Classic timepieces for a gentlemanly aestheticBASELWORLD 2017: The Rado DiaMaster Grande Seconde

Rado is adding two new timepieces to its distinctive DiaMaster Grande Seconde family – welcome news for watch aficionados who cultivate a gentlemanly aesthetic.

The Rado DiaMaster Grande Seconde is notable for its asymmetrical dial design, which features two stacked sub-dials, one for hours and minutes and the other for seconds. Updated details make these two new models a beautiful reminder that time is of the essence: Roman numerals have been added, and a sunray pattern in greyish brown or strong blue frames the subdials. The 43 mm case is outfitted with a colourcoordinated leather bracelet in either brown or black for an overall look that is at once edgy yet comfortingly familiar.

A time for comfort

The DiaMaster Grande Seconde is crafted from one of Rado's signature materials, plasma high-tech ceramic. To create this extraordinary material, finished white ceramic components are fired in a plasma oven, where gases activated at 20,000°C give rise to an otherworldy metallic shine on the surface – without using any metal at all.

This means that the DiaMaster Grande Seconde has the look of a classic metal wristwatch while offering the benefits of high-tech ceramic construction. High-tech ceramic is 25% lighter than steel, which creates a wearing experience that is as easy on the eye as it feels on the wrist. High-tech ceramic weds this impressive lightness with an equally impressive level of scratch resistance, resulting in a material that is up to five times harder than steel. Rado’s ceramic timepieces are also hypoallergenic and adapt readily to the temperature of the body, making them comfortable to wear and gentle against the skin.

Reminescent of the pocket watches of yesteryear, the DiaMaster Grande Seconde would be equally at home propped up on a nightstand next to rumpled linen sheets or paired with a cascade of cozy handspun cashmere layers.