Top 13 Best Rado Watches [List & Guide]

Top 13 Best Rado Watches [List & Guide]

Rado is a watch brand in a slightly higher segment than the most affordable watch brands. Rado’s watches are of higher quality and put emphasis on design and quality. What makes Rado stand out the most is probably Rado’s watch designs which experiment with different materials, but also dare to explore funky and unique designs.

In that sense, Rado is a very refreshing brand that dares to go its own route and has unique and different designs that stand out from the classic and perhaps a bit boring watch designs that many watch brands have.

At the same time, I think that Rado is an underrated watch brand that deserves more recognition in the watch market. Rado’s watches are more expensive than the most basic watches, but they still offer great value for money in my opinion, and we’ll look closer at why further on.

History of Rado Watches

Rado was founded in 1917 but under a different name than what you know it today. Rado was founded under the name Schlup &Co. It was founded by the brothers Fritz, Ernst, and Werner Schlup who started it in their parents’ home where they converted a part of the home into an atelier. By World War 2, Rado became one of the largest watch brands and producers of wristwatches.

During the 1950s, the company changed its name when it launched its now-iconic model ”Golden Horse”. The Rado Golden Horse became a historically important watch and its design has guided and affected Rado’s design language still to this very day.

In the 1960s, Rado released another historically important model, the Diastar. During this time, Rado started to experiment with materials, and this is a drive that guides Rado still to this very day. As a result of Rado’s interest in new materials, the company created sapphire glass and hard metal which resulted in the brand’s first scratch-resistant case. This is something that has continued to influence Rado over the course of history by introducing watches with many different new materials such as high-tech, scratch-resistant ceramic, cermet, a combination of metal and titanium-based ceramic, and plasma.

Following this, Rado continued to build its reputation of creating high-quality, robust, and durable timepieces with a special focus on new and unique materials.

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”Rado is a globally recognized brand, famous for innovative design and its use of revolutionary materials to create some of the world’s most beautiful and durable watches. Ever since its beginnings in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado has been a pioneer, with the brand philosophy “if we can imagine it, we can make it” still holding true today.”

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Best Rado watches

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Rado DiaStar Original Quartz R12391153

Now, first off, we have the iconic Rado Diastar which is the model we discussed earlier and has played an important role in the history of Rado. Of course, this is a more modern take on the Diastar, but it still has its iconic and distinct design. The history of this model is that in 1962, Rado revolutionized watchmaking with its scratch-resistant DiaStar.

What immediately stands out about this watch is its funky and distinct case shape with a rather unique design. It has a diameter of 35mm but a length of 43mm because of its, well, oval case shape with a polished finish. The watch appears rather large due to its case shape, but the dial is kept relatively small with a round shape. The watch is presented on a stainless steel bracelet.

The dial is kept rather simple and clean with a black background and pencil-style hands with a day and date window at 3 o’clock. What I particularly like about this watch is its applied ”nipple” hour markers which almost look like diamonds.

The watch is powered by a quartz movement and has a water resistance of 30m/100 feet.

Due to its unique design, it’s obvious that the Rado DiaStar certainly isn’t a watch for everyone. But if your looking for something different – a unique watch that stands out from the ordinary and classic round case designs, then this is a great choice.

Specifications

• Diameter: 35mm
• Length: 43mm
• Movement: Swiss quartz
• Water resistance: 30m/100 feet

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Rado Centrix Automatic R30953123

The Rado Centrix R30953123 is a watch that stays true to what Rado is known for, namely creating unique and distinct designs that are original and go their own route without constantly looking at competitors and what they are designing.

This watch has a clean, elegant, and refined look, but at the same time, a design that is distinct and original. The watch has a perfect balance between versatility and elegance which makes it suitable for everyday wear but also formal occasions. It has a rounded case design with a diameter of 38mm but also an integrated bracelet design that gives a sleek and seamless appearance. The case has a rose gold finish which gives it a luxurious look, and the bracelet combines metal with rose gold for a balance between classy and sporty. On top of the case, it has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and the case offers w water-resistance of 30m/100 feet – after all, this isn’t a dive watch.

An important reason why this watch is so popular and also a great value proposition is that the watch is powered by an automatic movement.

Last but not least, we have the dial, which Rado has done a great job with. Whilst it has a lot of details and is beautifully executed, it still appears clean and simple. The dial has applied rectangular hour markers with luminescence and rectangular hands with lime. The dial has a beige/silverish color with a nice and discreet raised pattern at the center. And if you look closer, you’ll actually notice that the pattern consists of Rado’s anchor logo. At 3 o’clock, you also have a date window with a rose gold metal frame.

