One of artist Andy Warhol's last projects was the painting of RADO watches. Market reaction to this is generally mixed, with some preferring the look of the more traditional makers, & others appreciating the more distinct RADO look.

The company is much more adventurous in constructing the shape of its watches than would normally be expected of a high-end maker. Other than the material, RADO watches also look very different from most of the other luxury makers. However, many RADO watches are (at least, partially) made of more traditional materials such as gold & steel. RADO has pioneered the use of a number of these materials, e.g., high-tech diamonds, ceramics, lanthanum & sapphire crystal. RADO differs from some of the more traditional luxury Swiss watchmakers in that it uses unconventional precious materials to achieve a more futuristic look. In 1983 RADO became part of the SMH group which was renamed in 1998 as the Swatch Group. Rather the brand claims its elite position by virtue of its technological innovations since then. RADO is very peculiar in the watch industry, claiming high-end status despite not having as long a history as brands such as Omega. In 1962 the RADO Diastar Original, the world's first scratch-proof watch, was launched. In 1957 the company launched its first collection of watches under the RADO brand. Today the company produces about half a million watches a year with a staff of about 300 in total.Р”Р‡ormed in 1917, RADO initially produced watch movements only. It is noted for its use of scratch-proof materials, a field in which it is considered a pioneer. RADO is a Swiss manufacturer of high-end watches, with headquarters in Lengnau, Switzerland.

Vintage rado watches prices