Ultimate Guide To Rado Watches

Crafting exceptional timepieces with the best materials and unmatched style is what Rado stands for. With over a century of experience in watchmaking, the RADO brand has embraced the world at every turn and created a brand synonymous with excellence.  

This buying guide explores the creation of Rado. From its rich history to the collections produced over the years, I divulge all my Rado knowledge to help you find the perfect Rado watch. Let’s get into it! 

History of Rado

Taking the leap, 3 brothers opened their own watchmaking atelier in the quaint village of Lengnau, Switzerland. In 1917, Schlup & Co. Was founded by Fritz, Ernst, and Werner Schlup, and with their ‘relentless energy’ and ‘uncanny abilities to spot new opportunities’ they grew their humble business into an empire.  

Throughout WWII, Schlup & Co. became one of the biggest suppliers of watch movements, leading to the creation of Rado in the early 1950’s.

In the 1970s, Rado seamlessly positioned itself as a pioneer among watchmakers. The brand’s exploration of advanced materials and innovative technologies led its research and development team to design groundbreaking watch models. The title ‘Master of Materials’ was firmly secured by Rado in the 1980s, marked by the release of some of the most robust and opulent watches. 

1957 saw the first in-house creation with the Golden Horse. After the success of their first collection, Rado grew from one strength to the other and quickly released the Green Horse only a year later as Rados first water resistant watch.  

Today, Rado is a tremendous watchmaker. With such a rich history, it’s hard not difficult to see why the brand is held in such high esteem. With the mission: 
 
‘If we can Imagine it, we can make it. And if we can make it, we will!’   

Discover the Collections 

Rado have been a top producer of luxury watches for over 105 years, providing them with extensive knowledge and experience of watchmaking. Below, I take a deep dive into a few of their most incredible collections, helping you find your dream Rado watch!

Rado DiaStar

First released in 1962, the Rado DiaStar was the world's first scratch proof watch. This timepiece was constructed using an exceptionally durable hard metal, representing a significant technological breakthrough in the watchmaking sector. Its forward-looking design became an integral part of the brand’s identity. 

Celebrating 60 years of Rado DiaStar, the Rado DiaStar Original 60 Year Anniversary Watch nods to the creation that propelled the brand to where it is today. With the iconic DiaStar case and lightweight stainless steel mesh bracelet, the Rado DiaStar is a timeless watch.  

Rado Captain Cook

 Rado Captain Cook was launched in 1962 as Rado’s first ever diving watch. Created for professional divers, doctors, athletes, and anyone that was on the go and needed a reliable, precise watch.

 The Rado Captain Hook High-Tech Ceramic Diver is an eclectic watch. The all-black finish is sleek and professional, while the contrasting white SuperLumiNova markers ensure legibility, even while saving lives.  

The Captain Cook is famous for the iconic anchor icon. Loved for its ability to notify the wearer that the watch is due a service, which is perfect if you are too busy exploring the ocean floor to be checking your watch maintenance.  

Rado Anatom

The Anatom stands as a quintessential representation of Rado’s essence. Its debut in the latter part of 1983 marked the unveiling of the revolutionary Anatom Concept, which showcased a curved sapphire crystal contoured to the wrist’s shape. This ergonomically shaped crystal, combined with a square casing, established the curve and square as enduring hallmarks of Rado’s design language for years ahead. 

The Rado Anatom Automatic was given a facelift, embracing the sleek sophistication of the future while appreciating designs of the past. A black square case allows the watch to form to your wrist with the gradient dial is vibrant and modern.  

Driven by the Rado calibre R766 mechanism and featuring a Nivachron™ antimagnetic hairspring, this timepiece delivers accurate time measurement with a graceful ease. And with the stunning transparent case back, you can see everything ticking along nicely.  

Master of Materials

Throughout the 1980’s Rado were focused on creating revolutionary timepieces that changed horology for the better. Building their catalogue and sourcing high quality materials granted Rado the crown title of ‘Master of Materials’.  

Rado’s distinctive use of ceramics and advancements in widely-used watch materials like sapphire crystals distinguish them in the field of watchmaking. However, this would be inconsequential if the internal mechanics didn’t match this high standard. Fortunately, with innovations like the Nivachron balance in the R801 movement, they achieve this impressively. 

This culminates in a watch brand that demands attention. The fusion of historical, contemporary, and futuristic elements in their timepieces forges a strong identity for Rado as a watchmaker. With their unique design, Rado is poised to create timepieces as individual as the people who wear them. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who Own's Rado?

The Swiss luxury watchmaker, The Swatch Group, acquired Rado in 1986, providing resources and outreach to launch the brand into endless success. 

Is A Rado Watch A Good Investment?

Rado watches are crafted some of the best materials for watchmaking, including ceramic and sapphire glass. They are durable, stylish, water-resistance, and longlasting making them a great investment for all watch lovers alike. 

How Often Should A Rado Watch Be Serviced?

The frequency of servicing a watch is contingent upon its usage, exposure to various environments, and storage conditions. Rado typically advises having your watch's movement professionally serviced every two to five years in order to preserve its functionality, water resistance, and precise timekeeping. 

From a humble watch workshop to a grand luxury watch brand, Rado is a display of what you can achieve when you believe. Introducing the world to the future of watchmaking, one ingenius creation at a time, Rado has become a dominant player in the watch industry and continues to redefine the meaning of the luxury watchmaking.