This article is about Rado. Read on to learn everything about its history and quality, including the answer to the question, “Are Rado watches good?”

If you’re discovering Rado watches for the first time, you’re probably asking yourself, “Are Rado watches good?”.  You’ll want to know how much to expect to pay for one and what quality they offer. 

While the company is over 100 years old, its heyday in the U.S. was over four decades ago. In previous years, its stronghold was Asia, but today, Rado makes over 500,000 watches a year. They now appeal to collectors worldwide for their quality, value, and heritage. Collectors recognize the brand’s innovative use of ultra-strong materials and its relationship with sports, particularly tennis. 

In this article, we’ll outline the company’s history and most popular collections. Hopefully, you’ll know if these watches are for you by the end. 

The History of Rado Watches

Schlup & Co. was the creation of three brothers, Fritz, Ernst, and Werner Schlup, in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland. It’s where the company we now know as Rado still resides today. The company transitioned into its second name in the 1950s, releasing models like the Golden Horse (1957) and the Green Horse (1958). After that, the brand began spreading its influence across 60 countries. 

By the 60s, Rado began developing a real identity for itself. The introduction of the DiaStar 1 marked the first scratch-proof watch. At the time, very few were familiar with the metals and sapphire glass Rado was using. It made quite a splash on the horological scene, to say the least!

The 70s and 80s marked more innovations, capitalizing on the company’s reputation for building scratch-proof watches. It released a gold-colored DiaStar in 1972 and then the Dia 67 in 1976, with an innovative edge-to-edge sapphire crystal. Then, in 1986, the Rado Integral arrived, complete with a game-changing scratch-resistant ceramic material for the bracelet. 

The company continued its focus on scratch-resistant materials throughout the 1990s, kicking off with the release of the Ceramica. Its entire case and bracelet featured sapphire crystal and ceramic. Following that was the Sintra in 1993 and another Ceramica watch. This time, the Ceramica boasted an intense metallic color despite being a metal-free watch. 

The last twenty years or so of Rado’s timeline include more innovative materials and processes. The Rado V10K, which hit 10,000 on the Vickers hardness scale, arrived, as did a slew of thinner, crownless cases.

Are Rado Automatic Watches Good?

So, is Rado a good watch? Hands down, Rado automatic watches are good watches (and quartz ones, too). They feature excellent movements, top-notch craftsmanship, and unique materials. They also offer a lot of value for the sub-$3,000 watch category. 

But Rado watches are also very, very unique, so you have to make sure you like this style before jumping into anything. 

Pros: Unique Materials and Fair Pricing 

There is something extraordinary about a watch made from unique materials. Rado watches are legit Swiss-made timepieces, complete with high-quality Swiss movements. They boast top-notch craftsmanship and high-end materials. The fact that you can purchase most for under $3,000 is remarkable.

A $3,000 price tag is still prohibitive for most guys. But it’s more than fair, especially when you research the complexity of the processes behind each watch.  

Con: Very Modern and a Bit Large

You have to be into unique watches with ultra-modern designs to truly appreciate many of Rado’s offerings. They tend to be a bit over-the-top for most guys, which can be a points-off situation. However, this is an area where Rado continues to excel.

Many of Rado’s watches are a bit on the larger side, too. (42mm or more). While those with diving and timing bezels wear a bit smaller, many look large on the wrist. That in itself is not a problem if you have large wrists. But guys with smaller wrists will have fewer options to choose from.

The Best Rado Men’s Watch Options

Rado has a wide range of watches catering to almost everyone’s style or needs. Are you looking for something edgy and eye-catching? Or maybe you need a versatile watch to take you from work to the weekend. The right Rado watch is out there. We’ve compiled a list of some of Rado’s most popular designs. Here, they are in no particular order. 

1. Rado Diastar Watch

The Diastar has been in production for 60 years. It embodies a unique, almost tonneau-shaped case because of its Tungsten Carbide architecture. This material cracks and shatters easily, so the smooth bezel and case reduce this risk during manufacture. 

Despite its distinctive-looking exterior, the Rado Diastar watch wasn’t an instant success initially. Still, its small proportions and superior hardness soon catapulted in popularity. It is still one of the brand’s best-selling lines today. 

