The latest Rado collection shows the brand at its very best. Style and substance are the key to the future as Rado continues to create beautiful and eye‑catching watches that will stand the test of time. Discover the Rado collection.
After completing this course you will be able to
The Swiss watch industry is the leader in the world watch market. Expertise, advanced technology and innovation are the key drivers behind the success.
Today, the reputation of Swiss Made watches is unrivalled all around the world. Swiss Made stands for
and is the only true reference in the world of watchmaking.
Therefore, it is protected by Swiss law.
Rado watches are produced in Switzerland.
A watch is composed of two parts:
At Rado, the complex technology is in our high-tech materials. So, at Rado, we can say that the complication is on the outside of the watch referring to the high-tech materials and the technology used to create the case or bracelet of the watch. Therefore, understanding the basic parts of a watch can help you to explain them to your customer.
protects the dial and hands
‘face’ of the watch, numerals, applied indexes or diamonds are used to indicate time
is a small dial placed inside the main dial
Watch hands are the indicator devices that tell what time it is
the engine of a watch
the case is the metal or ceramic housing that contains a watch's parts, the movement
sits on top of the case and is usually marked with indexes, numbers or a tachymeter scale
operate the chronograph movement to start/stop and reset
is the cover of the case and is the opposite of the dial. It is either screwed, pressed in or fastened with screws. To display the movement the case back can be transparent
allows the watch to be worn on the wrist
ensures the watch is secured on the wrist
bracelet is composed of smaller links that allow the length of the bracelet to be adjusted
A watch movement is the engine of a watch that acts as the powerhouse to make the watch and its functions work; a watch would not function without it.
Rado only uses movements from the Swiss manufacturer ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse
Two categories of movements exist:
In a mechanical watch, the movement powers the watch without any battery.
Rado mainly uses self-winding, automatic movements.
In a quartz watch to create power a battery is used to drive the motor to move the watch hands.
that ETA is among the most renowned movement producers in the world and that the quality of ETA watch movements is held in high regard all over the world?
In 2021, Rado introduces the use of Nivachron™ hairspring in watches with automatic movement. The hairspring is made of a special alloy, developed with the aim of optimising the resistance of watch movements to magnetic fields. Magnetic fields are common in everyday life and can severely affect mechanical watch movements. In the worst cases, they can lead to a watch stopping completely.
The position of a watch determines how strongly the Earth’s gravitational pull influences the moving parts of its movement. This means that the accuracy of a watch movement varies depending on the position of the watch, such as if the watch is placed on its front or side, but the wearer’s movements also have a bearing on this. A watch that is adjusted in a certain position can show completely different accuracy values in another position and must therefore be adjusted differently. As a result, the more positions a watch is adjusted in, the more precise it is during everyday use.
Thanks to 5-position adjustment, at Rado we offer increased precision as the movement is adjusted in two further positions (Position 4 and 5) in addition to the usual three positions.
No. As the adjustment process is very time-consuming and technically complex, this quality standard is primarily offered by brands in the luxury segment. Rado does not spare itself this work so as to offer its customers a precise wearing experience.
that more than 50% of the Rado collection has automatic movements?
PreciDrive is a quartz movement that can achieve a precision which can pass the COSC chronometer certification, provided the watch is not exposed to impacts, and kept at a temperature of between 20°C and 30°C. This precision of ± 10 seconds per year can be achieved thanks to the thermo-compensation operating principle, which controls and regulates the motor pulses according to changes in the ambient temperature. By virtue of combining the quartz and integrated circuit in the same waterproof case, the precision is insensitive to moisture.
HeavyDrive technology provides an anti-shock system. The movement’s new on-board electronics detect and then manage the shock, while the motor generates a counter pulse to lock the hand in its position during the shock. This intelligent shock management prompts the motor to react in a fraction of a second if a certain shock threshold is exceeded. The energy used to counter this force remains minimal, and the movement’s autonomy is thus preserved.
R808 Skeleton Movement
R734 Open Heart Movement
that chronograph and chronometer are not the same? A chronometer is a watch that has passed precision tests. A chronograph is a stopwatch.
that only around 6% of Swiss Made timepieces are certified as chronometers by COSC?
that depending on the movement Rado automatic watches have a power reserve from 38 hours up to 80 hours?
All Rado watches are water resistant
that water resistance is not a constant state? Therefore, a watch should be regularly maintained to ensure its water resistance.
that each bracelet link is produced separately, undergoes a strict quality check and is only then assembled?
that an open case back with sapphire crystal is often used to offer a view of the automatic movement inside?
The success of Rado lies in its offer. The latest collection shows Rado at its very best. Below is an overview of what makes the Rado collection special.
