Ask Our Watch Expert: Rado Timepieces

5 APRIL 2023 | SCOTT GIBSON - ERNEST JONES WATCH SPECIALIST

In the world of watches, it’s often an easy shorthand to talk of one watch looking like another. Once you get into the details this falls apart, but from a distance some watches can look quite similar. There is one brand however where it is almost impossible to say it looks like another brand. Rado. 

Rado have made a name for itself by making watches that have an almost completely unique style to them, whether that be achieved by using interesting shapes, colours or high-tech materials. This makes them an instantly recognisable watch brand, without even having to read the name on the dial. Rado is a trendsetting brand, with more and more brands following suit in its use of more exotic materials, especially Ceramic. It’s use of scratch resistant Ceramics that make Rado what it is today, standing out on the wrist or in a window display.  

Its mastery of materials and its watchmaking vision, with innovative new materials, colours, and mechanics are a staple of any new release. Its current range of timepieces not only celebrates its watchmaking past but also looks towards the future. Its recent releases fit into that vision, showcasing Rado’s past and present but also giving hints towards the future that we can expect to see in the years to come.  

Oh Captain, my Captain

Rado are not averse to drawing inspiration from their past, with reissues and reinterpretations of classic models as a staple of its line-up. Of these, none have had quite the lasting impact of the Captain Cook collection. Originally launched in 1962, the watch is named after the legendary explorer Captain James Cook and was Rado’s first true diver’s watch. When Rado relaunched the collection in 2017, it could never have predicted just how important this blast from the past would be.

After the success of the vintage inspired models, Rado looked to add some modernity to the collection. What better way to do this than by sprinkling on some of the famous high tech materials Rado are famous for? Enter the Ceramic Captain Cook. A perfect blend of Rado’s past and present. Both the case and bracelet are entirely crafted from ceramic, with the grey ceramic coming with a deep blue dial and bezel while the black ceramic option comes with a matching black dial and bezel, with highly polished steel accents that catch the light to add an extra bit of glamour to proceedings. Even with all these modern touches, the vintage origins of the Captain Cook still shine through, from bigger details such as the unmistakable shape of the case and bezel down to the famous Rado anchor, set onto the red jewel on the dial (ensuring the heritage of the family still shines through).

What about doing something a little bit different? Changing up the Captain Cook blueprint just a little? Even in its ceramic guises, the watch has always retained a classic diver’s watch appearance, with a clean three handed dial. The addition then of a chronograph, with extra sun dials and timing hands, adds a whole new dimension to the Captain Cook. The watches' DNA is definitely still there, the dished Bezel an obvious reminder, but the extra hands and pushers on the side of the case make this a completely different beast. The chronographs are available in a Steel case, with either a Sunburst Black or Blue dial and matching bezel, or as a blue dial with a bronze case that will patina and grow with its owner over time.

It’s not just the chronographs that set these models apart though, as there are a couple of extra party pieces to wow with. First of these is the newly sapphire case back, showcasing the new for this watch R801 calibre movement. Boasting an impressive 59-hour power reserve, as well as an antimagnetic nivachron balance spring to improve durability. The second is a set of complimentary straps, all with easy-to-use quick release systems to easy switching, allowing the wearer to change things up for every occasion. The steel bracelet models get a leather and NATO included, while the Bronze comes on a NATO as standard but has a different colour fabric strap in the box as well as the leather. 

Cool to be Square

Square watches can at times be a bit of an unusual sight. We are so used to the round cases that anything a bit different can be a bit uncanny. Not the Rado True Square. It just looks right. Maybe this is down to Rado’s plentiful history of more angular timepieces, such as the game-changing Integral, or the way that the finish of the ceramic just softens everything. Whatever it is, there is no doubting that the True Square is a very cool looking watch. 

The diamond lovers out there will instantly fall for the True Square Diamond range. With the sleek black dials complimented by either 4 diamonds at the cardinal points of the dial, or 12 diamonds flanking the whole dial, with three along each edge to mark the hours. The minimalist dial ensures that the diamonds are kept as the centre of attention, the black ceramic and dial providing the perfect back drop for the diamonds to steal the show. Available in two sizes, a 29mm quartz with 4 diamonds, plus both a 4 stone and 12 stone dial in a 38mm case with an Automatic movement, these make the perfect his and hers companion timepieces.

