Coupole Classic Automatic Pwr Rsv Black Ref. R22878163

From a brand that was initially conceived as a small atelier, to become an industry leader for innovation more than a century later. Rado is a well-respected name that is no stranger to the watch world, producing incredibly robust timepieces that pushes the boundaries of what was achievable with luxury watchmaking with top-class Swiss craftsmanship, revolutionary high-tech materials and outstanding timekeeping performance. While originally founded in Lengnau, Biel/Bienne, Switzerland in 1917 as ‘Schlup & Co.’ by brothers Fritz, Ernst and Werner Schlup, it wasn’t until the brand took off in the early 1950s, selling watches under the ‘Rado’ name we’re familiar with today.

Rado Coupole Classic Automatic Pwr Rsv Black Ref. R22878163

Ever since its founding, Rado has fostered the philosophy “if we can imagine it, we can make it”, which still holds true today, reflected by the brand’s highly-durable, innovatively designed timepieces. Rado is perhaps best known for their innovative use of technologically advanced materials, being one of the pioneers in the watchmaking industry adopting high-tech ceramics in their watches. Although the implementation of ceramic is widely seen across innumerable watch brands in this day and age, Rado revolutionized the industry with the birth of the Rado Integral back in 1986 with its use of scratch-resistant high-tech ceramic in the bracelet. 


Today, we take a look on the traditional side of Rado, the Coupole  collection but Introducing the Rado Classic Automatic Power Reserve Black Ref. R22878163. It takes the design of a traditional wristwatch and adds the distinctive Rado element of modern elements like the sapphire crystal; high polishing ensuring brilliant shine; and easy readability with ultimate protection for the beautiful dials.

Magnificent fumé black dial

The Coupole Classic design elements have been influenced by the mid-60s heritage packing much vintage vibes and Rado heritage combined, offering classic retro style in a wear-anywhere watch. The Couple Classic reflects this elegance and versatile architecture that pairs well with both casual and formal outlooks.

Let's dive into the dimensions of this Rado, available in stainless steel case measuring at 41mm wide, totally a perfect fit and proportion for most wrist sizes. The Coupole nails best would be its thickness. At 11.7mm in height, keeping its thin and elegance for anyone to strap on and out for corporate meetings and dinner dates at your favorite restaurants. The case is sophisticated from the top; for an instant, the thin bezel creates more dial and old-school dress watch look. And the slightly thick yet sophisticated lugs allowing the Rado to feel sturdy with much versatility and then some. All these little details enhance the wrist presence and experience for the wearer thoroughly.

46mm lug to lug  for better wearability

Speaking on mid-60s influence,  the all-dial design is quite a feat. It features a minimal dial that is rather elegant and chic. Whats intriguing is its magnificent fumé black dial that fades from a deep black gradient at the edges.  Capturing the retro look, the dial features a set of applied hour indices, alongside the faceted dauphine hands and the needle second hand that remains closely similar to those elegant watches in the epoch. Other than the iconic freely-swinging Rado anchor logo at the 12 o’clock position, the 9 o’clock position of the dial showcases  the power reserve complication, displaying its 80 hours autonomy beautifully in a fan-shaped indicator. Balancing off neatly belies a date display on the other 3 o’clock side of the dial. To top it off, a domed sapphire crystal offers exceptional resistance to scratches while mimicking the attractive distortions of the original vintage acrylic crystal.

Under the hood, the Rado Coupole Classic Automatic Power Reserve Black Ref. R22878163 is driven by the Swiss ETA C07.671 self-winding movement based on the ever-reliable Powermatic 80 movement. Featuring a power reserve of a whopping 80 hours, indicated at the front side, and this 25 jewel movement beats at a 3 hertz rate of 21,600 beats per hour (BPH) with hand winding and hacking capabilities. Encased within an exhibition sapphire caseback (offering 30m of water resistance), you can essentially see right through the entire dial and the movement.

Swiss ETA C07.671 self-winding movement

Rado paired the Coupole Classic Automatic with a 20mm stainless steel multi-link bracelet that usually seen on these types of dress watches from the 60s and suitable for all occasions and conditions.

Everything on the Rado Coupole Classic Automatic Power Reserve Black Ref. R22878163 has been piece together beautifully in both the design and how its executed — offering incredible details that make it one of the most refined pieces in the collection. It further looks both elegant and reliable, with its history of watchmaking prowess, and an undisrupted mechanical line since the early days. One can now be a very satisfying watch to wear the Coupole every day while still able to admire what ticks inside it now and then with unrivaled legibility and 80 hours of power reserve.