After the success of their first collaboration in 2017, Rado has partnered for the second time with Kunihiko Morinaga. This time, for a special edition of their True Square watch. The perfect fusion of artistry and precision, the True Square x Kunihiko Morinaga plays with avant-garde designs and photochromic technology. Morinaga’s design philosophy is making things visible that were originally invisible and this watch masters that perfectly. If you’re intrigued to discover more about this unique collaboration, keep reading.
About Kunihiko Morinaga
Often referred to as a ‘fashion scientist’, designer Kunihiko Morinaga was born in Tokyo in 1980. In 2003, he launched Anrealage, its name a combination of ‘ real, unreal and age’. Morinaga and Anrealge have been praised for their innovative designs. Their creations, which often change colour with sunlight, have generated constant interest in the world of fashion. In 2006, Anrelage presented its first full collection show and five years later Morinaga was poised to receive Japan’s 29th Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix for the best new designer. In 2014, he made his Paris debut with his 2015 Spring/Summer collection, and since then, his achievements have only grown!
Morinaga’s first collaboration with Rado came in 2017 when they created a limited edition True Shadow watch. Playing with avant-garde designs as well as photochromic technology, it has provided great inspiration for this second collaboration.
True Square x Kunihiko Morinaga
The Case and Dial
Where the previous product of their collaboration had a circular case, this new model exhibits a square case shape. Measuring 38mm in diameter, it is an inclusive size that will complement the wrists of both men and women who dare to be creative! Rado is known for their use of premium-quality materials and this model makes no exceptions. To give the watch a sleek and contemporary allure, both the case and crown are made from black high-tech ceramic. As well as this, the crown helps to lock in the watch’s 50 metres of water resistance. A flat sapphire crystal, with anti-reflective coating on both sides, not only offers exceptional clarity but also durability. You can wear this remarkable timepiece daily and not have to worry about knocking it and leaving scratch marks.
What makes this collaboration so unique is the transparent dial with a photochromic effect. Most of Morinaga’s fashion collections play with colour and either sunlight or UV light. So it makes total sense that Rado have incorporated the Japanese fashion designer’s strengths into their collaborative watch. When the watch is exposed to sunlight, the dial darkens. But as the sun goes down, the dial shade evolves into grey and then finally transparent. Making the invisible visible, when the dial is transparent, the movement that powers the watch is revealed. To make sure the focus remains on the unique photochromic effect, the dial only features silver hands. However, the hands are enhanced with white veneer and white Super-LumiNova to ensure excellent visibility. As well as this, they add a subtle touch of elegance to the timepiece.
The Movement and Finishing Touches
Housed within the high-tech ceramic case is an admirable Rado calibre R743 automatic movement. The movement has an 80-hour power reserve as well as an anti-magnetic Nivachron balance spring, and like the movement holder, it features a circular grain decoration. This can all be observed and enjoyed through the exhibition case back. Acting as a constant reminder of the collaboration, ‘Kunihiko Morinaga Special Edition’ is printed onto the glass that protects the case back. Completing the ensemble is a polished black high-tech ceramic bracelet that fastens with a three-fold clasp. Offering both comfort and durability, it is the perfect way to finish the watch.
The perfect fusion of artistry and precision, we believe, like their first collaboration, this model will be a huge hit! So if it has caught your eye, click here to view it on our website.
What do you think of the Rado True Square x Kunihiko Morinaga? Will you dare to be creative and add it to your collection? Let us know in the comments below!
