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Rado - If We Can Imagine It, We Can Make It.
Rado, a Swiss luxury watch brand, have carved a reputation for themselves by pioneering advancements in materials and design. Founded in 1917 in the small Swiss village of Lengnau, Rado’s journey began with a vision to create watches that could withstand the test of time—both in terms of durability and style. Over the years, the brand's ethos have evolved, but their core philosophy have remained unchanged: pushing the boundaries of innovation while maintaining a sharp focus on design and practicality. From their humble beginnings as Schlup & Co., a manufacturer of watch movements, Rado rose to prominence with the introduction of their first self-branded timepiece, the Green Horse, in 1957. This marked the beginning of Rado’s commitment to creating forward-thinking watches. However, it was not just the movement that set the brand apart; it was the inventive use of materials, which soon earned Rado the title of "Master of Materials." Rado revolutionised the watchmaking world with their early adoption of high-tech ceramics in the 1960s, a material that would become synonymous with the brand and elevate it to their present-day status.
Over the decades, Rado's obsession with experimenting with materials have driven the development of some of the most durable and scratch-resistant watches on the market. In 1962, Rado unveiled the Diastar, the world’s first scratch-resistant watch, which set a new benchmark for toughness in horology. From that moment, the brand continually pushed the boundaries of what was possible in watchmaking, introducing new materials like Ceramos, a combination of ceramic and metal, and high-tech diamond, as well as advanced design techniques. Rado have been honoured with over 20 prestigious international design awards, including recognition for their collaboration with renowned designer Jasper Morrison on a distinctive watch box inspired by the human wrist. The brand serves as the official timekeeper for major international tennis tournaments across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. Rado's brand ambassador, Andy Murray, Britain’s top tennis player, epitomises their pioneering spirit and strength. The collections under Rado include Captain Cook, Integral, True Square, TrueRound, True Thinline, Centrix, HyperChrome, HyperChrome Classic, DiaMaster, DiaStar Original Coupole Classic, Anatom, Florence,
Rado Collections: Mastering Materials And Redefining Design Through the Decades
The Captain Cook collection, first launched in 1962 and revived in 2017, epitomises Rado’s adventurous spirit. Originally named after the famed British explorer, this collection was designed for the rugged explorer, equipped with a rotating bezel and water resistance to 220 metres. Over time, the collection has evolved, incorporating luxurious colour palettes while maintaining the timeless design that made it a horological favourite. Originally introduced in the early 1980s, the Integral was one of Rado's first collections to incorporate high-tech ceramic, a material that would later become synonymous with the brand’s identity. The use of ceramic continues to be a defining characteristic across many of Rado’s offerings, such as the True Square and True Thinline. The True Square collection, in particular, highlights Rado’s pioneering role in creating square high-tech ceramic watches, a hallmark of the brand since their inception.
The Centrix collection stands as one of Rado’s most popular offerings, celebrated for its versatility. Available in various sizes, and colour combinations, and powered by both quartz and automatic movements, the Centrix ensures there is a model to suit all preferences. The collection blends Rado’s signature style with accessibility, making it a standout for both new enthusiasts and seasoned collectors. For those drawn to modern innovation, the DiaMaster collection offers a sophisticated yet subtle design. With a complete redesign that merges classic simplicity with advanced materials, the collection serves as a fine example of how Rado continually pushes the boundaries of design while maintaining the elegance and functionality that define the brand.
Named after the Italian city renowned for its architectural beauty, the Florence collection is a tribute to the elegant domes and towers of the city. The design captures this grace through its smooth curves and minimalist design, creating a refined timepiece that exudes timeless appeal. The Anatom collection, returning forty years after its original launch, expresses Rado’s identity in a new form. Featuring sleek, modern lines while staying true to its heritage, the collection is a perfect example of the ability to blend modernity with nostalgia, offering a balance of style and durability. Rado’s commitment to design excellence extends beyond these collections, with lines like the HyperChrome and Integral demonstrating their ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with sleek, timeless aesthetics. Whether through the distinctive use of sapphire crystal in the Coupole Classic or the groundbreaking monobloc case in the True Thinline, Rado continues to set new standards in the watchmaking world, ensuring that every timepiece is as durable as it is visually striking.