The collection has something to suit all tastes and styles.
From stylish, sporty and dynamic to watches with a classic look that combine modern materials and traditional complications, the Rado collection offers a wide range of options to satisfy the needs of all kinds of customers.
The Rado collection consists of
Design is an integral part of what Rado does, it is the cornerstone of Rado’s many groundbreaking timepieces.
Rado watches appeal to watch lovers and design aficionados alike.
Quality is at the heart of Rado watches from the ETA movement to the high-tech materials.
Rado only uses the very best for its watches.
A key feature of Rado is the complication of the watch is on the outside, the case or the bracelet.
Rado uses high-tech, durable materials, innovation and technology to produce watches that
High-tech ceramic Bronze Hardmetal Stainless steel
Understanding how the current Rado collection is structured will help you get organised. Here is an overview:
Developed in the 1960s, the Rado Captain Cook was developed for wearers with an adventurous lifestyle.
This goal was achieved by the Rado Water Sealed System, developed in 1958 and capable of reaching 220 meters into the ocean depths and 40’000 meters into the stratosphere.
The watch featured classic pointers towards a diving watch: different shapes for the hour, minute and second hand, lume to make the watch easily visible in low light conditions and a turning bezel that shows elapsed dive time. With a high quality, accurate and reliable movement all of these are potential life saving features.
Today, Captain Cook does not stand for the name of the explorer, but for the idea of exploring new horizons, still the watch for wearers with an adventurous lifestyle.
The Rado Captain Cook in 1962 was the first Rado with a turning bezel?
In the sixties, the trend was to develop diving watches. To “dive” into this world, Rado developed the Water Sealed System, with which most of the watches produced by Rado in the sixties were equipped.
Among them, the first Rado Captain Cook…
Some contemporary advertising
55 years after its first launch, the Captain Cook model returned updated for the modern wearer. With Rado high-tech materials and technology giving improved performance but still recognizably the Rado Captain Cook.
The collection now includes 37mm and 42mm stainless steel models, bronze models, chronographs and models with case and bracelet made from light, comfortable and extremely scratch resistant high-tech ceramic. Details, features and benefits of each model are explained in the Rado Captain Cook section of the Rado elearning.
In 1979 Rado made the first official registration of the Captain Cook trademark, but not the version you know today. It was the version used on the dial of the Captain Cook Neo from 1967, marking the difference between the first and second edition of the MK II.
The actual Captain Cook identity was already present on the dial of the first Captain Cook from 1962 and this is the version we use today.
Since its introduction in 1958, the Water Sealed System has equipped the most important watches developed by Rado including the Rado Captain Cook. To show that the design benefitted from the Rado Water Sealed System the Rado Captain Cook from 1962 had a caseback showing two seahorses, indicating that the watch had a bayonet system to secure the caseback. Some watches featured three seahorses on the reverse indicating the watch was watersealed by a screwdown system for the caseback. Modern models of the Rado Captain Cook also show two or three seahorses on their reverse but this is a nod towards the vintage original rather than an indication of how we water seal the watch.
Rado was the first brand to create a water sealed square watch. Today every watch in our range is still water sealed. We even have a square water sealed watch in our range.
The full collection along with the pictograms showing their features can be found in the General Collection Book
In addition every Rado Captain Cook has it’s own features which are highlighted with the Rado pictograms in the General Collection Book
Specifies very strict requirements and test methods for divers’ watches and for divers’ watches used in deep diving. It applies to divers’ watches designed to withstand diving in water at depths of at least 100m and equipped with a secured measuring system to indicate the diving time, which is visible in darkness. Moreover, it indicates the marking which the manufacturer is authorized to apply to them.
Among other requirements, an ISO 6425 certified watch must have the following basic attributes:
Tested to 25% more depth pressure than the rated depth in order to offer a safety reserve
Designed as anti-magnetic
Shock-resistant
Perfect accuracy
Aesthetic properties:
Unidirectional turning bezel for safety aspects with markings at least every five minutes
Super-LumiNova coating at least every five minutes
Hour, minute, and second hand must be distinctive in shape and size
Visibility and readability of the time at a distance of 25cm in the dark during minimum 3h after exposure to light.
Resistant bracelet
The moving anchor symbol was originally a service indicator. When the anchor stopped turning it was time for a service. All Rado automatic watches now feature the moving anchor on the dial.
Attention to design details, durability from high-tech ceramic and sapphire crystal, comfort from slimness and the quick adjusting bracelet. The sporty Rado HyperChrome is accurate and reliable thanks to a quartz movement with both PreciDrive and HeavyDrive technology.
