ReviewThe Limited Edition Rado HyperChrome 1616 : The Reintroduction Of A Classic Timepiece

The year was 1616. Two Dutch explorers, Willem Schouten and Jakob Le Maire barked upon an incredible journey that led to the discovery of the southernmost tip of South America, Cape Horn. Despite the cape’s harsh and challenging conditions, it evolved to become an important passageway for travelers and traders moving from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. However, by the early 1900s, the Panama Canal was open which inevitably declined the importance of the Cape Horn route. Fast forward 50 years and Rado released their Rado Cape Horn collection that paid tribute to the extraordinary discovery of Cape Horn. Switch back to 2016 with the Rado’s latest reinterpretation of the brand’s vintage Cape Horn collection with the Limited Edition Rado Hyperchrome 1616.

The 400- piece Limited Edition Rado Hyperchrome 1616 was released to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the brave discovery of  Cape Horn made by Willem Schouten and Jakob Le Maire back in 1616. The release of the 2016 Hyperchrome 1616 proves the Swiss watch brand’s dedication to the spirit of discovery.

About the watch:

Re-introduced with new materials and powered by a contemporary movement, the 2016 Rado Hyperchrome 1616 stays true to its 1970 original case shape. The 2016 version still houses the highly squared geometric case shape that to be fair represents a pleasant shift from the normal, classic round shaped timepieces that we are usually accustomed to from Rado. In fact, it’s unlike anything that we have seen from Rado in recent times.

The Watch in Detail: Case

The Rado Hyperchrome 1616 was announced in three bold versions: high-tech ceramic in matte black and brown along with one in hardened titanium. Designed in a distinctively cushion-shaped case that has a diameter of 46mm, which is fairly large on the wrist. One may argue that the huge jump in size (approximately 10mm) from the original 1970s model is a little over the top. However, despite the humongous size (46mm), the watch sits perfectly on your wrist without weighing you down, courtesy the use of innovative light materials like Rado’s very own specialty material: ‘ high-tech ceramic’ and titanium.

Adding to the ‘masculine’ nature of the watch is the presence of crown protectors that is sure to lure even hardcore Panerai lovers to the other side. The sapphire crystal replaces the synthetic ‘Hesalite crystal’ that was used to cover the dial in the original watch. However, to make sure it still rings true to the 1970s model, Rado has managed to incorporate a slightly domed shape for the sapphire crystal used.

Tribute to the Original Cape Horn:

The original Cape Horn collection was developed to aid explorers and celebrate their spirit of discovery. Keeping this mind, it was necessary for the brand to develop the 1616  to the point that it could withstand trying and unexpected conditions. The first Cape Horn watch was made of stainless steel which had a hardness of around 200-250 Vickers. What is Vickers, you ask?  It’s actually a hardness test that measures the hardness of a material while also assessing the materials’ “ability to resist deformation.” Considering this, the 2016 model is available in materials that have a high score on the Vickers hardness scale with high-tech ceramic at 1,250 and titanium at, 1000 Vickers. Also adding to its durability and robustness, the watch features a water resistance of up to 100m.

Dial In Detail:

Despite major differences in the Rado Hyperchrome 1616 and the first Rado Cape Horn collection watch, one look at the dial and you realize that it remains original to the 1970s model. The dial does complete justice to the “inspired” feel of the overall watch with exact and similar features. Let me break it down for you guys.

Firstly, the most striking feature of the dial is the iconic (like the Rado Cape Horn 1000) dual-tone day-date display window which is uniquely placed in a vertical position rather than your usual horizontal window at 3. Furthermore, the dial of the watch features the classic minutes and seconds track around the dial with the faceted indices and hands (hours and minutes). The second’s hand differentiates itself with a red mark on the edge that makes it pop and aids in helping the wearer keep track of it easily. All hands and indices are filled with SuperLumiNova that makes reading time easy and quick. The anchor or ‘symbol of Rado’ is located at its usual position below 12 o’ clock. All these elements combine to add more drama and animation to the already retro-ish dial.

Movement: What Lies Within?

The Rado Hyperchrome 1616 is powered by an ETA automatic movement, specifically the Caliber CO7.621 that is an evolution of the classic 2824-2 movement. Offering the hours, minutes, seconds, day and date function, the movement is also enabled to boast a power reserve of a phenomenal 80 hours which is incredible, to say the least!

Strap Options:

As mentioned above, the Rado Hyperchrome 1616 is available in three models, and all variations are available in an extra-wide distressed leather strap in black and brown for the ceramic versions and ‘tan’ for the one in titanium.

Prices and Availability:

Limited to just 400 pieces, the Rado Hyperchrome 1616 is priced appropriately at Rs 181,000 and is available at Ethos Watch Boutiques.

What did you think of the watch? Do you like the cushion-shaped case of the Rado Hyperchrome 1616? Let us know in the comments section below.