Rado (watch)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rado is a Swiss manufacturer of watches, with headquarters in Lengnau, Switzerland. It is noted for its use of scratch-proof materials, a field in which it is considered a pioneer.[citation needed] Today the company produces about half a million watches a year with a staff of about 300 in total.
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[edit] History
Formed in 1917, Rado initially produced watch movements only. In 1957 the company launched its first collection of watches under the Rado brand. In 1962 the Rado Diastar Original, the world's first scratch-proof watch, was launched. It has been in production ever since.
In 1983 Rado became part of the SMH group which was renamed in 1998 as the Swatch Group.
[edit] Design
Rado differs from some of the more traditional Swiss watchmakers in that it often uses unconventional materials and designs. Rado has pioneered the use of a number materials unique to watchmaking, e.g. ceramics, lanthanum and sapphire crystal.
Other than the material, newer Rado watches also look very different from those from most other makers. Market reaction to this is generally mixed, with some preferring the look of the more traditional makers, and others appreciating the more distinct Rado look.
[edit] Pricing
Rado watches vary in pricing according to model, age and materials but generally a Rado will range from about US$400 to about US$28,000 for a watch made from the more precious materials.
[edit] Fakes
Like many watchmakers, Rado suffers from a high level of forgeries on the market. Owing to their distinct style, Rado watches are a major target and there are many counterfeit watches on sale, particularly on the internet. To combat this,[citation needed] the company has a small list of authorized retailers in the various countries where it operates and these companies are forbidden to sell Rado watches over the internet. The prices of these fakes are usually under $100 USD.
