Rado is a luxury Swiss watchmaker like no other. Rado watches for men blend striking designs with space-age materials such as sapphire crystal, hardmetal, and high-tech plasma ceramics.
Schlup & Co first started selling watches under the Rado name in the early 1950s. The now-iconic Rado Golden Horse watch became an international sensation upon its release back in 1957.
In just a single decade, the brand expanded to over 61 countries. By 1962, they had created the world’s first scratchproof watch, the DiaStar 1, using pioneering modern materials that would forever change the world of watchmaking.
Best Rado Watches For Men
The best Rado watches for men offer unparalleled craftmanship, cutting-edge materials and innovative design. Here are 10 jaw-dropping Rado timepieces to consider.
1. Rado Captain Cook Automatic
Review
First on our list is a stunning stainless steel Captain Cook timepiece. Explorers and adventurers who crave classic style will love this up-to-date version of the original 1962 watch.
It is a classic looking stainless steel watch with a grey face. 15-minute intervals are defined on the grooved bezel rather than the dial, and a unique arrow-shaped hand clearly points out the hour.
A small date window at 3 o’clock has an easy to read white face and date purple numbering. An anchor is displayed both at the top of the crown and just below 12-o’clock on the face.
The chunky masculine strap is made from brushed and shiny steel. It’s water-resistant up to 30 metres making it ideal for pretty much any situation.
Case Diameter:
42.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 30 metres
Movement:
Automatic
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
2. Rado Captain Cook Automatic Bronze
Review
Although an up-to-date version of the original 1962 Rado timepiece, this bronze version of the Captain Cook watch manages to pull off a real vintage vibe.
This watch will stand out as the grooved bezel front and face are eye-catching emerald green, while the crown, hands and dial are striking bronze. Paired with a chunky yet comfortable leather strap that has a 4-stitch detail.
A small date window at 3 o’clock has an easy to read white face and date purple numbering. An anchor is displayed at the top of the bronze crown and just below 12-o’clock on the dial.
It’s water-resistant up to 30 metres, so great for most situations. This watch looks purposeful on the wrist and leans more towards casual day wear and sports.
Also, take a look at my review of the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight watch for something similar.
Case Diameter:
42.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 30 metres
Movement:
Automatic
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
3. Rado Centrix Chronograph
Review
This impressive-looking silver and black modern Rado Cetrix is both elegant and contemporary. An eye-catching stainless steel strap with black detail really compliments the steel outer case. Tying it all together is ultra-clear sapphire crystal glass to protect everything within.
Standing out on the black dial are luminous silver-tone hands and hour markers. Minute markers adorn the outer rim with a quaint date window at 4 o’clock. Three sub-dials also decorate this timepiece.
Rado’s Centrix Chronoraph watch is powered by a quartz movement. It is water-resistant up to 50 metres, so no worries about wearing it in the rain. I feel this versatile watch is ideal for casual wear and formal occasions, day or night.
Case Diameter:
44.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 50 metres
Movement:
Quartz
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
4. Rado True Automatic
Review
As dark and mysterious as a shadow, Rado’s True all-black timepiece would not look out of place on the set of Bladerunner and makes a great addition to your collection.
This watch is not only extremely aesthetically pleasing, but it is super-functional too. The black dial is adorned with black hands and hour markers surrounded by a black ceramic bezel.
Hardened sapphire crystal glass protects this timepiece from scratches and scrapes, plus adds a touch of sparkle to compliment this beauty. It is all tied together with a matt black ceramic bracelet that looks fantastic.
There is no need to think about whether or not it matches your outfit, as the all-black silhouette of this timepiece will go with anything. It is water-resistant up to 50 metres, handling most situations, even if after-party water cannons are involved!
Case Diameter:
40.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 50 metres
Movement:
Automatic
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
5. Rado HyperChrome
Review
Another great vintage-inspired timepiece in Rado’s collection is the HyperChrome timepiece. I love the fact that this is the perfect mix of modern practicality with a vintage 1970’s aesthetic.
The stainless steel strap is a classic 3-link design with an elegant deployment clasp to make putting on and taking off the watch extremely easy.
The dial on this timepiece is presented in bold black, enhanced by an easy to read white date window at 3 o’clock. The silver-tone hands and hour markers with a luminescent coating make this watch pop.
It is encased in a sapphire crystal glass that makes the minute intervals ping, and the second hand’s red tip is a nice touch. You won’t be able to take your eyes off this beauty when it’s on your wrist.
It is subtle enough to be worn every day but still stylish and unique for any watch-lover to appreciate. You can choose whether to dress this watch up or down.
The chunky 45mm case combined with its 100 metres water-resistant ability mean this watch is ready pretty much for anything.
