Rado x Ji Chang-wook

Rado Brand Ambassador JI CHANG-WOOK

KOREAN SUPERSTAR JI CHANG-WOOK

Ji Chang-wook is a highly-familiar figure. The multi-talented actor and singer, who started in musical theatre, has starred in media, film and television productions for nearly two decades in his region and abroad, in tandem with the huge popularity of the K-Pop and K-Drama creative genres. His charm and easygoing style have made him a heart-throb to millions of fans, all eagerly awaiting the next episode of his fascinating life, both on and off-screen. At the young age of 37 and with already many awards and nominations to his credit, his dazzling professional career is on track for decades to come. His new ambassadorship for Rado was the perfect occasion to show him around our company headquarters in Switzerland. His

enthusiastic and inquisitive nature made the visit an absolute delight, as our staff explained the many exacting steps through which creativity, ceramic technology and complex production technics are brought together to make one of our stunning Rado timepieces. Ji Chang-wook got to see and touch the parts and at each step, going into a sublime watch such as our Captain Cook, a personal favourite. Enjoy the following pages, as you walk through Ji Chang-wook’s special visit at Rado headquarters as well as his busy media events in Malaysia, Korea and Taiwan, almost as if you were there too, alongside the star.

Dear Reader,

We are very proud to have Ji Chang-wook as part of the Rado brand ambassador family. Rado and Ji Chang-wook are a perfect match. We share the same values and approach in our respective fields of expertise such as precision, passion and dedica- tion. But Ji Chang-wook is much more than a very popular and talented superstar, he is a great fan of the brand and has discovered the technical intricacies of the Swiss watchmaking industry and why Rado has earned its reputation as Master of Materials. This booklet is all about the journey of Rado and Ji Chang-wook. In the following pages, you will discover the international mega events he attended, the beautiful and unique timepieces he showcased and his excursion into the Art of Ceramic and watchmaking. True to the motto of the Rado founders “if we can imagine it, we can make it. And if we can make it, we will!” we look forward to future adventures and projects with Ji Chang-wook.

Best regards,

Adrian Bosshard Rado CEO

The exciting, fiery universe of Rado high- tech ceramic production begins in Bon- court, Switzerland, our first stop with Ji Chang-wook. Before becoming a stunning watch case, high-tech ceramic starts out as a crystalline powder of rather mysteri- ous, timeless origins. Complex and exact- ing processes involving carrier agents, injection moulding, sintering and precision finishing, turn the watch designer’s crea- tive spark into reality, each step an abso- lute fascination for a visitor with a keen eye and mind. High-tech ceramic is light, scratch-resist- ant, and looks great-perfect for my busy lifestyle! said Ji Chang-wook. THE ART OF CERAMIC

RADO HQ Behind every Rado timepiece is a huge coordinated effort, bringing together finely crafted design concepts, cutting-edge materials technology and highly innovative production technics. The final object is fairly small, but it is a bit of a microcosm of count- less strengths and talents coming together. Our second day with Ji Chang-wook was devoted to how those concepts and ideas become an actual high-precision timepiece. A professional screen and stage actor is ideally placed to appreciate how every tiny detail, every gesture, every little element of timing and rhythm, makes the final project a success. Every moment with Ji Chang- wook was an opportunity for Rado CEO Adrian Bosshard and other members of our personnel to see our product through someone else’s eyes and Ji Chang-wook’s many questions added to the process. Throughout the day, the superstar actor was obviously quite comfortable slipping into the various roles, putting on a labcoat and imagining himself at an assembly desk or closely inspecting a movement to see its operation. Our CEO explained many of the steps involved in watchmaking and shared intriguing details about this fascinat- ing world. The atmosphere was inquisitive and professional but also very congenial,

throughout the visit and with the various Rado staff teams.

A state-of-the-art automatic timepiece such as the Captain Cook Skeleton involves a massive number of steps and processes, to go from Rado high-tech ceramic powder, through injection moulding, sintering and finishing, meticulous assembly and testing, inspection and of course, marketing and making the miracle known to the world at large. It was obvious that Ji Chang-wook took it all in stride, and Rado is proud to say that the entire visit was an absolute success. “The box-shaped sapphire crystal is a work of art,” said Ji Chang-wook, as he carefully put it under the light.

JI CHANG- WOOK FEATURING RADO

Admittedly, the wide expressive range of the Rado catalog is truly made-to- measure for a multifaceted performing artist like Ji Chang-wook. From playful to seriously sporty, gentle to rugged, distinctly powerful to subtly dramatic, models cover every style and personal- ity. Ji Chang-wook lent himself to a series of product shoots with a professional photographer, in a delightful match-up of moods, colours, timepiece styles and settings. We like to think their talents greeted the occasion to perfection. If you are like most Rado customers, the toughest part is always choosing a favourite model.

