Rado Watches are a Swiss brand that optimises the intertwining of innovative design with beauty. As a result, they are regarded as pioneers, gaining recognition in international design competitions.
The Origins of Rado
In 1917 in the village of Lengnau, Switzerland, brothers Fritz, Ernst and Werner Schlup made the decision to become mechanical watchmakers and began a company called Schlup & Co. Eleven years later, their company was renamed to the now well-known title Rado. According to legend, the word 'rado' in the artificial language Esperanto translates to 'wheel', referring to the main components of the mechanical watches.
Rado's Pioneering Achievements
Rado's motto ‘If we can imagine it, we can make it. And if we can make it, we will.’ reflects the companies strong and successful ambitions. As a brand, Rado has achieved many impressive achievements, from inventing new materials to creating bold new designs. In 1962, they created the first ever scratch-proof watch and titled it the DiaStar, which offered customers a timepiece that was timeless, beautiful and durable. In the same year, they released their first ever water-proof diving watch with its signature which was a pivoting anchor that indicated when the watch needed to be serviced. Thereafter, the anchor symbol became Rado's logo.
However, it was in the 80's when Rado truly became the masters of materials that they are known for being now. Rado created a watch that was said to mould itself to the wrist providing optimum comfort. Additionally, in 1986, they initiated the use of scratch-resistant high-tech ceramic.
Fast forward to 2002 when Rado achieved record breaking new achievements. The Swiss company revealed a new watch that was crafted using nanotechnology in order to create a timepiece that was literally as hard as diamonds. Their exciting new invention achieved an unfathomable strength of 10,000 Vickers, and entered the Guinness World Records as the world's hardest watch.
Rado as an International Brand
Rado is an avant-garde brand, not just because of their innovative design achievements, but also in the world of branding. They were one of the first international brands to display advertising on the streets of China and to broadcast on their national TV. Additionally, in South Korea, Rado supplied over 1,500 clocks barring their logo to the Seoul subway lines. In the 80's, Rado entered into the worlds of tennis and art by installing its clocks at the Swiss Open in Gstaad, and inviting artists to include their watches into their works. Consequently, the most famous artwork created was by the infamous Pop artist, Andy Warhol.
Rado at Auction
In our upcoming Watches and Watch Accessories Auction, a selection of Rado watches will be going under the hammer.
Watches & Watch Accessories | Friday 29th November 2024
Viewing times (ID required):
Birmingham
Thursday 28th November 10:00-16:00
Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know to buy with confidence. Find out more here.
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