Few industries are more competitive than luxury watchmaking. Watchmaking is at a critical point in advanced manufacturing. Brands fiercely compete with each other to create new technologies and designs, and push the boundaries of the art form.
But like any industry, there’s a fair amount of smoke and mirrors, too. Many of the so-called “world firsts” in the watch industry are more marketing tricks than truly groundbreaking developments.
Rado, however, is one of those rare watchmakers who actually have some substance to their claims. The brand is well-known in Australia because of its strong links to tennis. Rado is the official watchkeeper for over a dozen international tournaments, and supports players like Ash Barty, the world number one.
But there’s more to the Swiss brand than just tennis. Rado, known as the Master of Materials, has been credited with many genuine watchmaking innovations and remarkable innovation over the past century. Rado is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive watch brands on the globe and should be mentioned in any serious discussion about luxury watches.
Short history lesson
Rado can be traced back to Schlup & Co., which was founded in 1917 by Fritz, Ernst, and Werner. It is located about an hour from Bern, the Swiss capital.
Producing their first finished watches in the 1920s, the family-run concern grew into one of Switzerland’s biggest watchmakers, with the brand eventually falling on the name Rado to sell their watches back in the 50s. Rado was quickly known for its innovative material designs, with the brand’s core mission being scratch resistance. Rado set out to fulfill their mission by conducting intense research into high-tech ceramics, advanced sapphire crystals, and complex forging methods.
Rado even brought the world’s first scratch-proof watch to market – the DiaStar 1, made with a tungsten carbide alloy the brand calls ‘hardmetal’. It’s still as practical and technically advanced today as it was when the DiaStar 1 was introduced in 1962.
1962 also saw the launch of the Captain Cook – one of the world’s first modern dive watches and perhaps Rado’s most iconic model to date. You want your luxury timepiece to last. Rado watches are made from high-tech materials that are durable and comfortable. The brand’s trademark ceramics and hardmetals also continue to look great for many years.
Another hallmark of the brand is its unique design language. Rado is a refreshing alternative to the many other brands that copy common designs or offer little variety within their ranges, or between themselves. Rado watches are distinguished by their striking, angular designs such as the True Square and the masculine utility that the Captain Cook offer.
Rado hasn’t rested on its laurels, either. Rado continues to push the boundaries, whether it’s ultra-thin watches, crownless watches or innovative ceramics. The goal is to make watches that last.
Watches are an investment, so it’s worth throwing your lot in with something that’s going to reward you for ages to come. Rado watches are unique because they are incredibly modern and timeless. And that’s exactly what Australians desire from a watch.
