Watch & Learn: Andy Murray’s Rado

by Natasha Wolff | April 10, 2015 8:44 am

Tennis sensation Andy Murray may have lost to Novak Djokovic at the 2015 Miami Open final, but he did score points for style when watchmaker Rado presented him with their newest timepiece—the HyperChrome Match Point[1].

Over the last decade or so, as watches got bigger and bigger—especially in the sports watch category—manufactures have been keen to embrace new, lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and titanium. But back in the 1980s, Rado was one of the first watchmakers to experiment with high-tech ceramic. This material is scratch-resistant, and it also comes in metallic and matte finishes for a more upscale look.

HyperChrome Match Point

Not content to rest on past innovation, Rado designed the Match Point using its new plasma high-tech ceramic. To create this metal-free material, the ceramic is heated to 20,000 degrees Celsius and then special gases are activated which alter the composition without affecting its hardness. The high-tech ceramic is then used to create a hypoallergenic and lightweight 45mm monobloc case and outside bracelet links.

Clay, of course, is also a key component to making both ceramics and tennis courts. The Match Point tennis theme is best served up on the dial. A continuously running seconds counter is marked at 00, 15 and 40 and the chronograph minute counter at 30, a nod to scoring in the sport. And the grid-pattern on the chronograph hours counter references the netting on a racquet. Super-white LumiNova inserts recall the straight lines of the boundary lines.

While the outside was made to take a beating, the Match Point also has all the engineering you require for an everyday watch. It’s powered by a workhorse ETA 2894-2 12 1/2 automatic chronograph movement. There’s also a 42-hour power reserve and the curved sapphire crystal and case back both have an anti-reflective coating.

While Murray may have lost to Djokovic, he still has until November to make an impact on the tour. And although it won’t be available until later this month, watch fans have a little less time to pick up a Match Point—it’s limited to 999 pieces.

Source URL: https://dujour.com/style/andy-murray-rado-hyperchrome-match-point-watch/