The True Square family of watches was only launched in late 2020 and continues to prove Rado’s constant push for innovation. Launched in the 1980s and ‘90s, these watches were highly innovative for their time, and continue to stand among the greats today.
These watches look almost bracelet-like in their appearance, save for a clock face incorporated into them. One of the instantly recognisable characteristics of many Rado watches is the high-shine black ceramic material used across several ranges. So much so, that the Captain Cook model name survives today. The Captain Cook family of Rado dive watches, first launched in 1962, proved especially popular for the brand. Rado’s timepieces, like the parent company’s movements, found favour with customers, and the Rado brand too experienced significant growth throughout the remainder of the 1950s. The Rado brand was conceived in 1928, but it didn’t see the light of the day until 1953, and began life by offering consumers automatic Rado watches. Just 25 years after they registered their business name, they were one of the largest makers of movements in the entire country. But, due to the trio’s commitment to quality and a penchant for developing some of the finest watch movements at the time, the Schlup brothers were forced to find new digs. by brother Fritz, Ernst and Werner Schlup, the fledgling company was initially run out their parents’ home. One such brand to exhibit these qualities and more is Rado.įounded in 1917, originally as Schlup & Co. To be a watchmaker born in the landlocked European country means to be one of exquisite craftsmanship and the last word in quality. Check out other Rado models right here.The world of high-end horology isn’t exactly left wanting when it comes to companies that hail from Switzerland. If you can find a Purple or Green Horse with a black dial, that has not been repainted and is in an excellent or even good condition, then you have yourself a really rare Rado Horse watch. The most important factor to consider is that it has its original dial, and if it is repainted, check that it isn’t a badly repainted dial.ġ980’s Rado Purple Horse Automatic Gold Plated Watch
#VINTAGE RADO WATCH MANUAL#
There are literally hundreds of variations of this model line which includes manual to auto, non-date to day-date, different sizes and movements which all can be found in one model too. This model normally comes with a 17-jewel movement and can have chrome-plated cases. The Purple Horse is the entry-level version of the line. The rotating anchor is literally a small metal symbol connected to a pivot point to a ruby jewel (synthetic). It helped set this automatic watch apart from others in their era with the meaning “around the world”. This watch also has the most famous red rotating anchor logo which came about in 1962. The Rado symbol and brand mark can have 1,2 or 3 seahorses on it depending on the time era of production. Here is a Green Horse (as seen above) which is a very good entry-level vintage Rado watch. Green Horse Stainless Steel Automatic Men’s Watchġ980’s Rado Green Horse Stainless Steel Automatic Men’s Watch These model lines were very popular in Asia and today, one will find many Golden, Silver and Purple horses are sold from the Far Eastern countries. It is assumed that the name is inspired from the word ” sea horse”, where the horse is a sign of good luck in the Asian countries and the sea indicating that the watch is water-resistant. It normally has a 30-jewel movement with steel or gold plated cases.
Starting with the Golden Horse line, this one is the most elegant and sporty ones of the lot. Let’s check it out:ġ980’s Rado Golden Horse Date Automatic Men’s Watch Some say it is just a marketing gimmick to get people to buy a particular model over another. The different model lines which include Green, Silver, Gold, Purple and Sapphire Horses and this doesn’t mean there is a difference in quality.
#VINTAGE RADO WATCH SERIES#
It is said to be the second series of watches to come to production after the Starliner model. And with the limited information on the models of this brand (there is unfortunately hardly any archived documents since The Swatch Group takeover), we have composed some information about the differences between the various ‘Horses’ of the Rado watch collection. That includes non-traditional designs and materials such as ceramic and lanthanum which is mined from Western Australia, Africa and Brazil. Rado is one of those brands appreciated for something different.