The History of Rado Watch Company: A Journey of Innovation and Style

Rado Watch Company, a name synonymous with innovation, precision, and elegance, has been a cornerstone in the world of watchmaking for over a century. From its humble beginnings in Switzerland to becoming a global leader in luxury watches, Rado has continuously pushed the boundaries of design and technology. This article explores the fascinating history of Rado, highlighting its major milestones, innovations, and contributions to the watch industry.

1. Early Beginnings: The Birth of a Watchmaking Legacy

The story of Rado begins in 1917 in the small Swiss town of Lengnau. Originally known as Schlup & Co., the company was founded by brothers Fritz, Ernst, and Werner Schlup. Their initial focus was on producing watch movements for other brands. The Swiss watch industry was booming, and Schlup & Co. quickly gained a reputation for their high-quality craftsmanship.

Table: Key Events in Rado's Early History

Year	Event
1917	Schlup & Co. founded in Lengnau, Switzerland
1937	The company started producing complete watches under the brand name Rado

2. The Birth of the Rado Brand: 1950s

In 1957, 40 years after its inception, Schlup & Co. made a pivotal decision that would change its trajectory forever. The company introduced the Rado brand, marking its entry into the global watch market. The first collection under the Rado name was the Green Horse, a line that was not only elegant but also water-resistant—a significant innovation at the time.

3. Breaking New Ground: The World's First Scratch-Resistant Watch

In 1962, Rado achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the launch of the Rado DiaStar. Marketed as "the world's first scratch-resistant watch," the DiaStar was crafted from a combination of hard metals and sapphire crystal. This innovation was a game-changer, establishing Rado as a leader in materials technology and setting a new standard for durability in watches.

4. The Golden Era of Rado: 1970s to 1990s

During the 1970s and 1980s, Rado continued to innovate with its use of high-tech materials. The company experimented with metals such as tungsten carbide and ceramics, pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved in watch design.

By the 1990s, Rado had firmly established itself as a pioneer in the use of ceramics, introducing the Rado Ceramica in 1990. This was one of the first watches to be made entirely from ceramic, a material that is not only scratch-resistant but also lightweight and hypoallergenic. The Ceramica was a hit, known for its sleek, minimalist design and innovative material.

5. Design Excellence: Collaboration and Awards

Rado's commitment to design excellence has been evident through its numerous collaborations with renowned designers and architects. The company has partnered with notable figures like Jasper Morrison and Konstantin Grcic, leading to the creation of unique, limited-edition timepieces.

These collaborations have earned Rado multiple awards over the years. For instance, the Rado True Thinline collection, known for its ultra-thin design and high-tech ceramic construction, won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award.

6. 21st Century Innovations: The Tradition Continues

As the 21st century unfolds, Rado continues to innovate, embracing new technologies and materials. In 2011, the company introduced the Rado True Thinline, the world’s thinnest high-tech ceramic watch. This collection is a testament to Rado’s ability to combine cutting-edge technology with timeless design.

More recently, Rado has ventured into the world of smartwatches with the introduction of its True Square collection. This series blends traditional Swiss craftsmanship with modern digital technology, offering a new dimension to the classic timepiece.

Table: Rado's Notable Watch Collections in the 21st Century

Year	Collection	Notable Features
1990	Rado Ceramica	First watch made entirely of ceramic
2011	Rado True Thinline	World’s thinnest high-tech ceramic watch
2020	Rado True Square	Fusion of classic design with smartwatch technology

7. Rado's Commitment to Sustainability

In recent years, Rado has also made significant strides in sustainability. The company is committed to reducing its environmental footprint by adopting eco-friendly practices in its manufacturing processes. This includes using sustainable materials, minimizing waste, and ensuring ethical sourcing of components.

8. Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation and Elegance

From its early days as a movement manufacturer to becoming a global leader in luxury watches, Rado has continually redefined the art of watchmaking. Its commitment to innovation, design excellence, and sustainability ensures that it remains at the forefront of the industry. As Rado looks to the future, it will undoubtedly continue to shape the world of horology with its bold vision and innovative spirit.