Specifications

• Diameter: 38mm
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
• Movement: Swiss automatic

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Rado Diamaster R14076112 Automatic Ceramic

The Rado Diamaster R14076112 is a great choice for those who are looking for something more sporty and versatile that can be worn as an everyday watch and work great for casual occasions.

This watch is also a perfect example of Rado’s consistent strive for innovations. The watch has a 45mm Plasma Treated High-Tech Ceramic Case which not only gives it a cool, grey look, but is also resistant to heat and cold, extremely light, and of course extremely scotch-resistant. Overall, the watch gives a luxurious impression, and with its finishing and material choices, it really is.

The case has a classic round shape with straight lugs and a thin bezel which leaves lots of room for the dial. The watch is powered by a Swiss self-winding movement.

The unique case is paired with a beautiful matching grey dial with a nice brushed sunburst finish. Since this is also a chronograph, it has chronograph sub-dials well-balanced on the dial. The chronograph sub-dials have 60 seconds, 30 minutes, and 12-hour display. The dial has applied, pointy metal hour markers applied to the dial, and sleek pencil-shape hands. Positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock, it has a discreet date window integrated into the dial.

Since it is a sporty everyday watch, it needs decent water resistance, and this one has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet. For added sportiness, it is presented on a plasma high-tech ceramic bracelet with a deployment clasp. Overall, this is a masculine and a sporty timepiece that gives a taste of the innovation and unique materials that Rado is known for, has great quality and has a nice, versatile design.

Specifications

• Diameter: 45mm
• Movement: Swiss automatic
• Water resistance: 100m/330 feet

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Rado Integral L Jubile Ceramic R20204712

The Rado Integral L R20204712 is a dressy watch with a distinct design that perhaps isnät for everyone, but is perfect for those who want an elegant, sleek, and classic timepiece that stands out from the ordinary.

The watch has a rectangular case shape with an integrated bracelet design (hence its name). The case and bracelet are made of ceramic but have yellow gold-plated accents on the edges of the case and on the bracelet to give a nice contrast and an elegant balance between masculinity and classiness. Since this is a rectangular watch, it wears differently from a regular watch with a round case, but it has a diameter of 31mm. On top of the case, it has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Thanks to its case shape, integrated bracelet design, and lightweight thanks to the use of ceramic, the watch sits extremely comfortably on the wrist and will slide under a cuff without any issues. The bracelet is equipped with a double-fold over clasp.

The dial is extremely minimalistic and clean which goes very well with the dressy purpose of this watch. The dial is black and has small yellow-gold hands and small, discreet diamonds positioned at 3, 6, 9, and 12 for added elegance. Positioned at 6 o’clock, it also has a discreet date window.

It is powered by a quartz movement and has a water resistance of 50m/165 feet.

Specifications

• Movement: quartz
• Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Diameter: 31mm

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Rado R30929712 Centrix Jubile Gold

The Rado Centrix Jubilee R30929712 is an iconic and popular Rado watch with a distinct design. The watch has a rounded case shape with a beautifully integrated bracelet that seamlessly blends into the case shape. What stands out about the 38mm case is that it doesn’t have a bezel. Instead, the whole property of the case consists of the dial which immediately catches your attention. To protect the large property, it has a sapphire crystal on top.

The case (or at least the small portion of it, which is mostly the small lugs), is gold-plated. The bracelet on which it is presented has a gold-plating with black ceramic inserts for lightness, durability, and a distinct appearance. The bracelet is equipped with a deployment clasp.

This watch is all about minimalism and elegance and therefore has a very simple and clean dial. The background is black and the hands are gold-colored with a rounded rectangular shape. On the dial, there are also small diamonds at 3, 6, 9, and 12, for a subtle but elegant touch. At 3 o’clock, it has a date window.

The watch is powered by a quartz movement and the water resistance is 30m.

All in all, this watch is a good choice for those who want a stylish and elegant timepiece that has a discreet yet luxurious appearance with a minimalistic design. Whilst it will work best for formal occasions, it can also work well for everyday wear. It is perhaps not ideal for casual and sporty occasions since it isn’t built as a sports watch.

