Cover Ji Chang-wook collaborates with Rado on the latest True Square timepiece
Ji Chang-wook collaborates with Rado on the latest True Square timepiece
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Rado’s global brand ambassador Ji Chang-wook tackles an unexpected role—a watch designer in real life
As an actor, Ji Chang-wook has slipped into countless personas—romantic hero, historical figure, mercenary, police officer—but perhaps the part he least expected to play is that of a watch designer. It all began over a year ago during a visit to Rado’s high-tech ceramic Comadur facility, where the global brand ambassador became fascinated by the sophisticated craftsmanship behind the scenes.
No one would say who suggested it first—Ji or CEO Adrian Bosshard, who hosted him at the manufacture—but somehow the idea emerged for Ji to lend his creative input to a new Rado watch. The Healer star jumped at the opportunity to collaborate. “I learnt so much at the Rado factory. Seeing the watchmaking process gave me a real attachment to the timepieces," he enthused.
Rado and Ji recently unveiled the watch they worked on together, the True Square Open Heart Limited Edition, in Bangkok.
Read more: How ceramic went from fringe to mainstream in watchmaking
Above Ji Chang-wook wearing the Rado True Square Open Heart adorned with red rubies
Ji Chang-wook wearing the Rado True Square Open Heart adorned with red rubies
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According to Ji, he chose the True Square because it was the watch he enjoyed wearing the most. “Since I wear it so often in real life, I thought it would be great to create my own watch with it,” he said.
Limited to 987 pieces—the number alludes to Ji’s birth year, 1987—the timepiece features a matt black high-tech ceramic case with an open dial that reveals the decorative circular grain and Côtes de Genève on the movement. Ji proposed an open dial as he felt the transparency evoked a modern edge. The caseback is titanium and features a small sapphire crystal window in the centre that reveals more of the automatic R734 calibre with Nivachron hairspring. Ji’s signature also appears on the sapphire crystal.
The South Korean superstar also wanted the watch to have red rubies—a total of 12 set around the dial. “Red ruby is also my birthstone. In my culture, the colour red also brings good luck,” he said.
Rubies are not uncommon in watches. Their extreme hardness and natural resistance to wear make them ideal jewel bearings, reducing friction at critical points in a movement. They are, however, often hidden from view.
Above Rado True Square Open Heart x Ji Chang-wook in matt high-tech ceramic with 12 rubies on the dial
Rado True Square Open Heart x Ji Chang-wook in matt high-tech ceramic with 12 rubies on the dial
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Seeing the watch in person, Ji expressed with pride, “The mix of the black square and the ruby colour feels elegant. It is the perfect combination of modern shape, style and emotion.”
Read more: Tatler GMT and Rado celebrate horology and design with Tej Chauhan in Kuala Lumpur
Above Ji Chang-woo and Adrian Bosshard at the unveiling of the Rado True Square Open Heart x Ji Chang-wook in Bangkok
Ji Chang-woo and Adrian Bosshard at the unveiling of the Rado True Square Open Heart x Ji Chang-wook in Bangkok
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While Ji is not about to give up his day job, he sees parallels between acting and watchmaking. “As an actor, you have to keep practising to get good results. Many people don’t know the hard work that goes into perfecting your craft. It’s the same with watches—you only see the result, and don’t really see the work that goes into making the timepiece. Preparing for a film scene—be it action or romance—demands the same precision and emotional nuance as watchmaking.”
During his visit to Bangkok, Ji also officiated the opening of Rado’s first corporate boutique in Central Park mall, the city’s latest landmark.
Above Ji Chang-wook at the official opening of Rado's first corporate boutique in Bangkok
Ji Chang-wook at the official opening of Rado's first corporate boutique in Bangkok
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