If diamonds aren’t for you though, the True Square has another trick up it’s sleeve. Swapping out the minimalist dial for one that is intricately shaped and cut out - to perfectly reveal beneath the watches beating heart. Shaped to frame the most important parts of the movement, such as the balance wheel, anyone with even a passing interest in watchmaking nous will love the skeletonised dials. Again, the sleek black ceramic case and bracelet are an option here, but the real standout is the stark white option. With either diamonds or no diamonds an option, the contrast between the gilted hands and the white makes an already standout watch even more of an attention grabber on the wrist.

The Romance of Florence

Another collection that has stood the test of time for Rado is the Florence. Distinctively ‘Rado’ in its design, with a sapphire glass that stretches the whole width of the case and a bracelet that connects in a way that doesn’t disrupt the flow of the case. The Florence has been a staple of the range for many years, and it was no surprise when an updated model was announced. While the overall look stays true to what made the Florence so popular to begin with, the update brought refinements to the package that improve it on every level.

The new Florence features a softer, more rounded case and bracelet edge that modernises the watches appearance. The steel construction of the case and bracelet comes in a variety of colour combinations, with Gold and Rose Gold plating available for the centre links and the dial surround. Like the True Square, the Florence comes with options of four or twelve diamonds on the dial, with the Jubilé inscription on the dial denoting this as being a watch fitted with Diamonds. Also like the True Square, the Florence comes in two different sizes, 30mm and a larger 38mm, meaning there is something for everyone in this collection.

Hyperchrome, with a helping of Diamonds

If the Captain Cook is evocative of Rado’s past, the Hyperchrome collection is symbolic of what’s to come. With its futuristic looks, thanks to its super smooth ceramic finishing, sleek dials and top spec movements to boot, even the name Hyperchrome seems to scream that it’s from the future. So how do you make such an eye-catching watch even more eye-catching? Add diamonds. Of course.

The new Hyperchrome diamond models feature 12 diamonds instead of hour markers on the dial. Like previous Hyperchrome models, the Diamond versions come in a variety of colours, both for the Ceramic and case details as well as the dials, which on certain versions feature striking patterns that resemble ocean waves. The 36mm case offers a perfect size, big enough to offer presence on the wrist, but still slimline so that it can retain a more feminine feel. This size also allows for an automatic movement to be fitted, with the elegant sweep of the second hand over the dial perfectly complimenting what seems sure to become a timeless classic.

Hyperchrome, with a helping of Diamonds

If the Captain Cook is evocative of Rado’s past, the Hyperchrome collection is symbolic of what’s to come. With its futuristic looks, thanks to its super smooth ceramic finishing, sleek dials and top spec movements to boot, even the name Hyperchrome seems to scream that it’s from the future. So how do you make such an eye-catching watch even more eye-catching? Add diamonds. Of course.

The new Hyperchrome diamond models feature 12 diamonds instead of hour markers on the dial. Like previous Hyperchrome models, the Diamond versions come in a variety of colours, both for the Ceramic and case details as well as the dials, which on certain versions feature striking patterns that resemble ocean waves. The 36mm case offers a perfect size, big enough to offer presence on the wrist, but still slimline so that it can retain a more feminine feel. This size also allows for an automatic movement to be fitted, with the elegant sweep of the second hand over the dial perfectly complimenting what seems sure to become a timeless classic.

Master of Materials

Rado proudly advertises as the Master of Materials, and it is easy to see why. Even when looking at just a small snapshot of their range. Its use of ceramicz and the strides they have made with more common watch materials like sapphire crystals makes them stand out as a watchmaker. All of that would be for nothing though if the mechanics inside did not meet those same standards. Which thanks to innovations such as the Nivachron balance in the R801 movement, they do with aplomb.

All of this adds up to a watch company that simply cannot be ignored. The blend of past, present and future in all of their watches creates a very definitive sense of Rado the watchmaker. With such a distinctive appearance, Rado are sure to make a watch that is as unique as its wearer.

Rado Boutique

The first Rado boutique in the UK has officially opened. It’s at the Merry Hill shopping centre in Brierley Hill. A brand known in the world of watches for its innovation, technological advancements and use of high-quality materials including diamonds, ceramic, stainless steel and sapphire crystal.
The Rado boutique in Merry Hill will offer a wide array of both men’s and women’s timepieces.

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