Specifications

• Diameter: 38mm
• Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
• Movement: quartz
• Crystal: Sapphire

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Rado Dress Watch R20845712

The Rado Integral R20845712 is a sport-chic watch with a classic, rectangular design but with a very luxurious and classy appearance. As its model name suggests, it has an integrated bracelet design that helps create a seamless and elegant look, and the watch uses Rado’s iconic combination of yellow gold and ceramic inserts for a striking look as well as practical benefits – both for scratch resistance and lightness.

The black ceramic goes exceptionally well together with the yellow gold and gives a toned-down appearance, but nonetheless a very striking appearance. I would call this minimalistic elegance or minimalistic luxury.

To go with the minimalistic design, the dial is kept clean with a black background and yellow gold hands with nothing more on the dial apart from small and subtle diamonds at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock.

The watch is powered by a quartz movement for functional versatility.

Whilst this watch could be worn for everyday wear, I would say that with its luxurious appearance, including the diamonds for added luxury, this is primarily a dress watch that is suitable for formal and elegant occasions. Regardless, just imagine this watch paired with a nice black suit. What a combination! Truly the epitome of understated class and luxury.

Specifications

• Movement: Swiss quartz

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Rado R30130152

This Rado R30130152 achieves a nice combination of sportiness and elegance, making it perfect for everyday wear and suitable for both formal and casual occasions.

The watch has a 40mm case with a round case shape and a thin bezel with small lugs that are meant to create a perfect integration for the bracelet. Speaking of the bracelet, it is made of stainless steel with a high gloss finish, combined with black ceramic inserts which both give lightness and great scratch resistance. The way Rado has designed the lugs of the case and the bracelet gives a very seamless and elegant appearance.

Because of the thin bezel, the watch is left with a large dial that is nicely balanced and refined. It is mostly black but has three large chronograph sub-dials and applied metal hour markers and hands. Positioned at 4 o’clock, it has a date window which can be convenient for everyday wear. 

Powering this watch is a quartz movement for accuracy and durability. The water resistance is 50m/165 feet.

All in all, this is a stylish everyday companion which can be worn through all of life’s events. It is elegant, but not too elegant to only work on formal occasions, and it is sporty, but not so sporty that it only works for casual occasions. 

Specifications

• Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
• Diameter: 40mm
• Movement: Swiss quartz

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Rado True Skeleton Automatic R27100112

The Rado True Skeleton R27100112 is a watch for the true watch enthusiast who wants a stylish and sleek watch combined with fine watchmaking. Not only is this watch beautifully designed with great quality and attention to detail, but it also has an important design aspect that makes it stand out, namely a skeleton design.

The watch has a 40mm case with a thickness of 14.4mm and is made of Black (high-tech) ceramic. The watch is presented with a matching integrated ceramic bracelet that seamlessly integrates into the case. The use of ceramic certainly stands out from regular stainless steel, and if you haven’t experienced a ceramic watch, it’s certainly something you should. Ceramics offers the benefit of being virtually scratch-proof, extremest light, giving a beautiful shiny finish, and does not become excessively warm or cold.

Now to the highlight of this watch which is the dial, or technically the movement. The watch has simple rectangular hands and hour markers filled with luminescence and has a large portion of the dial cutout which gives a good view of the automatic movement that powers it. This is a nice feature that reminds of the mechanical craftsmanship in this watch, and certainly, something that watch enthusiasts should enjoy. And to give an even better view of the movement, it also has a see-through case back, allowing you to view the movement from the back. On top of the case sits a sapphire crystal.

The watch also has a water resistance of 50m/165 feet.

Specifications

• Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Diameter: 40mm
• Thickness: 10.4mm

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Rado Captain Cook Swiss Automatic

The Captain Cook is one of Rado’s most popular watches, partly due to the great popularity of dive watches in general, but also because of its great quality and stylish design. Rado describes this watch in its own words in the following way:

”With vintage details and styling true to the original, and up-to-date features that make it a match for modern wearers, Captain Cook is a watch designed to stand the test of time.”

The watch has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42mm and a clear vintage-inspired case shape with a large crown without crown guards, a domed sapphire crystal, and a concave unidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic bezel insert. Vintage-inspired dive watches have become extremely popular in recent years for obvious reasons, and this one really stays true to the traditional designs of the original dive watches. The case has rectangular, squared-off lugs and combined brushed with polished elements.

The dial of this watch is clean and puts emphasis on legibility, as it should, with large markers and large watch hands filled with luminescence. 

One of the reasons why this watch is so popular, apart from its stylish design, is its Swiss automatic movement which has a power reserve of 80 hours. This is really impressive and is certainly up there and competes with much more expensive alternatives such as Tudor and Tag Heuer.

