If you recall, a bit ago I told you that we were coming up to the time where, post-SIHH, we would be seeing all sorts of announcements in the run-up to Baselworld 2018, right?  Well, Rado was the most recent to support that assertion, and today, we’ll be covering off on one the models that was just announced, the Rado True Thinline Leaf.

Now, I cannot say that I was familiar with this lineup, but it was just last year that tinted ceramic hit them.  Well, I’d say Rado definitely figured that out, because this Rado True Thinline Leaf is quite the lovely shade of green.  That’s of course predominantly due to the ceramic case and bracelet, which has a lovely sheen, in both the matte and polished bits.

Then again, you cannot deny what the dial of the Rado True Thinline Leaf brings to the show.  Looking at that, it really does look like the closeup of a leaf.  And given how some brands are using things like real butterfly wings, you might think that a real leaf is embedded here.  Well, that’s not the case (as how would you keep that colorfast?)  Instead, they’ve taken a mother-of-pearl dial (another of my favorite dial materials), printed the leaf pattern on the underside, and then we have what we see here.

Mix in the golden accents from the indices, handset, and crown, and you’ve got a watch that says, no, it IS easy being green.  It should also be quite easy to wear, as the 39mm case is only 5mm thick (courtesy of that ETA 282.002 quartz movement inside).  Of course, you’ll need to spend some green to pick up the Rado True Thinline Leaf when it’s available in June, to the tune of  $2,000 CHF.  rado.com

Watch Overview

  • Brand & Model: Rado True Thinline Leaf
  • Price: 2,000 CHF
  • Who we think it might be for: You want reliability (quartz), wearability (5mm thick), and to proclaim how green you are
  • Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen? I really dig the theme and especially that dial, but probably not – just wouldn’t have the wrist time to justify it
  • If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Please take this approach with the dial and let it show up on other models as well
  • What spoke to me the most about this watch: The dial, the dial, and the dial.

Tech Specs from Rado

  • Reference:  420.0006.3.091
  • Movement: ETA 282.002 boosted, quar tz, 13 jewels, 2 hands
  • Case:
    • Polished green high – tech ceramic case, monobloc construction
    • Sandblasted titanium case back
    • Yellow gold coloured PVD coated stainless steel crown
    • Curved sapphire crystal
    • Water – resistant to 3 bar (30m)
  • Dial: green mother of pearl, leaf structure
  • Hands: yellow gold coloured
  • Bracelet: 3 – row polished green high – tech ceramic with titanium 3 – fold clasp
  • Metallisation: yellow gold coloured indexes and Rado logo
  • Dimensions:  39.0 x 43.3 x 5.0 (WxLxH in mm)

ByPatrick Kansa

A big data developer and leader with a penchant for gadgets, books, watches and beverages. You can find my work on WristWatchReview, Knapsack.News, and Slushpile. If you're on Twitter and/or Instagram, you'll find me there as @PatrickWatches.

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