“If we can imagine it, we can make it. And if we can make it, we will do it.” With a motto as inspiring as this guiding its path, it’s no wonder Swiss watchmaker Rado has carved out an impeccable reputation as a trailblazing pioneer. Established in 1917 under the banner of Schlup & Co., Rado traces its roots to the enterprising vision of the Schlup brothers — Fritz, Ernst, and Werner.
Initially crafting their horological dreams within the confines of their parents’ home in the village of Lengnau, Switzerland, their watchmaking endeavour blossomed into one of the largest producers of watch movements in the world by the end of second World War. In the early 1960s, shortly after the then four-decades-old Schlup & Co. changed its name to Rado, the brand embarked on an audacious mission: to create a timepiece that would “outlast, outshine and outlive” every watch on the market.
In November 1961, Rado secured a patent for “hardmetal”, an alloy of tungsten carbide, to be used in making watch cases. Fast forward a few months to April 1962, the grand stage of the Basel Watch Fair witnessed the birth of the inaugural DiaStar — a watchmaking marvel at the time, touted as the “world’s first scratchproof watch”.
With its distinctive design, and the extraordinary combination of the lustrous hardmetal and a faceted sapphire crystal, the original DiaStar became quite a sensation. Not only did it help Rado establish a dedicated fan base across several generations to follow, but it also set the blueprint for the brand’s journey to becoming the “master of materials”, with its pioneering use of sapphire, high-tech Ceramic and Ceramos, the patented composite material being used in its latest watches.
Tradition and modernity
From the revolutionary original DiaStar to its latest innovation, the DiaStar Original Skeleton, launched in Dubai recently by the brand’s CEO Adrian Bosshard, Rado has continuously pushed boundaries, mastering the art of materials and craftsmanship over the decades.
Rado is not just a master of materials, but we also definitely have the competence to have the reputation as a master of movements too.
Speaking exclusively to Gulf News, Bosshard emphasises that Rado has retained the essence of the original DiaStar while embracing technological advancements. While last year’s 60th-anniversary models subtly modernised the iconic timepiece, the addition of a skeletonised version was driven by a desire to showcase the intricate beauty of the movement.
“Rado is not just a master of materials, but we also definitely have the competence to have the reputation as a master of movements too,” says Bosshard highlighting what prompted the release of a skeletonised variant of the DiaStar Original, which showcases the mastery of movement from both the dial and the caseback.
“Our aim is to show the beauty of the movement instead of hiding it because we see on a global scale that the end consumers have become more and more mature. Our customers like to see the movement and our ambition was really to underline that we have the competence and experience to make beautiful, premium movements,” he adds.
The new automatic R808 skeleton movement boasts an 80-hour power reserve, anti-magnetic features, and reliability tested in five positions, ensuring both function and aesthetics.
A step ahead
Despite the widespread adoption of ceramic materials across the industry, Bosshard asserts that Rado’s extensive experience and continuous innovation distinguish their ceramics. “When you have competence and many decades of experience, you are on a different level than the companies who have just started a couple of years ago,” says Bosshard, adding that it is the material’s unique strengths that have propelled its extensive use by several watch brands today.
“The reason other brands are also using ceramic now is because the material has unique strengths such as lightness, scratch resistance, and wear comfort,” says Bosshard, who sees this trend as an affirmation of Rado’s four-decade pursuit of ceramic and its dedication to mastering the potential of this material. “It shows that since close to 40 years since 1986, we are putting our focus on the right material,” he adds.
Bosshard believes the brand’s long-standing commitment to ceramics, seen in collections like Captain Cook, Centrix, and DiaStar, places it a step ahead of every other brand when it comes to ceramic innovation.
However, Rado does not intend to rest on its laurels and focuses on continuing to refine its mastery over materials. Bosshard says the essence of high-tech ceramic is in its perpetual refinement—its composition, quality, and spectrum of colours continually evolving. Rado’s patented Ceramos, a material akin to ceramic yet infused with subtle metal components, imparts a steel- or platinum-like appearance, as seen in the new DiaStar Original Skeleton.
“When we work with black, white, or coloured material, we work with high-tech ceramic, and when we want to have a platinum style or golden colour, we work with Ceramos,” says Bosshard.
Rado’s focus on constant development, engineering, and adding value to its products helps it stay relevant in an ever-evolving market while remaining true to its heritage and brand essence.
This is especially crucial in today’s dynamic luxury watch market shaped by technological strides and shifting consumer inclinations. Bosshard believes the current luxury timepiece landscape, where watch enthusiasts are increasingly informed and engaged through platforms like magazines and digital media, presents a distinct advantage to Rado.
“It’s a big advantage that the customers have become more mature because more mature customers see the real value behind the product. Our constant ambition is to bring additional value to the customers and mature customers who see the advantage of brands like Rado as we offer real value for their money.”
A legacy of sustainability
In an era of heightened sustainability consciousness, Rado takes a multi-faceted approach. While emphasising the brand’s commitment to sustainable production practices and materials Bosshard underlines that Rado watches, crafted for longevity and passed down through generations, embody the ultimate sustainability.
“Our commitment to sustainability is two-fold. Firstly, within our production centres, we prioritise sustainable practices. This dedication to eco-friendly operations stems from the vision of our group’s founder, Nicolas Hayek.
“He believed sustainable production forms the foundation for safeguarding our planet for the future, for our children and the future generations. Secondly, our dedication to sustainability extends to the very essence of our watches themselves. When we produce a Rado timepiece, we imagine a watch not just for one lifetime but for the next generations.”
Global with local tastes
Despite its global stature, Rado recognises the importance of catering to regional preferences, says Bosshard. The Middle East, renowned for its affinity for luxury, holds a key position in Rado’s market strategy. Bosshard highlights Rado’s significant market share in the UAE and India within its price segment, attributing this success to strategic distribution network development and a commitment to comprehensive after-sales service.
“Rado’s groundwork for customer service in the region, even before the first watch was sold, reflects the brand’s understanding that a watch is an investment for a lifetime,” says Bosshard.
While Rado is a global brand with designs that transcend borders, Bosshard acknowledges regional nuances, noting a specific fondness for gold tones, particularly yellow and rose gold, in the Middle East. Despite these regional variations, Rado’s global collections gain recognition across diverse markets for their universal appeal, emphasizing the brand’s craftsmanship and resilience.
Taking the vision forward
Rado’s journey of more than a century is a testament to the brand’s unwavering dedication to innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability. The Dia Star Original Skeleton stands as the ultimate expression of Rado’s mastery of materials and movement, and a suitably modernised testament to their enduring legacy in the world of horology. As the brand continues to forge ahead, it is clear that the philosophy and the enduring spirit of its founders are etched into every meticulous detail of Rado’s timeless creations.
As the ticking seconds merge with the forward march of innovation, Rado’s commitment to envisioning what’s beyond and bringing those visions to life continues, one impeccable timepiece at a time. In the hands of this Swiss watchmaker, the imagination is boundless, and the pursuit of excellence and mastery of materials is perpetual.
