Finding time with the Rado True Thinline Stillness

I admit I have always been a strong proponent for a design that is both aesthetically pleasing and more importantly functional. Thus, I have never quite been a fan of monochrome dials which looks cool but makes it hard to read the time. However, my mind has been changed forever with this special edition collaboration between Rado and Dutch designer, Li Edelkoort – the Rado True Thinline Stillness.

Saying it is hard to read the time on this watch is an understatement. Saying it is damn near impossible to read the time is closer to reality. Not only is the watch designed with a white dial with white indices and white hands, which already is not the greatest for legibility, there is also a frosted effect on the underside of the sapphire crystal further obscuring the view.

What I find to be incredibly appealing with this piece is the ideology behind it. It is a statement piece that reminds you to intentionally take your time in doing things. If you can’t read the time on your watch, you probably won’t be too concerned if you take a little longer doing the things you love. In Edelkoort’s words, the watch is “Freeing ourselves from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives by extending awareness for a second, realising the majesty of a minute and grasping the empathy of an hour.”

Yes, the watch is marketed for women but with a case diameter of 39mm I’m pretty sure it will fit the average male wrist. And with their high-tech ceramic used on the case and also the 3-link bracelet, it makes for quite the compelling option for men as well. The only thing that you might find fault with, is the fact that it houses a quartz movement.

Case: Polished warm-white high-tech ceramic
Case size: 39 mm
Crystal: Sapphire with frosted effect on the underside
Thickness: 5 mm
lug-to-lug: 43.3 mm
Lug width:
Movement: Rado calibre 420, Quartz
Water Resistance: 30 m