Rado is a Swiss watch brand known for its innovative use of materials in the construction of its timepieces. The brand was founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland by Fritz, Ernst, and Werner Schlup, and was initially known as Schlup & Co. The brand was renamed Rado in 1957, and it quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality watches with unique designs.
One of Rado’s defining characteristics is its use of unconventional materials in its watches. In the 1960s, Rado introduced its first scratch-resistant watch, the DiaStar, which was made of a hard metal called tungsten carbide. This was a breakthrough innovation, as it offered a level of durability and resilience that was not commonly found in watches at the time.
In the 1970s, Rado expanded its use of materials to include ceramics, which allowed for new levels of color and design possibilities. Rado’s ceramic watches quickly became popular among consumers, and the brand continued to innovate with new materials and designs in the years that followed.
In the 1990s, Rado introduced the Ceramica, a watch made entirely of high-tech ceramic, and the Sintra, a watch made of a blend of ceramic and metal. These models helped solidify Rado’s reputation as a brand that was willing to experiment with new materials and designs.
In recent years, Rado has continued to push the boundaries of watch design with its use of unconventional materials such as plasma high-tech ceramic, which is created by heating ceramic to high temperatures and then polishing it to a metallic sheen. Rado has also collaborated with high-profile designers and architects to create limited-edition timepieces that showcase the brand’s commitment to innovation and creativity.
Today, Rado is a globally recognized watch brand that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in watch design. Its watches are sold in more than 150 countries around the world, and the brand continues to be known for its innovative use of materials and unique designs.
