Rado is the Swiss brand of materials: it was a pioneer of scratch-resistant watches and is best known today for high-tech ceramic cases and bracelets. It also offers some of the best value in Swiss automatic watches. We have 163 Rado watches in stock, from $855 to $4,160.
A short history
Rado's roots go back to 1917 in Lengnau, near Biel, where the Schlup brothers made movements. The Rado name has been used since the 1950s. In 1962 Rado launched the DiaStar, presented as the first scratch-resistant watch, with a case in hard metal. In the 1980s it began working with high-tech ceramic, which is light, hypoallergenic and very hard to scratch; the Integral of 1986 was an early ceramic bracelet watch. Rado is part of the Swatch Group.
The collections
Captain Cook. A 1962 dive watch revived in 2017: domed crystal, rotating bezel and vintage proportions, now in steel, bronze and ceramic. In stock: 43, from $1,570.
True. Rado's everyday ceramic watch, in round cases, including True Square and open-heart versions. In stock: 58, from $1,115.
Centrix. A dressier, slim design mixing ceramic and steel, popular as a ladies' and men's watch. In stock: 20.
DiaStar Original. The descendant of the 1962 original, with its faceted crystal. In stock: 9.
HyperChrome and Integral. Sporty ceramic chronographs and the rectangular integrated ceramic bracelet. In stock: 9 HyperChrome and 6 Integral.
What Rado costs
Our Rado watches run from $855 to $4,160, with a median of $1,740. That makes Rado one of the most affordable Swiss brands with its own distinctive materials.
What high-tech ceramic means for you
- Scratch resistance. Ceramic is far harder than steel and keeps its shine for years.
- Light and comfortable. It is lighter than steel and warms quickly to body temperature.
- Hypoallergenic. A good choice for people sensitive to metal.
- Fragile under impact. Ceramic does not dent, but a hard knock on tiles or stone can chip or crack it.
What to check before you buy
- The bracelet size. Ceramic links are sized like steel ones; ask how many spare links are included.
- Chips. On a pre-owned ceramic watch, look closely at bracelet edges and the bezel.
- Movement. Many Rados are automatic with long power reserves; some are quartz. The listing states which.
- See also our pre-owned checklist.
Rado or another affordable Swiss watch?
Rado sits alongside Tissot, Longines and Hamilton in the Swatch Group, but with its own materials. Compare in our Tissot PRX guide, Longines guide and best luxury watches under $3,000.
Frequently asked questions
Are Rado watches scratch-resistant?
Rado's high-tech ceramic and its hard-metal cases are far more scratch-resistant than steel. Ceramic can chip if knocked hard.
Is Rado a luxury brand?
Rado is a Swiss mid-range brand in the Swatch Group, known for its materials and design. It is less expensive than most luxury brands.
What is the Rado Captain Cook?
A dive watch first made in 1962 and relaunched in 2017, now one of Rado's best sellers. We have 43 in stock.
How much is a Rado watch?
Our Rado watches start at $855.
