Rado
Bettlach, Switzerland · Est. 1917
Founded by Fritz Schlup, Ernst Schlup, Werner Schlup
Rado was founded in Lengnau in 1917 and pioneered the use of advanced materials in watchmaking, introducing the world's first scratchproof watch — the Diastar — in 1962 with a hardmetal case. Now part of the Swatch Group, Rado remains a leader in ceramic and high-tech material watchmaking, known for its bold, design-led aesthetic.
- Founded
- 1917
- Headquarters
- Bettlach, Switzerland
- Group
- Swatch Group
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- DiaStar — Launched in 1962, the world's first scratchproof watch, using hardmetal (tungsten carbide) — the collection that defined Rado's identity as a materials innovator.
- True — Monobloc high-tech ceramic cases with minimalist dials, embodying Rado's design-forward philosophy and its mastery of advanced ceramic materials.
- Captain Cook — A reissued vintage diver from the 1960s, combining Rado's ceramic expertise with a sportier, heritage-inspired aesthetic.
- Centrix — Slim, elegant everyday watches in high-tech ceramic and steel, designed as refined daily wearers with ceramic comfort and scratch resistance.
Timeline
- 1917 — Brothers Fritz, Ernst, and Werner Schlup found the Schlup & Co. watch movement factory in Lengnau, Switzerland.
- 1957 — The company rebrands as Rado, chosen for its universal pronunciation and memorability.
- 1962 — Rado launches the DiaStar — the world's first scratchproof watch, using hardmetal (tungsten carbide) for the case.
- 1986 — Introduces high-tech ceramic into watchmaking, becoming the first brand to produce ceramic watch cases at scale.
- 1998 — Rado joins the Swatch Group, gaining access to shared R&D while maintaining its materials-first identity.
- 2020 — Launches the Captain Cook line revival, tapping into the vintage reissue trend with a modern 42mm automatic diver at competitive pricing.
- 2025 — Continues as Swatch Group's materials innovation brand, known for high-tech ceramic and sapphire cases across the True, DiaStar, and Captain Cook collections.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rado
- Why is Rado known for ceramic watches?
- Rado pioneered high-tech ceramic in watchmaking from 1986 and has since become the undisputed leader in ceramic case technology — lightweight, scratchproof, and hypoallergenic.
- Is Rado part of Swatch Group?
- Yes. Rado has been a member of the Swatch Group since 1998, alongside brands like Omega, Longines, and Tissot.