History & Brand

Rado brand statement

05 May 2016

Rado, a globally recognised Swiss watch brand that traces its roots to 1917, is famous for its innovative design and visionary use of revolutionary materials to create some of the world’s most durable watches. Ever since its beginnings in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado has had a pioneering spirit, with the brand philosophy “if we can imagine it, we can make it” still holding true today.

History of Rado

05 May 2016

The Schlup & Co. watchmaking factory was founded by three brothers in Lengnau, Switzerland, in 1917. Their humble atelier was the birthplace of the company that would later become the global design-driven watch brand Rado. Learn more about Rado's storied history, spanning nearly one hundred years of innovation.

Milestone timeline

Rado's Milestones

02 June 2016

From day one, Rado has turned visions into concrete realities. From high-tech diamond to high-tech ceramic, Rado has gone from one breakthrough to the next. We’re proud of our heritage of innovation, which has continually introduced the unexpected into Swiss watchmaking. A chronological overview of our most important milestones. This overview originally appeared in True Design#1, the official Rado magazine.

Milestone watches

Rado colour innovations

Rado’s innovative high-tech ceramic colour palette now spans seven colours.

Rado Ceramic Touch Innovations

These two Rado timepieces perfectly captured both the technology and the zeitgeist of the era.

2012: HYPERCHROME

The HyperChrome’s distinctive ceramic injected monobloc case builds on the technology developed for the Thinline in 2011.

2011: TRUE THINLINE

The True Thinline is a contemporary take on the classic watch, featuring minimalism in volume and weight.

2011: D-STAR

The D-Star is an updated version of the legendary DiaStar 1. The design adheres to tradition without appearing old-fashioned.

2009: R5.5

The r5.5 is the stunning collection created by renowned British designer Jasper Morrison. The name is taken from the 5.5 mm corner radii of the case.

2002: V10K

The V10K is the result of Rado’s quest to produce the ultimate scratch-resistant watch.

1993: SINTRA

The Sintra was the first Rado model to use a titanium carbide based composite, an advanced form of hardmetal that is much more lightweight.

1990: CERAMICA

The Ceramica embodies most consistently the minimalistic style that would become such an important element of the Rado design philosophy.

1986: INTEGRAL

The Integral marks Rado’s first foray into the use of high-tech ceramic.

1962: DIASTAR 1 (THE ORIGINAL)

The DiaStar 1 is Rado’s very first scratch-resistant watch. Even after years of use, it will still look as brilliant as the day you first brought it home.

1958: GREEN HORSE

One of the first models to appear under the Rado brand name, the Green Horse was marketed on its water-resistance when it was introduced.