History and philosophy of Rado

Rado is a Swiss watch brand renowned for its pioneering approach to innovation and its use of advanced materials. Unlike many traditional firms in the Swiss watch industry, Rado has built its identity around modernity and constant experimentation. Its history dates back to the early 20th century and is marked by a commitment to striking design and cutting-edge technology.

History of Rado

The history of Rado began in 1917, when the brothers Fritz, Ernst and Werner Schlup founded Schlup & Co. in the small town of Lengnau, Switzerland. Initially, the company was dedicated to the manufacture of components for watch movements, taking advantage of the steady growth of the Swiss watch industry.

In 1928, the company took a step forward and began producing complete movements, selling them to various watchmaking firms. To reflect their growing ambition, they registered the name Rado, which in Esperanto means “wheel“, after one of the key components they were manufacturing at the time. This vision of constant movement and progress became engraved in the brand’s DNA.

It was in 1957 that Schlup & Co. officially changed its name to Rado, marking the true birth of the brand as it is known today. This change coincided with the launch of its first collection, the Golden Horse, a model that quickly gained popularity and established Rado as a renowned quality watch manufacturer.

From then on, Rado differentiated itself from other Swiss brands not only through its precise movements, but also through its focus on innovative materials and unusual designs that challenged traditional watchmaking norms.

From the very beginning, Rado has been synonymous with innovation. In the 1960s, the brand surprised the world with the launch of the DiaStar in 1962, considered the world’s first scratch-resistant watch. This model was created using tungsten carbide and sapphire crystal, materials that offered unprecedented durability in the watch industry.

In the same year, Rado launched the Captain Cook, a diver’s watch water resistant to 220 metres, with only 8,000 units produced. Its popularity has endured, and the model remains one of the brand’s most iconic timepieces.

In 1966, Rado introduced the Manhattan, a watch with a distinctive rectangular case that reflected the modern architectural styles of the time. Later, in 1990, the brand introduced the revolutionary Rado Ceramica, the world’s first watch with a structure made entirely of high-tech ceramic, including its bracelet, crown and bracelet.

In 1995, Rado was awarded the Innovation Prize of the Swiss Technology Centre for its development of the Concept 1, a watch made of polycrystalline diamond, a completely new material that represented a milestone in the industry.

Innovative materials

The choice of materials has been one of the cornerstones of Rado’s success. Its ability to experiment with advanced composites has allowed it to remain at the technological forefront for decades.

• Tungsten Carbide and Sapphire Crystal: first used in the 1962 DiaStar, they redefined the standards of durability and strength in watchmaking.
• High-Tech Ceramic: Introduced in 1986 with the DiaStar Integral, and perfected in the 1990 Ceramica, high-tech ceramic has become a hallmark of the brand, thanks to its scratch resistance, light weight and elegant finish.
• Ceramos: an advanced mix of ceramic and metal, used in several Rado collections, combining the strength of metal with the softness of ceramic.
• Polycrystalline diamond: In 1995, Rado developed this revolutionary material for its Concept 1 model, which achieved a hardness similar to that of natural diamond.

Rado watch collections

Captain Cook

The Captain Cook collection pays homage to vintage style with a modern twist. These watches are designed for contemporary explorers, introducing classic details with updated features. Perfect for both men and women, they stand out for their versatility and water resistance, which can reach up to 300 metres on some models.

True Square

This collection represents Rado’s innovation in high-tech ceramic square watches. The Rado True Square features a case and bracelet entirely made of high-tech ceramic, meeting all of Rado’s quality standards. It is a perfect example of how the brand fuses geometric design with cutting-edge materials.

Centrix

The Rado Centrix is the Swiss brand’s most popular watch, and for good reason. It offers great versatility with a wide range of sizes, colour combinations and movement options (quartz and automatic). This diversity ensures that there is a Centrix model to suit every taste.

True Round

The True Round collection represents the essence of Rado style, reinvented for the modern wearer. Made of high-tech ceramic, these watches are highly durable and offer a contemporary and elegant design.

DiaStar Original

The DiaStar Original incorporates the striking design of the first DiaStar, while retaining the features and functions that Rado fans have come to appreciate. This collection is a tribute to the brand’s history of innovation, while retaining its distinctive and legendary look.

True Thinline

Considered by many to be Rado’s definitive watch, the True Thinline stands out as the brand’s slimmest. These stunning quartz watches are the first to feature the innovative monobloc case, taking slimness and elegance to a new level.

HyperChrome

The HyperChrome collection is an example of Rado’s continuous innovation. It combines cutting-edge materials, unprecedented construction and elegant design. It offers a wide range of functions with the style users desire, from sporty models to more exclusive versions with diamonds.

Ceramics

The Ceramica collection is a milestone in Rado’s history. It is distinguished by its rectangular case and bracelet made of high-tech glossy black ceramic. Redesigned by industrial designer Konstantin Grcic, the Ceramica retains its minimalist essence while adapting to contemporary trends.

If you want to know more in detail the models that make up these collections, we invite you to visit the Rado watches section. If you prefer to know other brands and collections of luxury watches, discover our catalogue.