A water-resistant model at a time when this was far from the norm.
A dynamic, fluid case shape with a golden look
The HyperChrome features the groundbreaking monobloc high-tech ceramic case in a complex design
A high-tech ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal ensure durability combined with accuracy and design details
| PRODUCT FOCUS |
Stylish, sporty, dynamic |
| MATERIALS |
High-tech ceramic, stainless steel and combination of these |
| KEY FEATURES |
Sporty-chic, classic Rado reborn in every occasion timepiece, high-tech, high style, the new face of Rado |
| TARGET GROUP |
Sporty, dynamic customer looking for the new face of Rado, new customer base |
| PRICE RANGE |
CHF 1,000 – CHF 11,000 |
The name Rado HyperChrome was coined by our designer who said he wanted the side inserts to really stand out, like they were covered in chrome but such a contrast to the high-tech ceramic it was like HyperChrome
The full collection along with the pictograms showing their features can be found in the General Collection Book
The diamonds we use are high quality, as you would expect from Rado. Apart from our very smallest diamonds all are full brilliant cut to maximise their sparkle. All the diamonds we use are Top Wesselton colour and VS-SI clarity. Every Rado that features diamonds has a precious stone certificate guaranteeing the quality of the stones we use and their carat weight. To ensure the diamonds we use are conflict free and ethically sourced they are all sourced in accordance with the Kimberley Process.
The full collection along with the pictograms showing their features can be found in the General Collection Book
REMEMBER
To create the Rado True Thinline in 2011 we developed the one piece high-tech ceramic “monobloc” case which meant we had to re-invent the way we made a watch but it allowed us to create a watch of exceptional comfort. The ultimate Rado. That technology but now in a square shape.
The complex production process behind these timepieces contrasts with the simplicity of their classic round shape. This represents a reinvention of luxury – transforming sophistication into comfort. Crafted in high‑tech ceramic. Contemporary.
The first Rado use of a case-back in high-tech composite.
Ceramic case and bracelet, for the first time combining polished and satin-brushed finishes for the Rado True.
Ceramic case and bracelet, first time combining monobloc high-tech ceramic case and high-tech ceramic bracelet.
The Rado True received its name by accident. At a time when Rado was known for distictive shaped watches our design team came up with a round design. Because of the high-tech materials used and the comfort and durability of the watch it was described as a true Rado…and the name stuck.
The full collection along with the pictograms showing their features can be found in the General Collection Book
This is a high-tech masterpiece that pioneered the use of the groundbreaking Rado monobloc ceramic case – one that also resists blemishes to withstand the test of time. Ultra‑thin, amazingly light and scratch-resistant, these could be the most comfortable watches in the world. Extraordinary.
Rado’s thinnest ceramic watch with a thickness of less than 5 mm. The first Rado watch with a ceramic monobloc case.
The ultimate Rado that combines minimalistic design, comfort, durability and new colours.
that before the True Thinline, all ceramic watches had a metal ‘core’ at their heart? True Thinline changed this forever with its monobloc case construction where the case is made of a single piece of ceramic for ultimate lightness. Only this construction made its ultra-thin case possible.
Interactive caption: Click on the numbers to view the captions
The full collection along with the pictograms showing their features can be found in the General Collection Book
the Rado DiaStar 1 was introduced in 1962? It brought hardmetal to the watch industry, which together with its sapphire crystal glass and the Rado water sealed system realised the Rado vision of a watch for a lifetime.
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Subtle, minimalistic and chic are the key words when it comes to this simple, pared down collection. Large, open dials for easy readability and an unobscured view. Crafted in scratch resistant Ceramos™ the watch is super slim for maximum comfort, a modern take on a classic watch collection.
Rado design icon from the 1970s with a round watch face
New bracelet design with integration into hardmetal case
First Rado high-tech ceramic watch with five-link bracelet. Round case with integrated lugs.
Rado injection moulding technology allows a super slim Ceramos™ case
The full collection along with the pictograms showing their features can be found in the General Collection Book
Monobloc case ensures lightness is maximised as the movement, sapphire crystal glass and caseback fit directly to the lightweight case
Case made from highly scratch resistant Ceramos™, the Rado fusion of approx. 90% high-tech ceramic and 10% metal. This unites the properties of high-tech ceramic with the lustre of a metal – the best of both worlds
Cases in platinum colour and rose gold colour. The watch has the look of precious metal but is highly scratch resistant ensuring it retains its good looks over the years
Curved sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating on both faces ensures the watch is easily readable and will remain so
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Ceramos™, the Rado fusion of high-tech ceramic and metal can be injection moulded, which allows us to create our one piece “monobloc” case in this amazing material.
