
A touch of Functionalism in the Le Corbusier men's luxury watch by Rado
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Date 12. 10. 2023
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Swiss watch brand Rado is launching 3 new limited edition True Square Thinline Les Couleurs Le Corbusier watches that use the 'naturally harmonious' colour palette of the famous functionalist architect Le Corbusier.
This stunning collection is a festival of timeless colours, exceptional design and remarkable materials.

Revolution in materials: is ceramics the way to go?
The new watches are made of ceramic, a material Rado is a true pioneer in using. Since its first watch collection in 1957, the brand has been at the forefront of material innovation and was even one of the first to use scratch-resistant materials for its cases. That's why the Le Corbusier editions feature not only a tough ceramic case with a titanium caseback, but also a high-quality sapphire crystal.
The ceramic is not only exceptional in its durability, but also in its wearing comfort. Thanks to this material, Rado men's luxury watches are extremely lightweight and hypoallergenic. Unlike metal cases, ceramic quickly adapts to body temperature, ensuring comfortable wear in any conditions.
Rado Le Corbusier watches are among the finest examples of Swiss watchmaking. Precision craftsmanship is evident in every detail - from the perfectly set joints of the ceramic case to the finely tuned movement, which guarantees long-term reliability and precision in operation. These qualities are why Rado Swiss watches are sought after by discerning customers around the world.
Architectural inspiration translated into watchmaking art
The colour palette of the influential Swiss architect and designer Le Corbusier was first adopted by the Rado brand in 2019. A total of 63 classic shades were described by the architect himself as 'naturally harmonious and capable of any combination'.
The exclusive licence for this unique colour palette is held by Les Couleurs Suisse A.G., under the auspices of the Fondation Le Corbusier, which has granted Rado permission to feature the colours on its ceramic watches.
Le Corbusier, by his own name Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, is considered one of the most important architects of the 20th century. His functionalist approach, expressed by the motto 'form follows function', found its perfect embodiment in the design of Rado watches. Like Le Corbusier's buildings, the watch represents the perfect balance between aesthetic elegance and practical functionality.
Cooperation is not accidental
Both disciplines share a passion for precision, innovative materials and timeless design. The Le Corbusier Rado watch collection is thus more than just a timepiece - it is a wearable architectural expression translated into a luxury wrist accessory.
In creating the collection, Rado has drawn on 30 years of experience gained from working with high-tech ceramics to create a watch in the colours of Le Corbusier's architectural polychrome. The combination of these hues, geometric shapes and highly durable materials has resulted in three eye-catching interpretations, each offering the performance and quality typical of the Rado brand.

First model: grey elegance with a touch of pastel freshness
The first of the three models has a matte high-tech ceramic monobloc case and crown in steel grey, with a matte grey dial glistening behind the sapphire crystal. The model has been fitted with a colour-matching ceramic bracelet with a PVD-coated titanium triple clasp. The central links of the bracelet transition from grey to pastel green, and the hour indexes and hands are also rendered in this shade.
This colour combination evokes Le Corbusier's approach to working with space and light. The grey colour symbolises the strength of concrete, which was the architect's favourite building material, while the pastel green details bring an organic element, reminiscent of the urban greenery that Le Corbusier considered an essential part of modern urbanism.
Model Two: Earthy tones for timeless elegance
The second design works with a grey-brown matte monoblock case and an identically tuned sunray-effect dial that perfectly matches the ceramic bracelet. The indices, the Rado logo and the central links of the bracelet, rendered in ivory beige, perfectly complete the watch's stunning presentation.
This colour palette reflects Le Corbusier's admiration for natural materials and textures. The earthy tones evoke sand, stone and wood - elements that the architect often incorporated into his modernist designs. The sunburst effect on the dial then masterfully captures the play of light that characterised Le Corbusier's buildings.


Third model: Bold black for lovers of minimalism
The last model expresses a bold aesthetic with its all-black look. The matte black high-tech ceramic case with ivory black dial and crown embody the essence of modern design. With its monobloc construction and flat sapphire crystal, the watch, like the previous two models, exudes durability and timeless elegance. The matt black ceramic bracelet complements the case to create a perfectly integrated look.
This model is a tribute to Le Corbusier's minimalist approach to design. The black colour, which served the architect as a perfect contrast to the white surfaces of his buildings, here dominates the entire design of the watch. The result is a striking but not ostentatious timepiece that catches the eye with its confident simplicity.
Swiss precision in every detail of the watch
And what's inside the impressive exterior?
- The 3 ATM (30m) water-resistant watch is powered by the reliable Quartz Rado calibre R420 movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping with elegance and effortlessness.
- Swiss precision, coupled with a designer 37mm case and bold modern aesthetic, ensures the perfect balance between style and wearability, making the True Square Thinline Les Couleurs Le Corbusier suitable for any occasion.
But watch lovers should hurry up with their purchase, as each of the three editions is limited to 999 pieces.
For more than 60 years, the Rado brand has built a reputation as an innovator in watch materials and design. Men's luxury watches in particular are synonymous with an unconventional approach to traditional craftsmanship. The Le Corbusier collection is the latest proof of this approach - combining architectural heritage with watchmaking craftsmanship in a way that is both respectful of tradition and boldly innovative. How do you like this exceptional collection?
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