Is it all about tradition, or do modern innovations give one watch brand an edge over the other?
Today, let’s answer that question by comparing two premium watchmaking brands — Rolex and Rado.
These two Swiss watchmakers are both famous for introducing innovative timepieces while upholding a rich tradition that dates back decades.
And like when we feature our comparison between Rolex and Tissot, today, let’s explore the different worlds of Rolex and Rado.
Our team has spent days analyzing their unique attributes, innovative heritage, and why people continue to be captivated by their horological masterpieces.
In summary, it was close, but after days of detailed review, here’s what we discovered:
- Rado offers better entry-level watches and has better value.
- Rolex offers more quality and sophistication.
After serious consideration, we figured out that the Rado Hyperchrome was the top watch on this list, where Rado is the clear winner if you are looking for an entry-level timepiece at an affordable price.
But to further understand our point, read our honest opinion and detailed review below about these two leading high-end brands on the market today.
Related: Best Rado Watches For Men
Rating
| Category | Rolex | Rado |
| Design | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Performance | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Movements | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Our Pick For Best Rado Watch: Rado Hyperchrome
Rado Hyperchrome
Check Current Price | Best Watch Overall | Rating: 5 out of 5
- Price Range: Starting at $1,200
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 100m
- Movement: Quartz
- Crystal: Sapphire
Our Experience With Rado Hyperchrome
The first watch we will feature today is the Rado Hyperchrome.
In the last few years, the luxury watch brand Rado decided to develop a watch collection inspired by the classic designs of its predecessor that are made with innovative materials and excellent craftsmanship.
And the result of this is the Hyperchrome watches.
We chose the Rado Hyperchrome as the best timepiece for its vibrant, elegant, yet sporty design that you can surely afford.
These quartz watches showcase a 44.9mm round case made of stainless steel and are paired with a high-tech ceramic bezel available in a wide range of colors.
It is powered by a quartz-modified ETA movement for more precise accuracy and better functionality.
With its versatile, stylish design and highly accurate movement, investing your money in this luxury watch is a smart choice for individuals looking for a timepiece that combines aesthetics and performance.
Here is a table summarizing the top watch models from Rado in 2023. If you want more details on what our experts think about a specific watch, keep reading along!
| Best Rado Watches | Best Feature | Style With |
| Rado Hyperchrome | Best Watch Overall | Casual or Formal |
| Rado True Square | Best Square Watch | Casual or Formal |
| Rado Captain Cook | Best Chronograph Watch | Casual |
Our Pick For Best Rolex Watch: Rolex Datejust
Rolex Datejust
Check Current Price | Best Dress Watch | Rating: 5 out of 5
- Price Range: Starting at $11,900
- Case Material: Stainless steel and white gold
- Water resistance: 100m
- Movement: Automatic
- Crystal: Sapphire
Our Experience With Rolex Datejust
The Datejust is one of the high-demand mechanical watches made by the luxury watch brand Rolex, just like Submariner and Daytona.
In fact, even some of the few watch snobs in the community recognize the undeniable allure of this classic timepiece.
Made with precious metals, the Rolex Datejust features a glowing sunray finish dial set with 18k white diamonds that serve as hour markers.
In addition, this watch also has the Rolex signature fluted bezel, sapphire crystal with cyclops lens over the date, and Oystersteel bracelet, which completes the overall elegance of this timepiece.
It is run by an in-house caliber 3235, a COSC-certified automatic movement with an instantaneous date with a rapid setting function.
While not necessarily cheap, we are sure that the Rolex Datejust would perfectly complement the wrist of every modern gentleman today.
Here is a table summarizing the top watch models from Rolex in 2023. If you want more details on what our experts think about a specific watch, keep reading along!
| Best Rolex Watches | Best Feature | Style With |
| Rolex Datejust | Best Dress Overall | Casual or Formal |
| Rolex Sky-Dweller | Best Watch With Calendar | Casual |
| Rolex Daytona | Best Racing Watch | Casual |
Rolex And Rado: Brand Overview
Rolex
Rolex is a famous Swiss watchmaking brand founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. They are based in Geneva, Switzerland, and are known for the unmatched Swiss watches that they produce.
With over a hundred years of watchmaking history and prestige, they are now one of the most influential brands in the watchmaking world and have sold millions of luxury watches all around the globe.
They currently hold the record for the most popular and in-demand luxury watches in the watch industry, followed closely by other brands such as Omega and Patek Philippe.
However, not all Rolex models are for everyone, and they tend to be more expensive than other watch brands. But in terms of craftsmanship, elegance, functionality, and resale value, it is clear that Rolex is great.
Price Range: Approximately $8,000 to $100,000
Rado
Rado is a premium watchmaking brand based in Switzerland. It was established in 1917, and after the First World War, it became one of the largest producers of watch movements in the globe.
They are renowned for creating the DiaStar watch, the first scratch-resistant watch made of ultra-hard metal. It is a remarkable technological innovation and features a futuristic design that has become a vital element of the brand’s DNA.
Today, Rado is known for their revolutionary concepts and commitment to innovation by pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.
And like Tissot, Omega, and other watch brands, Rado is now owned by the Swatch group of companies as they continue to develop exciting timepieces that watch owners would surely be proud of.
Price Range: $400 to $8,000
The Best Rado Watches
#3. Rado Captain Cook
Check Current Price | Best Chronograph Watch | Rating: 4 out of 5
- