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The Rado HyperChrome Bronze Chronograph is most likely the HyperChrome Chronograph Automatic Bronze, a 45 mm model announced in 2018 as a limited edition of 999 pieces. Its mix of bronze, matt black high-tech ceramic and a brown leather strap sets it apart from current HyperChrome Chronograph models that Rado lists with quartz movements.
Which Rado HyperChrome bronze chronograph is this?
The name refers to the Rado HyperChrome Chronograph Automatic Bronze announced by Swatch Group on 20 March 2018. The announcement identifies it as an automatic chronograph, not one of the similarly named standard HyperChrome Chronograph quartz watches shown on Rado’s current product pages. The available official announcement does not confirm the bronze model’s reference number.
Swatch Group’s announcement is the primary source for the bronze edition’s details: “Ancient meets avant-garde”. For contrast, Rado’s pages for the HyperChrome Chronograph R32259163 and HyperChrome Chronograph R32259323 describe quartz models.
What are the confirmed specifications?
| Detail | Bronze limited edition |
|---|---|
| Movement | Automatic chronograph, according to Swatch Group’s 20 March 2018 announcement |
| Case diameter | 45 mm, according to Swatch Group’s 20 March 2018 announcement |
| Production | Limited to 999 pieces, according to Swatch Group’s 20 March 2018 announcement |
| Case materials | Matt midnight-black high-tech ceramic with bronze side inserts and chronograph pushers, according to Swatch Group |
| Strap | Brown vintage-look leather, according to Swatch Group |
| Reference number | Not confirmed in the available official announcement |
| Movement caliber | Not stated in the available official announcement |
| Water resistance | Not stated in the available official announcement |
| Original price or current availability | Not stated in the available official announcement |
How it differs from current HyperChrome Chronographs
The shared family name can obscure an important distinction: the 2018 bronze edition is automatic, while the cited current standard HyperChrome Chronograph examples are quartz. Their case diameter is listed as 44.9 mm, compared with 45 mm for the bronze model. The cited current examples use steel/Ceramos or ceramic-and-steel construction and a bracelet, rather than the bronze accents and brown leather strap of the limited edition.
#1 Best Overall
- AVI-8 - OUR STORY: The brand inspiration and design excellence originates from the collaboration between pilots and engineers who served in air forces around the world. Every collection is an explicit homage to the planes, people and history of military aviation. Each timepiece brings to life the detail and narrative of the inspiration to delight and engage the wearer.
- THE SPITFIRE LOCK CHRONOGRAPH: There's perhaps no tale more befitting of the continuation of AVI-8's Spitfire story than that of Eric "Sawn Off" Lock, a true WWII hero who was the highest scoring British-born RAF pilot in the Battle of Britain, and the inspiration behind our Spitfire Lock Chronograph.
- CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT: A timepiece steeped in aviation history - a stylish men's watch with Japanese Meca-Quartz Chronograph with date and 1/5 second
- THE FINER DETAILS: The Spitfire Lock Chronograph features a 42mm stainless steel case, 22mm genuine leather strap, mineral lens with anti-reflective coating and water resistance of 50m.
- 2 YEARS INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY: Your AVI-8 watch is warranted against any manufacturing defect for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of purchase.
| Attribute | 2018 bronze limited edition | Cited current standard examples |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Automatic chronograph (Swatch Group announcement) | Quartz (Rado product pages) |
| Case diameter | 45 mm (Swatch Group announcement) | 44.9 mm (Rado product pages) |
| Materials | Bronze elements and matt black high-tech ceramic | Stainless steel/Ceramos or high-tech ceramic and steel, depending on reference |
| Strap or bracelet | Brown vintage-look leather strap | Steel/titanium bracelet on the cited variants |
| Edition status | Limited to 999 pieces | The cited pages do not identify these models as the bronze limited edition |
Comparison sources: Swatch Group’s 2018 announcement and Rado’s pages for references R32259163 and R32259323.
What to know about the bronze and ceramic design
The bronze is used for the case’s side inserts and chronograph pushers, set against matt midnight-black high-tech ceramic. Swatch Group describes the ceramic as lightweight and highly scratch resistant; those are the publisher’s material characterizations, not test results for an individual watch.
Rank #2
- Discover the future of modern design. The BOLD Collection is defined by unexpected materials, vibrant colors, and a dynamic aesthetic.