You really cannot go wrong with a classic dive watch, and it is a watch that everyone should have in their collection. This can be used for everyday wear but also handle harsh conditions. It is a great choice if you want something more premium and qualitative than the most affordable alternatives, but also not as expensive as the more premium alternatives. With that said, this watch offers great bang for the buck.

Specifications

• Diameter: 42mm
• Movement: Swiss automatic
• Power reserve: 80 hours

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Rado Centrix Open Heart Swiss Automatic R30178152

The Centrix R30178152 is another stylish skeleton watch from Rado with a similar design. But this one does not have a full ceramic case or bracelet.

This watch has a case size of 38mm, small lugs, and a virtually non-existent dial which leaves all the room for the dial (which is also the highlight of this watch). The watch has an integrated bracelet design made of steel combined with ceramic center links. On top, it has a sapphire crystal.

The watch has a dial that is mostly skeletonized which gives a good view of the movement inside. This is a nice detail that is particularly appreciated by watch enthusiasts and those who like fine watchmaking. The watch is also equipped with a great automatic movement that has a power reserve of 80 hours which is really great and much better than many other, more expensive watches.

Overall, this is a stylish everyday watch that works great for everyday wear, both formal and casual occasions. It is also a real conversation starter as it stands out with its design.

Specifications

• Diameter: 38mm
• Movement: Swiss automatic
• Power reserve: 80 hours
• Crystal: Sapphire

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Rado R15943123 D Star XL

The Rado D Star XL R15943123 is a unique watch with a very interesting design. What stands out most about this watch is its stainless steel case with a rather unique shape which gives a funky, retro appearance. The case has an oval shape which takes up a lot of the watch’s property and gives a rather bulky impression. Still, the case is nicely finished with beveled edges. The case is combined with a sporty three-link stainless steel bracelet for a versatile look.

The watch has a clean white dial with large applied metal hour markers and pencil-shaped hands. At 3 o’clock, it has a date window with a metal frame around it. Like most Rado watches, it uses a sapphire crystal.

Powering this watch is a Swiss quartz movement and since it is made for everyday wear, it has a decent water resistance of 100m/330 feet.

This watch isn’t for everyone, but with its funky, retro-inspired case shape, it is sure to stand out and a perfect choice if you want something simple, but still want something that stands out from the ordinary. The case is somewhat bulky, but others may just say that it has a nice wrist presence, it all depends on your taste and preference.

Specifications

• Diameter: 42mm
• Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
• Movement: Swiss quartz
• Crystal: Sapphire

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Rado HyperChrome Chronograph Green R32259313

The Rado HyperChrome Chronograph Green is one of my favorite Rado watches for a number of reasons. This is the given choice for people who want something sporty and bold, yet classic.

First and foremost, the stainless steel case with a diameter of 44.9mm and a thickness of 11.7mm has a great finish and attention to detail with polished bevels combined with beautifully brushed parts. Furthermore, instead of having traditional crown guards, the crown guards are essentially integrated into the case and protect the crown and chronograph pushers which give it a distinct look. For added sportiness, it has a three-link stainless steel bracelet with a deployment clasp and brushed middle links with polished side links. Whilst this isn’t a dive watch, it has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet which is decent for everyday wear. To power the watch and its chronograph function, it uses a quartz movement.

Now to the highlight of this watch – the green elements. The watch has a thin green bezel with a tachymeter scale which matches the green dial perfectly. The dial is also green and has a beautiful brushed sunburst finish which reflects the light beautifully and shifts from a dark pine tree color to a bright emerald color which is really beautiful. To go with the green color, Rado has also added a few red accents to give it more of a sporty look.

Furthermore, the dial has applied metal hour markers with luminescence and equally so for the hands. Positioned at 4 o’clock, there is also a date window. To contrast the brushed surface of the dial, the chronograph sub-dials have a striped pattern.

All in all, yes, this watch is more expensive than the most affordable chronographs, but what you are getting in return is really evident. The attention to detail is great, the finishing is great, and overall, it just looks luxurious and extremely well-made.

Specifications

• Diameter: 44.9mm
• Thickness: 11.7mm
• Movement: quartz
• Water resistance: 100m/330 feet

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Rado R12413493 Original Automatic Gold

Last but not least, we have the Rado Original Gold R12413493 which is also the boldest and most eye-catching o probably all watches that Rado offers. This is a real show-stopper and is sure to catch everyone’s attention no matter where you go.

