Entry luxury
Is Rado a good watch brand?
Yes, if you want ceramic. Rado specialises in scratch-resistant high-tech ceramic cases and bracelets, and the Captain Cook is a respected diver.
Below, the numbers behind that: 6 current Rado watches we've measured, what they use inside, and what they sell for once they're used.
List prices
$1,800–$4,250
median $2,300
Mechanical
100%
of 6 with a known movement
Sapphire crystal
100%
eBay ask vs list
—
not enough data yet
What Rado does well
- High-tech ceramic that barely scratches
- 80-hour automatic movements
- Distinctive design history
What to watch out for
- Ceramic can shatter if dropped hard
- Some designs are an acquired taste
Is Rado a luxury brand?
Yes, at the entry level. Rado is a Swatch Group brand priced between Longines and Omega for many models.
What's inside
Of the 6 Rado watches we've measured with a known movement: 6 automatic. The movements are made by ETA (Rado) (3) and Rado (3).
See every movement on its caliber page.
Where to start with Rado
- Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Diver R32144202
$4,250 list
43 mm case · 49.8 mm lug-to-lug · automatic
- Rado True Square Automatic R27077102
$2,450 list · $1,828 on eBay
38 mm case · — lug-to-lug · automatic
- Rado DiaStar Original Automatic R12160113
$1,800 list
38 mm case · — lug-to-lug · automatic
Questions
- Is Rado a good watch brand?
- Yes, if you want ceramic. Rado specialises in scratch-resistant high-tech ceramic cases and bracelets, and the Captain Cook is a respected diver.
- Is Rado a luxury brand?
- Yes, at the entry level. Rado is a Swatch Group brand priced between Longines and Omega for many models.
- Where are Rado watches made?
- Rado is based in Switzerland and was founded in 1917, owned by Swatch Group. Of the Rado watches we've measured, the movements come from ETA (Rado) (3), Rado (3).