When it comes to ceramics, Rado is the brand that comes to mind. Rado introduced its first ceramic watch in 1986, just 40 years ago. This anniversary marks not only a technological breakthrough, but also the beginning of many years of expertise that have become a trademark. This special occasion allows us to sit down with the brand's CEO, Adrian Bosshard, to look back on four decades of innovation in ceramic watchmaking, explore how this material has shaped the brand's identity, and understand what continues to drive its development today. We will also take this moment to discover a new model that Rado has presented to mark this anniversary.
Xavier Markl, MONOCHROME – Rado has been a pioneer in ceramic watches for four decades. What does this 40-year milestone mean for the brand today?
Adrian Bosshard, CEO of Rado – This is one of the most important milestones for Rado, dating back to 1986. At that time we introduced the first mass-produced high-tech ceramic clock. This moment marked the beginning of a 40-year journey with this material and also represented 40 years of expertise.
Ceramics stand for innovation, experience and courage. At the time, it took real courage – no other brand had dared to go beyond traditional materials like gold, steel or brass. We were pioneers in introducing high-tech ceramics to watchmaking and to this day remain the brand with the most comprehensive collection in this field. This material has now become the industry standard, but we are proud to have led the way. It defines who we are.
Why was ceramics such a breakthrough?
At that time, the idea of making a complete watch out of hard metal – or later ceramic – was considered almost impossible. Many experts believed that this was not possible, especially not in a scratch-proof way. But we proved them wrong.
The goal was clear: to create a material that was extremely scratch-resistant, durable and at the same time light and comfortable. Carbide was extremely strong, but probably too heavy. Ceramic offered the perfect balance. Today we have watches that are over 30 years old and still look like new. This is simply not the case with traditional materials such as steel or gold, as they naturally show signs of wear over time. Ceramics remain beautiful for a lifetime. This is a major breakthrough.
What makes your watches special for customers?
The main advantage is durability. A ceramic watch remains scratch-resistant and retains its original appearance for years. But it also offers comfort – it is light and feels almost like a second skin. And of course there is the emotional connection. Once customers have experienced it, they often no longer want to use other materials. It's not just about functionality – it's about how the watch feels, looks and how it becomes part of your daily life.
What are the biggest technical challenges when working with ceramics compared to traditional materials like steel or gold?
The production process is far more complex than traditional watchmaking. You can't simply process a housing with ceramic like you can with steel. You need special injection molding tools, and developing them requires a lot of time and expertise.
Color is another big challenge. Creating new ceramic paints is not just about adding pigments, but also about developing completely new materials. Today we offer over 20 different colors, all with perfect consistency over time. Maintaining this consistency over the years of production is extremely demanding.
How has the material developed over time?
At first we could only make simple shapes. But thanks to injection molding technology, we can now create highly complex and ergonomic designs – like the Anatom or Integral collections.
We have also developed new materials such as Ceramos™, which combines the lightness and scratch resistance of ceramic with a metallic look. It opens up new possibilities in both design and processing.
How important is innovation for the brand?
Innovation is at the heart of what we do. It's part of our DNA. The brand's motto is: “If we can imagine it, we can do it. And if we can do it, we will do it!” We have always believed in challenging the impossible. Our philosophy has never been to follow trends, but rather to create something new – be it in materials, design or movement technology.
Even today we continue to innovate with new colors, new shapes and new technical developments such as skeletonized clockworks. The goal is always to offer something special – products you won’t find anywhere else.
What inspires your design and innovation?
As I said: Our inspiration comes from within – from our history, our expertise and our willingness to take risks. There's a mindset we follow: When something seems impossible, that's when we push harder. Innovation requires courage. There is no breakthrough without risk.
To mark this anniversary, Rado is presenting a special model. What was the creative and technical brief behind this piece?
We're bringing back a new version of the legendary Integral. What's important is that the Integral was revolutionary in every way at the time – not just because of the material, but also because of its angular design. It introduced a very distinctive aesthetic with strong geometric lines and an integrated bracelet.
This design language is still immediately recognizable today. When you see it, you immediately know it's ours. This is something very powerful.
We always try to stay true to these iconic elements while continually developing them further. It's about respecting our heritage while driving innovation.
What are the biggest challenges for the brand today?
Like many industries, we are facing global and geopolitical challenges. But beyond that, one of our main goals is to continue expanding into new markets.
We are already strong in regions such as the US, Europe and parts of Asia, but there is still significant potential in other areas. Strengthening our global presence while maintaining our identity is our top priority.
Ultimately, everything we do is about creating lasting value – for our customers and for the brand. We want to deliver products that people can enjoy for many years, products that combine innovation, design and emotionality. That's what defines us.
For more information, visit rado.com.
https://monochrome-watches.com/interview-adrian-bosshard-ceo-of-rado-about-the-mastery-of-ceramics-and-the-new-integral-collection/