First and foremost, it has Rado’s distinct oval-shaped case which has a funky and retro style to it. And as if that wasn’t enough, the case is finished in yellow gold, and as is the dial and the bracelet. This watch is equipped with a facetted crystal.

The watch is presented with a gold-colored dial with yellow-gold hands. At 6 o’clock, it has a day and date window which is quite an interesting position of both a day and date function. To give it an even more eye-catching and luxurious look, the dial has 11 diamonds which takes this one step higher in luxury and boldness.

This watch really is ”extra everything”, but that is what is so refreshing. It’s really all about ”look at me”, standing out, and being bold. Naturally, it’s not for everyone, but if you want something really cool and special, perhaps this is exactly what you have been looking for?

Specifications

• Movement: Automatic
• Thickness: 11.9mm
• Water resistance: 3 bar (30 m)
• Crystal: Sapphire

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Is Rado watch a good brand?

Yes, Rado is a well-respected watch brand that is known for making high-quality, robust timepieces with innovative materials. We can say that Rado is in the entry-level luxury segment as the prices of their watches usually vary from just under 1000 USD up to around 4000 USD. Rado’s higher-priced watches may even count themselves in the ”luxury” segment of watches.

But it’s not solely about the price when deciding if a watch brand is good or not. What makes Rado watches stand out is their use of Swiss watchmaking tradition and staying true to their heritage by emphasizing fine craftsmanship and often using mechanical movements that are well-made and qualitative. In addition, Rado watches are well-finished, and well-made, and give an impressive impression of quality in relation to their price. Furthermore, Rado’s interesting use of innovative materials enhances the qualitative impression and appeal of the timepieces the brand offers.

Is Rado a high-end watch?

Yes and no. Rado is not a high-end luxury watch manufacturer like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, or Rolex. Its watches are normally priced around a few hundred dollars, up to several thousand for the most expensive. What makes us say this is that whilst Rado has several watches that are definitely on the high-end side when it comes to their price, Rado has a wide price span in its collection, ranging from a relatively affordable price range, up to rather expensive ones.

With that said, a high-end luxury brand tends to focus solely on expensive luxury watches. And the fact is that the vast majority of watches that Rado sells are on the more affordable side. So in a way, Rado is a high-end watch brand, but at the same time, it’s not.

Summarized, we can say that Rado is a mid-tier or entry-level luxury watch brand as a whole. They do have some more affordable timepieces for those who aren’t willing to spend thousands, but they also have more expensive options for those who are looking for something more exclusive.

Furthermore, Rado does pay much more attention to details, craftsmanship, and quality than the most affordable entry-level watches, so it can certainly not be called an entry-level or even affordable watch brand in my opinion.

Rado watch buyer’s guide

Just like when buying any type of watch – especially if you are looking to spend a bit of money, there are a number of things you want to take into consideration when making your pick. This is to ensure that you choose the watch that is perfect for your needs, taste, and preferences. Here are the most important things to keep in mind.

Size and dimensions

The size and dimensions are always important factors to consider due to the fact that everyone has different wrist sizes. Rado watches are available in many different sizes, so naturally, you want to choose one that suits your wrist the best. Try to figure out which dimensions on a watch is most appropriate for your wrist, for example, 36 to 42mm as this will help you narrow down your options. At the same time, it’s important to remember that the diameter is not the only dimension that affects how a watch wears and feels on the wrist. The case shape and thickness of the watch are two factors that will play an important role here.

Style and purpose

To a great extent, the style and purpose of your watch should dictate the type of watch you opt for. There are sports watches, dive watches, dress watches, and everything in between. So naturally, you want to opt for a watch that suits the purpose and occasions on which you will wear it. If you’re looking for a watch that you can wear with a suit and to the office, you should probably look for a more elegant dress watch.

On the contrary, if you are looking for a watch to wear every day, and perhaps even go swimming with, you should opt for a versatile, robust sports watch.

Water resistance

The water resistance will be important if you intend to go diving or swimming with your watch. But if you’re going to wear it with a suit at the office, you’ll likely never come close to water. If you do plan to go into the water with your watch, you should look for one that has a water resistance of at least 100m.

Mechanical or quartz?

Last but not least, you want to ask yourself whether you want a mechanical or quartz watch. Rado makes watches with both types of movements and both of them naturally have pros and cons. Quartz watches tend to be more affordable and easier to maintain whilst mechanical watches tend to be the go-to choice for watch enthusiasts who appreciate watchmaking and complicated movements.