2. Rado Captain Cook

This iteration of the Rado Captain Cook is an edgy, vintage-looking skeleton watch. Its high-tech ceramic and steel blend is ideal for those who like to explore with their watches. As it’s a natural choice for adventurers, it offers an ISO-certified spec with 300M water resistance. Some watches also feature movements capable of 80 hours of power reserve. 

3. Hyperchrome

The Hyperchrome line focuses on functionality. The line arrived in 2012 and has been a complete success ever since, thanks to its plasma and ceramic fusions. You can choose from quartz and automatics and an array of sporty chic styles. 

If you’re looking for a big, bold watch, the Hyperchrome line is for you. For something more classic, check out the Hyperchrome Classic line. The two Golden Horse variations from the classic line are 37mm. 

4. Centrix

The Centrix is by far Rado’s bestseller. It hits hard on the contemporary side with a tapering bracelet, unmatched precision, and state-of-the-art movement. The sensuous contours of the Centrix provide modern, sleek sensibilities that are perfect for pairing with elegant attire. 

Rado offers the Centrix in various colors and styles, including a stunning open-heart watch. The best part is that the options in this line max out at 40mm, so this style works on slender wrists. 

5. Coupole

The Coupole Watch is as traditional as you’ll ever get in a Rado watch. These classic designs show complications like a power reserve on their dials and wear thin on the wrist. The company leans into a slightly vintage-inspired look with pieces featuring leather straps. Still, the contemporary forms and circular shapes are present. 

6. Integral

Linearity is key to the rectangular shapes of the Integral line. Here, Rado combines parallel lines with sapphire crystal, scratch-proof ceramic, and, in some instances, diamonds. These Rado men’s watches offer the ease and simplicity of the quartz movement and feature modern, dressy bracelets. 

True Square

As you can guess, True Square watches add a very unmistakable look to the wrist. The shape of the case gives off a slightly industrial-inspired aesthetic, especially those with skeleton dials. Above all, the Rado True Square has a sapphire crystal that tops the case. The dials underneath feature parallel horizontal lines that divide the display into three definitive sections. 

FAQs

You can learn more about Rado watches with these commonly asked questions about the brand. 

Is Rado a Luxury Watch?

Yes, Rado is a luxury brand that manufactures innovative, modern-looking timepieces using premium materials. The average price of a Rado watch is around $1500 – $2000. The price reflects the quality of the materials in these watches and the complexity of the processes that make them. 

Where Are Rado Watches Made?

Rado crafts its watches using the brand’s original facilities in Lengnau, Switzerland. The brand opened the Schlup & Co. watchmaking factory back in 1917. Rado is still discovering and innovating new colors, materials, case shapes, and technology here.

Are Rado Watches a Good Investment?

Although Rado watches won’t particularly hold their value or appreciate over time, they do stand the test of time. The brand uses materials like its high-tech ceramic, a highly scratch-resistant non-metallic material. High-tech ceramic in watches has a reputation for maintaining a “good as new” appearance, even after years on the wrist. 

Is Rado Made by Rolex?

No, Rolex does not own Rado. The Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a family private trust, owns Rolex. Swiss multinational company Swatch Group owns Rado. 

What’s The Verdict? Are Rado Watches Good? 

So, what’s the honest answer to the question, “Are Rado watches good?”. Yes, they’re good watches. They meet all the “good watch” criteria: good materials, good craftsmanship, and even the brand’s outsourced parts are good quality. And they’re good value! 

If you’re looking for a classic sports watch, the Rado Hyperchrome is for you. Alternatively, the brand offers many simple, minimalist dials that make great dress watches. 

Rado is a brand that offers “a style for everyone.” However, they specialize in pieces that are anything but classic. In fact, the distinguishable features of a Rado present themselves across the entire catalog. They are sleek, clean, highly polished wristwatches with an unmissable contemporary style. They certainly aren’t what you class as orthodox timepieces, so if you want the traditional-looking three-hander, Rado is not for you. 

The fact that Rado watches are simple in nature allows the brand’s innovative use of modern materials to shine through. The Captain Cook, for example, is an uncluttered dive watch design that provides excellent legibility. But if it’s something more complex-looking you desire, Rado offers that too. For example, you can find open-heart models in collections like the Centrix and chronographs in the New Original line. 

What do you love most about Rado? Do you have a favorite? Let us know in the comments below!