The story of the True Thinline x Great Gardens of the World collection by Rado and the organization Great Gardens of the World is continuing with three new chapters. For the first time in the history of the collaboration, which dates back to 2017, three models with an automatic movement are released as Chapter 8, Chapter 9, and Chapter 10. Plants on the endangered species list served as a source of inspiration for their design.
The case and crown of Chapter 8, Chapter 9, and Chapter 10 consist of polished high-tech ceramic in a monobloc construction, while titanium makes up the caseback. From the front and back of the case, box-shaped sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on both sides reveals the floral aesthetic. The case measures 40 x 44.6 mm in diameter and 9 mm in height. It remains water-resistant up to a depth of 30 m.
Each case comes in a different colour. However, the hues are neutral and easy to combine. There is black for Chapter 8 and white for Chapter 9. In comparison, the Chapter 10 model is peculiar because its case is made of plasma high-tech ceramic. When ceramic is treated with plasma, shades of grey develop through extremely high temperatures during the manufacturing process. Thus, the Chapter 10 case is also grey.
Matching the colour of the case and hands, each timepiece bears a metalised brand logo in yellow-gold (Chapter 8), silver (Chapter 9), or rose-gold (Chapter 10) under the sapphire crystal at the front. When you turn the watch around, however, a digital print with the inscription “GREAT GARDENS OF THE WORLD” and the corresponding model name is revealed on the caseback. Alluding to the floral theme, a motif showing the annual rings of a tree trunk in cross-section is visible beneath the print.
The newest trio of the True Thinline x Great Gardens of the World plays with the shapes and textures of three endangered plants. The design of the dials focuses entirely on this stylised aesthetic. Therefore, there are no indices on the dial. Instead, only an hour and minute hand indicate the time.
The dial of each Chapter showcases an individual design. The leaves of the Hawaiian Loulu Leo palm tree provided the impetus for the design of Chapter 8. A black, pleated stamped composition on the dial represents the structure of the folded leaves in a stylised manner. Lines, alternating between two black shades, create an almost hypnotic pattern that is only contrasted by the yellow-gold-coloured hands.
In Chapter 9, shapes are also on display. Here, Rado engraved the outlines of the rare Araucaria tree from Chile into the white mother-of-pearl dial. The engravings resemble a star pattern that concentrically enlarges from the dial’s centre with its silver-coloured hands.
While Chapter 8 and Chapter 9 work with structures and textures in their own way, Chapter 10 literally tops that. For this model, the Yemeni Dragon Blood Tree’s unique entanglement of branches is recreated through the use of two dial layers. The rhodium-coloured, skeletonised top layer stands out from its rose-gold-coloured backplate in terms of colour and through a sunburst brushing. Despite the contrast between the rhodium and the rose-gold, the result is a harmonious image that is rounded off by the rose-gold-coloured hands.
Behind the florally decorated dial lies an automatic movement with the Rado R766 calibre. For greater precision, the movement has a Nivachron antimagnetic hairspring and was tested in five positions instead of three. In addition, the movement contains a large power reserve of 72 hours.
The colour and material of the bracelet compliment the respective model. It consists of polished high-tech ceramic and has a three-fold titanium clasp. The Chapter 8 bracelet is black, the Chapter 9 is white, and the Chapter 10 is plasma grey. The timepieces can be purchased individually for 2,900 euros. Those who want to collect the entire series can acquire the trio in a specially made collector’s box with the same tree ring motif as on the watches’ caseback. However, this box is limited to 99 pieces.