- Sporty style with contemporary-cool edge. This BOLD Fusion chronograph features a black ion-plated stainless steel 44mm case and a matching link bracelet for a sleek, minimalist effect. Its bronze toned dial is framed by a black ceramic bezel and boasts our iconic dot motif at 12:00, a date window, three sub dials and a minute track, all accented in rich black.
- Quartz Chronograph Movement: The quartz watch movement is powered by a battery. A chronograph watch type serves as both a stopwatch and a display watch. A basic chronograph features an independent sweep second hand that can be started, stopped, and returned to zero with successive pressure on the stem.
- Caring for Your Timepiece: Like any finely crafted mechanism, your Movado watch requires periodic maintenance to ensure optimal performance. A maintenance interval of 3 to 5 years is recommended, in addition to any required battery replacement. Never open the watch yourself.
- Water Resistant: Up to 50m (165ft): Wearable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM.
Swatch Group also says the bronze develops a rich patina over time. Patina is therefore an expected characteristic of the material, but the announcement does not establish how any particular pre-owned example has aged. Condition should be judged from that watch’s own photographs and inspection, not inferred from the model description.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What remains unconfirmed
The available official information does not establish a reference number, caliber, water-resistance rating, full dial or subdial layout, original price, or present retail and resale availability. Rado’s official press fact sheet, “True Design 3 — Patina: Bronze ‘Metallist’”, includes Rado CEO Matthias Breschan’s comments about working with bronze, but it does not supply those missing specifications for this chronograph.
Rank #3
- WATER RESISTANT FOSSIL ANALOG WATCH: Up to 50m (165ft); this Fossil watch men's product provides water resistance and is wearable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM
- CASE & MOVEMENT: Analog Fossil mens watch with 50mm case, 24mm band width, mineral crystal lens, resists scratches, Quartz movement with chronograph display & date window, three subdials track minutes, seconds & 24-hour time, with stopwatch; imported
- MILITARY WATCH STYLE: Add some military-inspired style to your wrist with our matte black stainless steel watch; a casual brown leather strap and gray indexes add instant polish; this men's watch also features a chronograph movement
- DIAL: This Fossil watch for men has a round black stainless steel case with a black dial and brown/cream accents, making it easy to tell time
- WATCH BAND: Brown leather watch band in genuine leather with a secure adjustable buckle closure for a customized fit of this men's wristwatch; interchangeable with all 24mm Fossil straps
Because the edition was announced as a 999-piece run in 2018, a listing should be checked carefully before purchase: confirm that it is the automatic bronze limited edition rather than a standard quartz HyperChrome Chronograph, and verify its reference, condition and included documentation directly with the seller. The published edition count alone does not establish a market price or current rarity premium.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WATCH FUNCTION: All sub-dials and hands are functional, Full Functional Chronograph.
- Business Quartz Watch: High quality Japanese quartz movement with analog display, provide precise time keeping.
- DESIGN: Blue tone color by IP plated technology, and fashion design watch dial, Blue Stainless Steel Band, Abrasion resistance; provide comfortable wearing experience.
- German high hardness glass, not easy to wear, key scratch resistant watch face, stainless steel water proof case cover make it super durable.
- Water Resistant to 3 ATM (Suitable for everyday use. Splash/rain resistant.NOT suitable for diving, swimming, snorkeling, water-related work)
Rank #4
- Premium Bronze Case: Crafted from CUSN8 bronze case and bezel with stainless steel case back. The suede leather band and steel buckle add vintage charm. Each watch develops a unique patina over time, making it truly yours
- Reliable Automatic Movement: Powered by 8215 automatic movement with hacking seconds for precise time setting. Self-winds with wrist motion. If the watch stops upon first wear or after storage, unscrew and wind clockwise 20–25 turns to restart
- Super-Luminous Visibility: Super-bright luminous markers ensure excellent readability in low light or darkness. Great for night dives or evening wear
- 200m Water Resistance: Rated to 200 meters (20 ATM) with screw-down crown. Ready for swimming, snorkeling, and daily water exposure—rain or shine
- Natural Patina Finish: Each bronze case ages uniquely—stains, water spots, and dulling are natural, not flaws. Humidity, saltwater, and body chemistry may accelerate oxidation, adding distinctive verdigris character. Embrace the organic evolution
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
