A Star, Twelve Rubies and an Unexpected Spark at Rado
A refined collaboration that blends Ji Chang Wook’s personal story with Rado’s design mastery in a striking limited edition timepiece.
Rado’s latest creation is the result of a partnership that has grown with ease and sincerity. Since Ji Chang Wook became a global ambassador in 2023, the Korean actor has brought a quiet warmth to the brand, one that complements Rado’s reputation for technical ingenuity and refined design.
His involvement has never felt superficial. Instead, it has evolved through genuine encounters with the people behind the watches, both in Switzerland and abroad.
Rado True Square Open Heart x Ji Chang-wook Limited Edition. Credit: Rado
A visit to Rado’s headquarters in March 2024 became the spark for this limited edition. During a detailed tour of the workshops, Ji Chang Wook explored the particularities of high-tech ceramic, a material the brand has shaped and perfected over decades. The conversation turned naturally to the idea of a piece that reflected his own story.
Two elements guided the design. In Korean culture, the colour red is associated with good fortune and protection. For Ji Chang-wook, the ruby holds an added personal significance as his birthstone. This concept led to the placement of twelve rubies on the dial to mark the hours.
Set around the sculptural cut-outs of the True Square Open Heart, the stones introduce a soft glow that shifts with the movement of the wrist. The effect is elegant without excess and enhances the geometry of the model rather than overpowering it.
The finished watch feels closely aligned with Ji Chang Wook’s presence. It has a brightness that catches the eye yet remains composed. There is an underlying calm in its balance of colour, material and form, with just enough depth in the Open Heart construction to invite a second look.
Rado’s history includes many collaborations with artists and creatives whose perspectives bring fresh energy to its collections. Each partnership adds something individual and distinct.
What stands out in this one is the sense of trust that has developed between the ambassador and the brand. Ji Chang Wook’s contribution is thoughtful and unforced, and Rado has been keen to honour that spirit in the final design.
The True Square Open Heart Ji Chang Wook Limited Edition offers collectors a piece that unites craftsmanship, cultural meaning and a personal touch.
It is considered an addition to the True Square family and a clear reflection of the rapport that has grown between Rado and one of Asia’s most admired talents.
