The latest chapter in a long-running collaboration between Rado and Les Couleurs Suisse — exclusively mandated by the Fondation Le Corbusier to license the designer’s original architectural colour palette, the Polychromie Architecturale — celebrates the bold vision of a master of modernism.
Disruptive and captivating, the work of Le Corbusier is reflected in a new collection that echoes the architect’s distinctive approach to design: the Rado True Round x Les Couleurs Le Corbusier Special Editions. Three new models highlight his contribution to modern architecture and the emergence of Brutalism.
Each watch in the series combines four shades from the Polychromie Architecturale. First introduced in 1931 and expanded in 1959, the palette was defined by Le Corbusier as inherently architectural, naturally harmonious and designed to be combined freely.
The first watch in the series pays tribute to La Cité Radieuse, the vast apartment building in Marseille completed in 1952 that reimagined urban living. This edition draws abstract inspiration from the building’s rough-cast, board-formed concrete, known as béton brut, which is laser-engraved into the high-tech ceramic dial.
Presented in Ivory White, reference 4320B, the timepiece features a monobloc high-tech ceramic case measuring 40 mm in diameter and 10.4 mm in height.
This specific hue is achieved during the sintering process at 1,450 degrees Celsius, ensuring the colour runs entirely through the material.
The watch is complemented by hands in Lucent Sky Blue, Luminous Ultramarine Blue and Light Ultramarine Blue.
The second watch honours the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts in Cambridge. As the only building Le Corbusier designed in North America, its bold aesthetic is reflected in the monochromatic power of the Matt Iron Grey (32010) high-tech ceramic used for the case and bracelet.
An abstract evocation of the moulded concrete façade is laser-engraved into the dial, showcasing the sculptural forms associated with the architect.
The lacquered hands provide contrast in Cream White, Powerful Orange and Slightly Greyed English Green. Like all models in the series, the case is water-resistant to 5 bar, equivalent to 50 metres or 165 feet.
The final watch celebrates the visionary plan for Chandigarh, specifically referencing the Palace of Assembly.
The high-tech ceramic monobloc case and matching bracelet in Ivory Black (4320E) are paired with a dial featuring a laser-engraved section of the monumental façade along with lacquered hands in Powerful Orange, Emerald Green and Olive Green.
All three watches are powered by the Rado calibre R763 automatic movement, featuring a Nivachron hairspring for enhanced magnetic resistance and delivering an 80-hour power reserve.
The reverse of each timepiece features 63 digitally printed colour strips representing the full spectrum of the Architectural Polychromy.
These encircle a view of the movement through a flat sapphire crystal bearing the Le Corbusier logo at its centre.
The new Rado True Round x Les Couleurs Le Corbusier Special Editions have a suggested retail price of €2,800. rado.com
