R27098682, R27097672, R27095652, R27092622, R27093632, R27999602)
- Case Size: 39.5mm
- Case Material: High tech ceramic available in 9 colours
- Glass: Sapphire crystal
- Water Resistance: 30 metres
- Crown: Non-screw down
- Case Back: Closed with special decoration
- Movement: Quartz
- Functions: Hour and minutes
- Dial: Available in 9 colours with steel hands and printed indices
- Strap: High tech ceramic
- RRP: £1,750 (single watch), £15,450 (collector’s box)
- Release Date: September 2019
- Limited Edition: 999 pieces
