Every watch brand has a history, but few tell a story as seamlessly woven with innovation as Rado Watches. From humble beginnings in a small Swiss town to becoming a global name associated with durability and design, Rado’s timeline is a journey worth exploring.
This chronicle does not simply list achievements—it shows how each era shaped the watches that continue to adorn wrists across the world today.
1910s: The Foundation
In 1917, in Lengnau, Switzerland, three brothers—Fritz, Ernst, and Werner Schlup—opened a small watch movement factory. Named Schlup & Co., the workshop was modest but ambitious. Their goal was not immediate fame but steady craftsmanship.
Unbeknownst to them, this small venture would lay the groundwork for a watchmaking brand that would one day redefine materials and design.
1950s: The Birth of Rado
Four decades later, Schlup & Co. evolved into Rado, officially launched in 1957. The post-war world was eager for innovation and style. Rado entered this era not just as another Swiss brand but as a company determined to distinguish itself.
The first Rado collections carried sleek designs that resonated with a modern audience. Swiss precision was present, but so was a spirit of experimentation—a trait that would soon define the brand.
1960s: Scratch-Resistant Revolution
The 1960s were transformative. In 1962, Rado introduced the DiaStar 1, the world’s first truly scratch-resistant watch.
At a time when luxury often meant delicate materials, Rado went against convention. By using hardmetal and sapphire crystal, they ensured that the watch would resist the wear and tear of daily life. The DiaStar’s bold oval shape and futuristic aesthetic made it instantly recognizable.
This decade positioned Rado not just as a watchmaker but as a pioneer in material innovation.
1970s: Embracing Modernity
The 1970s brought cultural shifts—bold fashion, daring architecture, and a taste for futurism. Rado responded with models that emphasized modern design while keeping its hallmark durability.
The DiaStar became a global success. Owning one was not just about telling time—it was a statement of resilience. In many households, a Rado gifted during this decade became a lifelong possession, passed through generations.
1980s: The Rise of Ceramics
As technology advanced, Rado embraced high-tech ceramics—a material rarely used in watchmaking at the time. Light, durable, and hypoallergenic, ceramic would become a signature of the brand.
This innovation changed not just Rado’s identity but the industry itself. Watches no longer had to be heavy or prone to scratches. They could be elegant and enduring at once.
1990s: Plasma and Transformation
The 1990s saw Rado refining its ceramic expertise. The brand introduced plasma high-tech ceramic, a material created by exposing white ceramic to gases at extreme temperatures. The result was a unique metallic shine without the use of metal.
This was not only a technical achievement but also a metaphor—showing how transformation could create beauty. Rado watches became symbols of modern elegance, recognized worldwide.
2000s: Minimalism and Design Awards
The new millennium emphasized minimalism and global aesthetics. Rado responded with designs that embraced simplicity while highlighting advanced materials.
Collections such as the True Thinline and Integral showcased ultra-slim profiles and seamless construction. The brand began winning prestigious design awards, cementing its place not only in horology but also in the world of contemporary design.
2010s: The Revival of Heritage
The 2010s marked a period of reflection. While innovation continued, Rado also revisited its roots. The Captain Cook collection, inspired by a 1960s diver’s watch, was reintroduced with modern upgrades.
This blend of heritage and technology appealed to both nostalgic collectors and new generations. Rado showed that history and progress could coexist on the same dial.
2020s: Sustainability and Beyond
Today, Rado continues its pursuit of durability but with added focus on sustainability. Long-lasting materials, timeless designs, and responsible practices align with a global shift toward conscious living.
The brand remains committed to being more than a watchmaker—it is a custodian of time and endurance.
Collections That Define Eras
Looking back, each Rado collection connects to a decade of innovation:
DiaStar Original (1960s): A symbol of scratch resistance.
Integral (1980s): Ceramic meets modern form.
True Thinline (2000s): Ultra-slim minimalism.
Captain Cook (2010s): Heritage reimagined.
HyperChrome (2010s–present): Versatile modern identity.
Each line reflects not just design but the values of its era.
Why History Matters
To understand Rado is to understand its timeline. Unlike brands that simply release seasonal designs, Rado has built its identity step by step, decade by decade. Its story is one of consistency, courage, and a willingness to redefine what a watch can be.
The watch on your wrist today may look sleek and modern, but its essence is shaped by more than a century of decisions, risks, and achievements.
Conclusion
The journey of Rado Watches is a story of endurance—both of materials and of vision. From a small Swiss workshop to global recognition, from hardmetal to high-tech ceramics, Rado has always stayed true to its belief: watches should not only measure time but withstand it.
To wear a Rado is to wear a piece of history. It is to carry with you not just hours and minutes, but decades of innovation, design, and human ingenuity.