Rado is a luxury Swiss watchmaker that has been creating innovative and durable timepieces since 1917. Over the years, Rado has become a popular choice for those who value precision, style, and quality. In this article, we will explore the history of Rado watches, the brand’s innovative use of materials, and some of its most popular watch collections.
The History of Rado Watches
Rado was founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, by brothers Fritz, Ernst, and Werner Schlup. Originally named Schlup & Co., the company produced watch movements and supplied them to other watch brands. In 1957, the company introduced its own line of watches under the name Rado. The first Rado watch was the Golden Horse, a mechanical watch with a water-resistant case.
In the 1960s, Rado began to experiment with new materials in watchmaking. In 1962, Rado released the DiaStar, the world’s first scratch-resistant watch. The DiaStar was made of a hard metal alloy and a sapphire crystal, which made it incredibly durable and resistant to scratches. This was a major breakthrough in the world of watchmaking, and it cemented Rado’s reputation as an innovative and forward-thinking brand.
In the following decades, Rado continued to develop new materials and technologies for its watches. In 1986, Rado released the Ceramica, a watch made entirely of high-tech ceramic. The Ceramica was extremely lightweight and durable, and it became a popular choice for those who wanted a high-end watch that was also comfortable to wear.
Rado’s Innovative Use of Materials
Rado has always been at the forefront of watchmaking innovation, and one of its most notable contributions has been its use of materials. Rado has been known to use materials that are not commonly found in watchmaking, such as high-tech ceramics, tungsten carbide, and even diamonds.
One of the most notable materials that Rado has used is high-tech ceramic. Rado was the first watchmaker to use high-tech ceramic in its watches, and it has continued to be a major material for the brand. High-tech ceramic is incredibly durable and scratch-resistant, and it also has a unique look that sets Rado watches apart from other luxury brands.
Another material that Rado has used in its watches is tungsten carbide. Tungsten carbide is an extremely hard and durable material that is often used in industrial applications. Rado uses tungsten carbide to create watch cases that are nearly scratch-resistant and incredibly durable.
Rado has also used diamonds in its watches, particularly in its women’s watch collections. Rado’s Diamond collection features watches that are adorned with diamonds on the bezel, dial, and bracelet. These watches are a popular choice for those who want a luxury watch that is both functional and fashionable.
Popular Rado Watch Collections
Rado offers a wide range of watch collections, each with its own unique style and features. Here are some of Rado’s most popular watch collections:
True Thinline – The True Thinline collection features watches that are incredibly thin and lightweight. The watches are made of high-tech ceramic, and they come in a variety of colors and styles.
HyperChrome – The HyperChrome collection features watches that are made of high-tech ceramic and stainless steel. The watches have a sporty look and are water-resistant up to 100 meters.
DiaMaster – The DiaMaster collection features watches that are made of high-tech ceramic and have a classic, timeless design. The watches come in a variety of colors and styles, and they are a popular choice for those who want a luxury watch with a simple and elegant design.