CAPTAIN COOK HIGH-TECH CERAMIC SKELETON The Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton is a truly iconic timepiece and, as the years roll forward, the “Master of Materials” moves the boundaries, through great science and research, introducing new colours, fin- ishes and moods to its high-tech ceramic masterpieces. In deep, urban shades of late-night blue, this Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton stirs unforgettable notes in the hearts of watch lovers everywhere. Truly, the blues never felt so good. This blue model is at once sporty and elegant, and feels just perfect on the wrist , said Ji Chang-wook, the moment he put it on.

CAPTAIN COOK HIGH-TECH CERAMIC SKELETON One of the most versatile Captain Cook models is the matt-grey plasma high-tech ceramic skeleton version. The enigmatic shade, next to the rose-gold-coloured bezel and clever detailing, is at once virile and tremendously elegant. The plasma colour also complements beautifully those famous signature features such as the box-shaped sapphire crystal, triple-row bracelet with polished central row and strong design lines of the series.

CAPTAIN COOK HIGH-TECH CERAMIC SKELETON The famed Captain Cook also comes in a lusciously contrasted olive-green high-tech ceramic version, with a matching three-row, fully matt olive-green bracelet, or an olive-green rubber strap. A rose-gold PVD finished stain- less-steel bezel gives a bright and warm note, echoed by the hands and the moving-anchor symbol, next to the rich olive shades of the case and bracelet. Inside, a pre- cise, state-of-the-art 25-jewel R808 movement with an antimagnetic Nivachron™ hairspring keeps perfect time and provides up to 80 hours of power reserve. Plenty of time for a busy movie star to get a little rest.

DIASTAR ORIGINAL SKELETON

Introduced in 1962, the first DiaStar and its space-age tungsten carbide case drew much industry attention. It was hugely original, not only in fabrication and mate- rials, but the watch blended early rocket-science styl- ings with a note of genuine elegance. The anniversary reissue in 2022 upgraded the case material to Rado’s own highly comfortable and resistant Ceramos™, as well as introducing a skeletonised design that puts the anthracite-grey R808 calibre in its finest light. The current line includes a grey as well as a yellow gold-coloured Ceramos™ model, with respective matching bracelets.

There is something simultaneously retro and modern in the DiaStar Original, said Ji Chang-wook.

DIASTAR ORIGINAL Few timepieces have more deservedly been called iconic, in the past century. The first incarnation of the DiaStar in 1962 turned heads, to be sure. Its unique design had been sparked due to production constraints around its phenomenally-hard tungsten carbide case, but it became a lasting sensation, recently marking its 60 th anniver- sary. Now produced in Rado’s own Ceramos™ alloy, its design has become slightly gentler, more elegant and contemporary. Different versions are available including a sophisticated 60 th Anniversary Edition by world-renowned designer Alfredo Häberli.

TRUE ROUND OPEN HEART

Among the many Rado timepieces com- fortably suited to both sexes, the Rado True Round Open Heart is one of the most fash- ionable and eye-catching. With a case and bracelet crafted from high-tech ceramic and a stunning dial sporting an offset figure “8” that conjures mysterious feelings of infinity and harmony, this special timepiece comes in a variety of models.

TRUE SQUARE X KUNIHIKO MORINAGA Brilliant creative follow-up to Rado’s collaboration with the visionary Japanese fashion designer, the True Square x Kunihiko Morinaga Special Edition is their latest collaborative masterpiece. The soft-cornered shape of the Rado True Square line is featured here with a black monobloc high-tech ceramic case and crown, and a black PVD sandblasted titanium case back. The model is also equipped with a transparent dial treated with a photochromic layer which, in keeping with other Kunihiko Morinaga light-and-dark creative pro- jects, changes colour according to available light. One of the most elegant and original timepieces, perfect for an evening movie award ceremony, said Ji Chang- wook with a smile.

TRUE SQUARE SKELETON

The True Square Skeleton is a natural evolution of the popular Rado product line underlined by the statement: “We don’t just know square watches, we invented them!” Indeed, the True Square Skeleton’s intriguing and carefully designed cut-away top plate and multi-level dial tease the eye, in both black and white versions, with gorgeous shade and colour contrasts in movement components, visible both front and back. Both models are equipped with the R808 calibre, a reliable Rado mainstay, with up to 80 hours of power reserve. e

TRUE SQUARE OPEN HEART

The True Square Open Heart is an abso- lute flagship collection in the Rado prod- uct line-up, thanks to its softly-rounded square form, attractive to both women and men. The high-tech ceramic series, a huge success story, brings together lightness, scratch resistance and outstanding wearer comfort. High-tech ceramic is a delight on human skin, and the True Square Open Heart delivers that exceptional comfort in a range of colours, including a bright and jovial turquoise, as well as a white model featuring a rainbow of coloured gem stones. All models carry the state-of-the-art R734 automatic movement, for great good looks of tremendous precision.

