Korean actor Ji Chang-wook is a Rado global brand ambassador and co-designer of his own limited-edition True Square Open Heart (All photos: Rado)
Swiss watchmaker Rado has always relished its collaborations with creatives across industries — bubbling foundries of new perspectives and time-honoured craftsmanship which have never failed to yield some of the most fresh and fascinating timepieces. Naturally, its latest joint creation with its global brand ambassador Ji Chang-wook is no different. Launched alongside the unveiling of the company’s first corporate boutique in Bangkok’s Central Park last month, the True Square Open Heart x Ji Chang-wook honours both the South Korean actor and singer’s passion for design as well as Rado’s legacy of innovation.
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The early conceptual stages for a joint watch sprouted during a manufacture visit in 2023, when Ji was first appointed brand ambassador. CEO Adrian Bosshard recalls quickly taking note of the international celebrity’s keen interest in high-tech ceramics and sapphire crystal production, eventually developing into a proper timepiece project pitch.
The result is a chic, mysterious and brilliant ticker carefully crafted to reflect the Korean star’s kind personality and diligent curiosity, while still faithfully conveying the house’s most iconic codes. “My watch is the perfect combination of modern shape, style and emotion,” remarks Ji. Within the matte black ceramic case is an openworked, vertically brushed dial with nickel-coloured bevels. Twelve deep rubies — his birthstone — form the hour markers, while matching red Super-LumiNova accents on the hands offer a ravishing touch of colour and auspiciousness. A sandblasted titanium caseback with smoked sapphire crystal reveals the open heart Rado calibre R734, decorated with a circular grain and Côtes de Genève embellished movement holder. Written in white upon the window is Ji’s name as well as the number of pieces produced: one out of 987.
This article first appeared on Dec 1, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