Case Diameter:
45.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 100 metres
Movement:
Quartz
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
6. Rado True Square Open Heart
Review
True to its name, Rado’s True Square Open Heart timepiece is a stunning square open-face ceramic watch. Rado made their name producing square watches, so this addition to their line is fitting.
This watch may overwhelm those used to minimalist timepieces at first. Still, this watch’s open-face concept allows the wearer to truly appreciate the craftsmanship and detail both front and rear.
It is a stunning black ceramic watch that is super light, scratch-resistant and comfortable to wear. The gold detailing on the hands and dial of this timepiece elevate the look.
Being able to see inside this timepiece means there’s no room for a date window. However, the unique design of this watch makes up for it, plus being water-resistant up to 50 metres is an added bonus.
Case Diameter:
38.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 50 metres
Movement:
Automatic
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
7. Rado Golden Horse Hyperchrome Classic
Review
If you have been a fan of Rado’s timepieces for a long time, you may recognize elements of this one. Rado released a Golden Horse watch in 1957, which inspired this jaw-dropping remake.
For those like me who love mixing materials, this is the perfect watch. The strap is high-quality black leather that will comfortably hug your skin while the case is presented in striking stainless steel.
The bezel has a lined pattern around it. The case discreetly displays the watch’s numbers at 5-minute intervals, with gold hour-markers pointing to them.
The hands stand out as they are presented in a sleek rose gold colour. Additionally, the second’s hand has red detailing that is easy on the eye. A small date aperture at 3 o’clock has a white background, red numbering and gold surround.
Water-resistant up to 50 metres, this contemporary timepiece makes an ideal everyday watch that is sure to be noticed.
Case Diameter:
42.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 50 metres
Movement:
Automatic
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
8. Rado HyperChrome Chronograph
Review
From the HyperChrome collection is this stunning 44.9mm stainless steel chronograph watch. This high-performance timepiece is packed full of features (such as a tachymeter on the bevel) yet remains easy on the eye.
Both the case and polished bracelet are made of sleek stainless steel. The bracelet fastens with an easy-to-use deployment clasp. It is framed by a black ceramic bezel surrounding a black dial.
The black dial has three chronograph sub-dials, baton hour markers, and a small date display at 4 o’clock. Contrasting grey/ black hands with a white inner stand out well, plus the second’s hand has a red tip for added clarity.
This timepiece is water-resistant up to 50 metres. It is powered by a reliable Quartz movement to ensure you always have the correct time.
Case Diameter:
44.9mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 50 metres
Movement:
Quartz
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
9. Rado True Automatic Diamonds
Review
If you are looking for an undercover watch with a cheeky helping of bling, you will want to own this timepiece. Discreet and refined, the Rado True Diamond oozes sophisticated male confidence.
Instead of traditional fine-lined hour markers, Rado uses glistening diamond dot hour markers! Each is housed in delicate gold casings that make this timepiece literally jump out at you.
The ceramic bracelet and case hold an elegant dark grey dial with rose gold-tone hands and a date aperture at 3 o’clock that shows off a white face and black numbering.
The overall look of this timepiece is clean of clutter. This allows the wearer to really appreciate its bejewelled simplicity. Water-resistant up to 50 metres and powered by an automatic movement, this timepiece is perfect for formal wear and special occasions.
Cae Diamenter:
40.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 50 metres
Movement:
Automatic
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
10. Rado Coupole Classic
Review
Last but not least is another excellent vintage-inspired timepiece. You may recognize the Coupole collection from the 60s, and this timepiece is a recreation with a contemporary twist.
It is a stunning stainless steel watch with a super-thin bezel to really showcase the dial on this timepiece. The dial is white with unique silver lines around it that elevate the design that really draws you in.
Both the hands and Rado’s logo are a beautiful midnight blue that contrasts with the lighter dial. The date aperture at 3 o’clock has a silver surround and black numbering for added visibility.
The powerful automatic movement has an 80-hour power reserve that elevates its performance far above average. Perfect for dressy daytime wear, I can see myself wearing this watch to fancy lunches and other daytime events.
Case Diameter:
41.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 50 metres
Movement:
Automatic
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
Conclusion
What I admire about the Rado brand is that they’ve stayed true to their watchmaking roots. The best Rado watches for men are inspired by well-loved vintage Rado models, allowing you to rediscover the classics.
Rado has hundreds of different watches to suit anyone’s taste. Whether you prefer stainless steel watches, ones with a leather band, striking colours, watches with diamonds or high-tech chronograph, Rado will have what you’re looking for.
As every watch comes with a 2-year warranty and is water-resistant to different degrees, you can take solace in the fact that you’re making a sound investment.
Also consider our article for Hublot watches.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