TRUE SQUARE OPEN HEART

The perfect fusion of formal elegance and playfulness, the True Square Open Heart Limited Edition is a stylish check- mate where both sides win. The popular soft-square for- mat is for the first time brought to a duo of bicolour time- pieces with the familiar Open Heart design, adorned with contrasting white and black diamonds for dial markers and alternating colours in the bracelet. Crafted as always from high-tech ceramic, Rado’s signature material, the two models are produced in a limited series of just 888 pieces.

ANATOM One of Rado’s most innovative projects, the Anatom model brought together some of the most cutting-edge production technics, driven by a long-standing ideal to create a timepiece in perfect harmony with the human form. Its sapphire crystal, painstaking- ly rounded on both faces, is a marvel of technological achieve- ment and flows into the high-tech ceramic case for comfort that is simply second to none.

A series of international events through- out East Asia underlining Ji Chang-wook’s partnership with famous Swiss watch- maker Rado drew wide attention, from the very beginning. The South Korean star’s popularity and congenial nature, as well as his exceptionally elegant style make him a total natural, for the Swiss brand. MEGA EVENTS

KOREA The exclusive Korean launch of the Cap- tain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton in Seoul was the perfect occasion to intro- duce the new brand ambassador, film superstar Ji Chang-wook. The exciting event was an ideal opportunity for regional retailers, key opinion leaders, social media influencers and YouTubers to have a closer look at Rado’s new product lines and meet the friendly actor, singer and highly pop- ular film and screen star, who greeted the many guests and added his signature to the Rado visuals. Rado’s Marketing VP Rico Steiner followed up with a detailed presentation of the new products, topping things off with the unveiling, together with Ji Chang-wook, of the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton model, a handsome and elegant new version of one of the brand’s flagship timepieces. The new skeleton version features rich olive shades with rose-gold- coloured PVD detailing, a clear view into the intricate workings of the movement,

and a three-row high-tech ceramic brace- let or matching olive-green rubber strap.

The event took place at Le Meridien Seoul where press and media interviews were conducted, followed by a cocktail party after the launch of the new Captain Cook Skeleton, during which hosts and guests socialized and compared notes on the new products.

MALAYSIA Hundreds of fans were on hand to wel- come the South Korean film and screen superstar Ji Chang-wook at the launch of Rado’s new boutique at the Pavilion Mall in Kuala Lumpur. It was the celebrated actor’s first overseas appearance since being signed as a brand ambassador and the sizeable crowd and media teams were present to record the event. After lunch, Ji Chang-wook and Rado CEO Adrian Bosshard entered the mall on a red carpet, with visitors positioned for best view and photo opportunities, along the sidelines. They cheered loudly as the Rado party made its way to the stage in the Centre Court area of the Pavilion Mall. After for- malities, Adrian Bosshard introduced the day’s other big star, the first gold-coloured Rado DiaStar Original with the brand’s groundbreaking new Ceramos™ bezel. The Rado CEO presented one of the new yellow-gold-coloured DiaStar Original time- pieces to Ji Chang-wook, who became the

first official owner of the bright and elegant update of the DiaStar Original. Since its launch in 1972, the watch has remained extremely popular with timepiece lovers. After the model launch at the Pavilion Mall, Adrian Bosshard and Ji Chang-wook moved on to the new Rado Boutique, along with all those loyal fans, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the outlet. Visitors were clearly impressed. The shop features Rado’s unique ceramic experience counter, where guests were introduced to Rado’s signature material.

TAIWAN The centre mall at the majestic Taipei 101 Tower was the breathtaking setting for the launch of a new limited-edition version (only 101 units produced) of the famous Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic time- piece, to be sold only in Taiwan. The time- piece features the many technological innovations of the present Captain Cook skeleton line, including a Rado R808 cal- ibre with Nivachron™ hairspring and 80 hours of power reserve, but this version is equipped with a unique smoked sapphire crystal on the case back, with a special metallised graphic depiction of the Taipei 101 Tower. The festivities began with the arrival on the mall stage of South Korean film and screen superstar Ji Chang-wook along with Rado CEO Adrian Bosshard, to a loudly cheering crowd and much media attention. Visitors and guests had positioned themselves most favourably for picture taking, quickly shared with the world at large through social media. Adrian Bosshard presented one of the timepieces to Ji Chang-wook,

who put it on and raised it above his head, to much enthusiastic response from the gathered fans. The party then moved on to the Rado boutique inside the tower, with fans cheering on, as the congenial film star granted the public extra time for additional pictures and greetings.

To explore and learn more about Rado and our products, please visit our Press Room at press.rado.com

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Rado reserves the right to modify the features or technical specifications of the models shown at any time. Accordingly, actual Rado products may differ from the features or descriptions of the models shown in this booklet. The contents of this booklet are protected by copyright.

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