RADO HyperChrome
Widely considered to be one of the premier off-court events leading up to the U.S. Open is the Taste of Tennis in New York – where sample dishes from top eateries across NY, along with some top chefs and tennis players are all present. On deck at this year’s event were notable restaurants such as BLT Steak, Buddakan and the former stomping grounds of Anthony Bourdain, Les Halles. In all, 25 eateries were in attendance.
Rado, the official timekeeper, had two signature watches on display as well: the HyperChrome Match Point and the new HyperChrome automatic in chocolate brown—presented on a bed of chocolate. Additionally, on hand for the event was Rado’s brand ambassador, Jared Donaldson who shared a few ideas about tennis and Rado.
Rado HyperChrome Automatic Chronograph Tachymeter, chocolate
Donaldson is part of Rado’s YoungStars program, a venture designed to support up-and-coming young tennis players. Born in 1996, the 19-year-old is the youngest American in the ATP Top 175, currently ranked 174. The Rhode Island native started playing tennis at the age of four, and has since accumulated several achievements including winning his first Challenger event earlier this year in Hawaii.
“My biggest challenge or concern about the Open is, ‘Am I good enough to play with these guys and will I be ready mentally?’”
Helping him along the way is his team of coaches and trainers, whom he says he works with daily. So, who was Donaldson’s tennis idol? Roger Federer.
Rado is Donaldson’s watch of choice, especially with the new collection of HyperChrome Match Point timepieces. The HyperChrome Match Point is a watch that is equally suited for both the athletic demands of a tennis game as well as the sophisticated tastes required to own a red carpet appearance. The three register chronograph features an engraved tachometer scale around the polished bezel as well as unique finishes at help align the aesthetic of the piece with the game that offers its inspiration. The hour sub register at the 6 o’clock features a mesh design symbolic of a tennis racket and the seconds sub register at the 4 o’clock has markers at the 00, 15, 40 indicative of how he game is scored.
Adding to the literal shine of the piece, the watch is constructed of plasma high tech ceramic. The heat-treated ceramic is incredibly durable, will not fade in color over time and is extremely resistant to buffs and scratches. Therefore have no fear should a high velocity serve make contact with the wearer vs. the racket. Your watch will survive unscathed. The HyperChrome will be limited to 999 pieces.
Donaldson presenting Chef Marc Murphy with a HyperChrome Court Collection watch at the Taste of Tennis event last week.
The HyperChrome automatic in chocolate brown draws inspiration from the Swiss chocolatiers. Two versions were on display for the evening: the chronograph version, which shares the same complications as the Match Point, and the ladies’ HyperChrome automatic with diamonds. The ladies watch sports 56 diamonds totaling 0.834 carats. The pieces will retail for $3,650 to $4,800, with the ladies’ diamond-set version climbing to $7,200.
