Hands-On With The Colorful Rado Anatom Automatic Summer Series

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is just around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about your daily watch for the coming months. While switching up straps is an easy way of changing the looks of your watch, more and more brands have started catering to those who want a colorful watch for the summertime. This has led to a great number of options to choose from. With the introduction of these colorful Rado Anatom models, the brand now offers a trio of watches that celebrate summer with the characteristic retro looks of the Anatom series. I had a chance to find out whether that leads to a winning combination for the months ahead.

I feel that Rado’s reintroduction of the Anatom series has been a great move. Not only has feedback from fans been positive, but I also have a special relationship with Rado’s black ceramic watches from the 1980s. As I explained in my review of the Rado Anatom series with ceramic bracelets, my mother loved those watches back then. Because of this, I spent quite a bit of time checking them out in shop windows during family summer holidays. In that context, reviewing these new watches is the perfect opportunity to check whether I need one for my future summer holidays.

The story of the Rado Anatom Automatic Summer Series

Let’s start by putting this new trio of watches into context. Essentially, they are new versions of the Rado Anatom Automatic. Lex did a hands-on review of the blue-dial version last year, comparing it to the original from the ’80s. Without exception, all my colleagues and I agreed that it was great to see the new Anatom. Alongside that one, Rado released two additional variations. The first has a brown gradient dial, and the third has a green one. All three models come on a black rubber strap, creating a stylish trio of watches.

For the summery new additions to the lineup, Rado decided to create colorful dials and fit the watches with corresponding rubber straps. This led to a trio of bright, colorful Anatom variants with summer-fruit-inspired colors — lemon yellow, grapefruit red, and lime green. All three watches feature matching dials and straps for an upbeat, summery feel.

The specs of the Rado Anatom Automatic Summer Series

As Lex explained, the watches feature a case consisting of a matte black ceramic bezel and a black PVD-treated stainless steel middle. That may sound a bit puzzling because, other than the curved sapphire crystal, the “bezel” is the main case element you’ll see when wearing the watch. You can only see the case middle if you turn the watch around. It’s a somewhat funny way of describing things, but Lex explained it rather nicely: “The shaped sapphire crystal flows into the brushed bezel smoothly, and the steel accent between the matte ceramic and the rubber strap acts as a border marker.”

Unlike with the previous three versions, this marker connects to colorful straps rather than black rubber ones. The visual effect of this is a more pronounced case shape. Whereas the first three models have an almost bracelet-like presence, the new models look like futuristic summer watches. The case measures 32.5mm wide, 46.3mm long, and 11.3mm thick. With a 50m water resistance rating, the Anatom watches are not suited for deep-sea exploration, but they can certainly withstand a refreshing dip in the sea or the pool.

The vibrant dials of the Rado Anatom Automatic Summer series

All three dials feature a colorful center that quickly transitions into black. In the black portion of the dials, you will find applied luminous indexes and a date window at 6 o’clock. The date disc is black with the numerals printed in white, so they correspond in style with the hour markers. Upon close inspection, the lime-green dial reveals a horizontally brushed finish that differs somewhat from the lemon-yellow and grapefruit-red versions.

As mentioned, all three watches come fitted with colorful straps corresponding to the dial colors. These super flexible straps come with ceramic and brushed stainless steel folding clasps, making it easy to put the watches on your wrist.

The mechanism that extends the clasp when you put it on your wrist makes it even easier. It’s a nice little detail that adds daily practicality, and that’s exactly what we want from a great summer watch.

Rado’s R766 caliber inside

Powering the three watches is the same R766 movement as in the previously released Anatom Automatic models. This self-winding caliber is based on the ETA 2892-A2. It operates at 21,600vph, has 21 jewels, and offers 72 hours of power reserve. Additionally, it comes equipped with an antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring.

Wearing the Rado Anatom Automatic Summer Series

These watches shine on the wrist. The case shape and comfortable rubber straps make them a joy to wear. The biggest difference from the regular Anatom models is that the bright straps immediately make the watches stand out.

The vivid colors visually pop and will regularly remind you that you are wearing a special watch. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the three watches. Before this review, I would have had the purist mindset of preferring the three versions that came out before due to their predominantly black aesthetic. That’s the way these watches should be, right?

Well, these watches are meant for a different environment and time of year, creating a different context. Because of this, they do their job very well. They also feel a lot less directly connected to their 1980s peers. That’s what a simple change of color can do. I feel these watches are proper summery alternatives to the regular Anatom Automatic models. All three are available as of today for €3,750.

Final thoughts on the Rado Anatom Automatic Summer Series

Will one of these three Rado Anatom Automatics become my summer watch? Honestly, it won’t, but that’s not because I don’t like these colorful versions. Quite simply, a different Anatom model has stolen my heart.

The plasma version of the Rado Anatom with the ceramic bracelet, which I reviewed last week, has been on my mind constantly since I wore it. That one fully delivers all the things I love about ceramic Rado watches. Therefore, it struck exactly the right chord, connecting my fond memories to the pleasure of wearing a modern-day version of the watch.

Having said that, if you like the Anatom’s aesthetic and are looking for something different this summer, one of these three new models could be perfect. After all, a summer watch should be colorful, comfortable to wear, and suitable for all the leisure activities the season brings. That’s exactly what these summery Rado Anatom Automatic models are.

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