Review of Rado Anatom
Score: 94
Sub-Section: Miscellaneous
Date: Jul 3, 2006
The Rado Anatom, while still being sold, is an older model. The newer model, the Sintra, is similar but not quite the same. The Anatom is made out of an ultra hard, unscratcable metal, while the new models are made from an ultra hard, unscratchable ceramic. It features battery operated quartz movement and comes in several different band bands and cases. It also is available in womens and mens sizes.
The bands available include black with gold intermediate bars, silver (not actual silver) with gold intermediate bars, black with white gold intermediate bars, black with diamond intermediate bars, solid white gold with diamonds, and finally solid yellow gold.
Regardless of what type of band you are looking for, you are going to have an extremely difficult time finding the Anatom model. I called every store in my area and didn't find one. I was in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for 18 days and went in every Rado dealer I saw. I didn't find one. I was told that because it was an older model, I probably wouldn't find it anywhere. They were right.
So, what the means is, if you want this watch, you're going to have to take the plunge and buy it, unless a jeweler will order it for you even if you don't agree to buy it. Probably not going to happen.
I can tell you this though, you will not be disapointed. If you liked it in the pictures, you are going to love it when you finally have it on your wrist. The look is like no other. You will not find another watch with a band like it. The black is high gloss, but not overly shiny. The silver naturally reflects more light and is a bit shiny. The dial have minute, hour, and second hands, and has 4 diamonds at the 3, 6, 9, and 12. A small date display is above the 6, the word RADO is below the 12, and the word Jubile is just below center. It may seem kind of cluttered when I describe it, but it isn't.
It may seem like a very formal watch, but I wear it everyday and it has gotten nothing but compliments. It's very classy, but still subtle. The subtleness was the leading reason I bought it. I didn't want a leather band, but I didn't want something that shined to much. I'n not a fan of yellow gold and stainless steele was just to shiny or boring. Another major selling point was the uniqueness. Rado is known for it's black bands, and no one else makes them. If you see a watch, you normally have no clue what it is. When you see a Rado, you know it's a Rado. It's original. I have only seen one Rado watch in my life and it was in Austria. If you live in the US and you buy the Anatom, don't plan on seeing it anywhere else.
The Anatom is near scratch-proof, but don't go scraping it on things. The face of the watch is crytstal and the case and band are ultra-hard metal. I've banged it on a few things, but it is still flawless. I haven't had it too long yet, maybe a month, but it is keeping time just fine.
The only minute problem is the date display. I just don't get it. It goes from 1-31, but the obvious problem is that all months don't have 31 days. I set it once and just forgot about it. Maybe it's a shortcoming of the watch, but I don't think Rolex or any of the watches with the date can adjust based on month.
In terms of price, the cost of the Anatom is anywhere from $3000 to $15,000. Of course, that just depends on whether or not you want a black/silver band/case or a solid gold one with diamonds. If you shop online you can probably find them cheaper than you would at a jeweler, but you must exercise more caution. I bought mine from AuthenticWatches.com and was completely satisfied. You can read my review or Authentic Watches here.
Overall I am competely satisfied with the Rado Anatom. Mine is black with silver intermediate bars and it is nothing short of amazing looking. It's classy, subtle, and totally original. I paid $2,695 at AuthenticWatches.com. The jeweler quoted me $3,400 for the same one.
To visit the official website at Rado.com.