Rado (watchmaker)

Rado is a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer headquartered in Lengnau, Switzerland. The company is known for its use of unconventional materials, particularly high-tech ceramics, sapphire crystal, and hardmetals, in watchmaking.

History:

Rado began as Schlup & Co., founded in 1917 by brothers Fritz, Ernst, and Werner Schlup in Lengnau, Switzerland. Initially, the company produced watch movements for other brands. In the 1950s, Schlup & Co. began selling watches under the Rado name.

Rado gained international recognition in 1957 with its first collection. The brand pioneered the use of scratch-resistant materials in watchmaking with the launch of the Rado DiaStar 1 in 1962. This model, featuring a hardmetal bezel, established Rado's reputation for innovation and durability.

In 1983, Rado became part of the Swatch Group, the world's largest watch manufacturer.

Key Innovations and Characteristics:

Rado has consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking by embracing new materials and technologies. The company is particularly associated with:

• High-Tech Ceramics: Rado was among the first to incorporate high-tech ceramics into watch cases and bracelets. These ceramics offer exceptional scratch resistance, lightness, and hypoallergenic properties.
• Sapphire Crystal: Rado utilizes sapphire crystal, a highly scratch-resistant material, for its watch crystals. Many Rado models feature edge-to-edge sapphire crystal designs.
• Hardmetal: Rado's "hardmetal" is a tungsten or titanium carbide alloy known for its durability and resistance to wear.
• Monobloc Construction: Some Rado watches feature a monobloc case construction, where the case is made from a single piece of material.
• Minimalist Design: Rado is often recognized for its minimalist and contemporary designs.

Notable Models:

• DiaStar: Rado's first scratch-resistant watch and a design icon.
• Captain Cook: A heritage-inspired diver's watch.
• True: A collection featuring monobloc ceramic cases.
• Centrix: A popular collection known for its elegant and versatile designs.
• HyperChrome: A collection incorporating high-tech ceramic and other advanced materials.