The original Rado Anatom from 1983
Reimagined for the modern wearer
A contemporary advertisement and modern PR photograph
The full collection along with the pictograms showing their features can be found in the General Collection Book
The name of the Rado Anatom refers to the anatomical design of the watch. Like all Rado the watch is extremely comfortable, both 1983 and 2023 editions. Thanks to its anatomical design the watch becomes part of the wearer.
The Rado Anatom was the first watch to feature a shaped sapphire crystal glass. This cylindrical shape has also been used for the current Rado Anatom. Learning to shape sapphire crystal is a Rado innovation. Now many brands have a design that features a shaped sapphire crystal. Where Rado leads others follow.
The shape and style of the Rado Centrix make this a watch to desire. The tapered lightweight bracelet gently embraces the wrist, offering exquisite comfort as well as uncompromising luxury and sophistication. Classic.
The first Rado dome-shaped sapphire crystal
The first Rado watch made using white high-tech ceramic
New design with curved edge-to-edge metallised sapphire crystal for an open view
Revised design with soft radius to edge of the metalised sapphire crystal”
The full collection along with the pictograms showing their features can be found in the General Collection Book
The sapphire crystal
The outstanding anchor
Movement calibre R583 (S) / R763 (M + L)
Case back
Movement
PreciDrive is a quartz movement that can achieve a precision which can pass the COSC chronometer certification, provided the watch is not exposed to impacts, and kept at a temperature of between 20°C and 30°C. This precision of ± 10 seconds per year can be achieved thanks to the thermo-compensation operating principle, which controls and regulates the motor pulses according to changes in the ambient temperature. By virtue of combining the quartz and integrated circuit in the same waterproof case, the precision is insensitive to moisture.
HeavyDrive technology provides an anti-shock system. The movement’s new on-board electronics detect and then manage the shock, while the motor generates a counter pulse to lock the hand in its position during the shock. This intelligent shock management prompts the motor to react in a fraction of a second if a certain shock threshold is exceeded. The energy used to counter this force remains minimal, and the movement’s autonomy is thus preserved.
Neither Nivachron™ hairspring nor 5-position testing
New movement with antimagnetic Nivachron™ hairspring offers increased reliability and accuracy.
It exceeds standard test requirements from 3 to 5 positions for higher accuracy.
S-size: 28 mm
L-size: 38 mm
Perfect to pair up as couple's watch:
S-size: 30.5 mm
M-size: 35 mm
L-size: 39.5 mm
Marking crowded the case back, incl. presence of reference number
Marking reduced to the minimum; reference number is removed
Interactive caption: Click on the numbers to view the captions
REMEMBER
All automatic models of the revised 2023 Rado Centrix feature a movement with an anti‑magnetic Nivachron™ hairspring for enhanced reliability and tested in five positions for enhanced accuracy as well as a sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating on both faces.
A revolution in the watchmaking industry, it fuses the purity of graphic linearity with the finesse of high technology, seamlessly integrating a metallised sapphire crystal, case and bracelet within its parallel lines. Recently redesigned, the updated Integral collection remains true to the pioneering original. Groundbreaking.
The first Rado watch to use high-tech ceramic
New look Integral launched
Updated style with wide open dial
New design with ceramic elements on the side
Revised design with clearer, easy to read dial
| PRODUCT FOCUS |
Rado classics, icons, curved edge-to-edge metallised crystal is affixed invisibly |
| MATERIALS |
Stainless steel with inserts in high-tech ceramic or in PVD coated stainless steel. Bracelet in high-tech ceramic middle links with stainless steel or PVD coated stainless steel edges |
| KEY FEATURES |
Revolutionary, purity of graphic linearity, timeless beauty, ultimate wearer comfort |
| TARGET GROUP |
Traditional and loyal Rado customer but younger style |
| PRICE RANGE |
CHF 1,800 – CHF 4,200 |
that Integral was the first Rado watch to use high-tech ceramic for the bracelet links in 1986?
The full collection along with the pictograms showing their features can be found in the General Collection Book
The full collection along with the pictograms showing their features can be found in the General Collection Book
Edge to edge bevelled and metallised sapphire crystal
Sophisticated lug design
Premium, fully flexible 7-link stainless steel bracelet
Slim profile
Always talk about wearer comfort, durability and quality when selling Rado. The Rado Florence Automatic allows you to talk about all three.
Inspired by Rado watches from the 1960s, the Rado Coupole brings back vintage design with a modern twist. Made in stainless steel with sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both faces.
A Rado classic from the 1960s
Vintage design with a modern twist
The full collection along with the pictograms showing their features can be found in the General Collection Book
