Company Overview:
Rado is a Swiss luxury watch brand renowned for its innovative designs, use of revolutionary materials, and commitment to watchmaking excellence. Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. by brothers Fritz, Ernst, and Werner Schlup, the company initially operated as a clockwork producer in the small Swiss town of Lengnau.
The Rado brand name didn’t emerge until much later, in 1957, but it quickly became synonymous with innovation. From its inception, Rado has constantly pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, becoming a pioneer in the use of materials such as high-tech ceramics, ultra-light high-tech ceramic, colored high-tech ceramic, Ceramos, and high-tech diamond.
Rado’s groundbreaking approach to materials and design has allowed the brand to create timepieces with unparalleled durability, comfort, and beauty. The brand’s watches are not only known for their high resistance to scratches but also for their lightweight and hypoallergenic properties, a testament to Rado’s commitment to quality and wearer comfort.
Today, Rado is part of the Swatch Group and continues to challenge the status quo, dedicated to the philosophy that “if we can imagine it, we can make it,” remaining steadfast in its pursuit of groundbreaking innovation, design, and high-tech materials. The result is a collection of watches that are unique in their aesthetic, durable in their design, and innovative in their construction, making Rado a respected name in the world of Swiss watchmaking.
Notable Achievements:
Rado’s history is marked by a series of significant achievements, most notably its revolutionary use of materials. In 1962, Rado introduced the DiaStar 1, marketed as “the world’s first scratchproof watch.” This was made possible by its use of hardmetal (tungsten carbide) for the case, setting the foundation for Rado’s material-centric approach.
In 1986, Rado once again revolutionized the watch industry by introducing high-tech ceramic to its watches with the Integral collection, marking the first time this material was used in watchmaking. This was followed by the creation of the Ceramica collection in 1990, featuring watches made entirely of ceramic.
Rado’s innovation continued into the 21st century, with the introduction of high-tech diamond in 2002, a material as hard as natural diamond. In 2011, the brand launched the True Thinline, its first ultra-thin ceramic watch with a thickness of just 5mm.
Key Collections:
Rado’s range includes several collections that highlight its commitment to innovative materials and timeless design. The Integral collection, introduced in 1986, was the first to feature high-tech ceramic, now a staple in many Rado watches.
The Ceramica collection, as the name suggests, showcases watches made entirely of ceramic, characterized by their minimalist, geometric design.
The DiaMaster collection emphasizes classic elegance, offering watches in high-tech ceramic and plasma high-tech ceramic that possess a metallic shine without the use of metal.
The True collection encapsulates Rado’s design ethos, offering simple, round, and smooth high-tech ceramic watches, while the HyperChrome collection is known for its dynamic and sporty designs.
Brand Philosophy:
Rado’s brand philosophy is encapsulated in its tagline, “Master of Materials.” This signifies the brand’s pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation, particularly in its use of high-tech materials. Rado believes in the power of design and innovation to bring about a future where time is felt rather than measured, offering a seamless blend of comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Craftsmanship:
Rado’s craftsmanship centers around its innovative use of high-tech materials. Each watch is meticulously designed and crafted to ensure maximum comfort and durability. High-tech ceramic, a signature material of Rado, is not only hypoallergenic and lightweight but also adapts quickly to the wearer’s skin temperature.
Rado’s focus on materials does not overshadow its dedication to precision and quality. Each Rado watch houses a Swiss movement, ensuring the reliability and accuracy that are hallmarks of Swiss watchmaking.
Celebrity Affiliations:
Rado has a history of partnering with high-profile figures from various fields. In the world of tennis, Rado serves as the official timekeeper for numerous tournaments and boasts partnerships with athletes such as Andy Murray, Ashleigh Barty, and Agnieszka Radwańska.
Moreover, renowned Bollywood actress Lisa Ray serves as a brand ambassador, reflecting Rado’s strong presence in the Indian market. Hrithik Roshan, another prominent Bollywood star, also represents Rado, adding to the brand’s global appeal and recognition.