Rado: The Art of Watchmaking in High-Tech Ceramic

The Swiss brand Rado, renowned for its bold innovation and precision in watchmaking, stands today as an emblem of excellence in the use of cutting-edge materials. Since its origins in 1917, when it was founded as Schlup & Co., Rado has maintained an innovative spirit that has positioned it as a pioneer in luxury watch design and development. The brand’s philosophy, reflected in its iconic motto, “If we can imagine it, we can make it. And if we can make it, we will,” is manifested in its relentless drive to push the boundaries of technology and aesthetics.

Rado revolutionized the watchmaking industry in 1962 with the launch of the DiaStar 1 model, the first scratch-resistant watch, featuring an ultra-durable tungsten carbide case complemented by a sapphire crystal. This marked a significant shift in the concept of durability. However, it was in 1986 that Rado took a decisive step towards creating watches with truly unique materiality by introducing high-tech ceramic—a material that offers lightweight durability and a virtually unalterable appearance. This innovative material, five times harder than stainless steel, resists wear and tear, is hypoallergenic, and adapts instantly to skin temperature, offering an unparalleled wearing experience.

Rado’s high-tech ceramic, primarily made from zirconium oxide, results from a sophisticated chemical process that transforms metallic compounds into an extraordinarily durable and aesthetically appealing material. Initially limited to monochromatic designs, Rado has since developed advanced coloring techniques, achieving a range of hues from classic dark shades to vibrant pastel colors as seen in the Le Corbusier collection. This ceramic is created by high-pressure injection of mineral powders mixed with a plastic agent into precise molds. After a sintering process at temperatures of up to 1,450°C, the components achieve their final density and color, ready to be polished to a shiny or matte finish. A visit to Rado’s Swiss facility in Comadur could be likened to a tour of high-tech installations like NASA, given the level of precision and quality control involved at every stage of the process.

Rado’s innovation doesn’t stop with ceramic. In its continuous quest for perfection, the brand developed Ceramos, a composite material combining the hardness of ceramic with the brilliance of a metal alloy. Initially created for the Sintra line in 1993, Ceramos is a lightweight, extremely resistant material with a unique luminosity. This titanium carbide alloy, containing 90% of this element, allows for metallic tones like gold, giving the pieces a warm and sophisticated appearance. Ceramos’ flexibility allows Rado to explore a rich palette of metallic colors without sacrificing durability.

One of the most recent jewels in Rado’s crown of innovation is high-tech plasma ceramic—a treatment process that gives ceramic a metallic appearance without the need for metal additives. This process occurs in a plasma reactor reaching temperatures above 20,000°C, resulting in a lustrous, sophisticated look unparalleled in the industry.

Among the iconic models that exemplify this mastery are the Rado True Square Open Heart, with a square high-tech ceramic case and an open-heart dial design decorated with exceptional quality diamonds. This model is lightweight, scratch-resistant, and offers a refined, modern aesthetic, in addition to an 80-hour power reserve that ensures high-performance functionality.

The Rado True Square Skeleton is a recent addition to the True Square line, featuring a skeletonized movement and a dial decorated with a “Côtes de Genève” motif. Equipped with a Nivachron hairspring, this watch combines precision and resilience, while its plasma ceramic structure lends it an innovative, avant-garde look.

Lastly, the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Diver, a high-tech diving watch, features a plasma ceramic monobloc case with a polished stainless steel rotating bezel. With water resistance of up to 300 meters and a high-precision automatic movement, this model is a testament to Rado’s versatility in design and functionality, offering a durable piece with captivating style.

Each of these watches represents the essence of the brand and its ability to push ceramic and other materials to their full potential, creating luxury pieces that transcend mere functionality. Rado continues to be a beacon of innovation in the world of high-end watchmaking, with each piece designed to be an investment in style and durability.

To learn more about these models and explore the full collection, we invite you to visit Rado’s official website at www.rado.com, where you can discover all the details, availability, and more about the evolution of this iconic Swiss brand.

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