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The Fascinating History of Rado Watches: From Hardmetal to High-Tech Ceramics

Rado is a Swiss watchmaking company that has been creating innovative timepieces since 1957. The brand is known for its unique and striking designs, as well as its use of cutting-edge materials such as ceramics, sapphire crystals, and titanium. In this post, we'll delve into the history of Rado watches and some interesting facts about the brand.

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 began producing watch movements, but eventually expanded to include complete watches. In 1957, the company launched its first collection of Rado watches under the Rado brand name.

One of Rado's early innovations was the use of hardmetal, a type of tungsten carbide that was extremely scratch-resistant and durable. Rado watches quickly gained a reputation for their toughness and precision, and the brand began to attract a loyal following.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Rado continued to push the boundaries of watch design and technology. The company introduced new materials such as sapphire crystals and ceramics, and created iconic timepieces like the DiaStar, which was the world's first scratch-resistant watch. In the 1980s, Rado shifted its focus to high-tech ceramic watches, which have become one of the brand's signature materials. Ceramic is lightweight, scratch-resistant, and hypoallergenic, making it an ideal material for watches. Today, Rado continues to innovate and experiment with new materials and designs, while remaining true to its heritage of precision, durability, and Swiss-made quality.


Interesting Facts about Rado Watches

  • Rado is known for its collaborations with famous designers and architects. The brand has worked with the likes of Jasper Morrison, Konstantin Grcic, and Zaha Hadid, creating timepieces that blur the line between art and function.

  • Rado watches have been worn by a number of celebrities over the years, including Andy Warhol, Elvis Presley, and Nadal.

  • In 2013, Rado created the world's thinnest ceramic watch, the Rado True Thinline. The watch is just 4.9mm thick, making it incredibly light and comfortable to wear.

  • Rado is one of the few watch brands that has its own high-tech ceramic production facility. This allows the brand to control every aspect of the manufacturing process, ensuring the highest level of quality and precision.

  • In 2018, Rado launched the Captain Cook Automatic, a vintage-inspired diver's watch that pays homage to the brand's first diving watch from the 1960s.

Rado is a brand that has been pushing the boundaries of watch design and technology for over six decades. From its early innovations in hardmetal to its current use of high-tech ceramics, Rado watches are known for their durability, precision, and striking designs. With collaborations with famous designers and architects, as well as a commitment to Swiss-made quality, Rado is a brand that will continue to innovate and inspire for years to come.

 



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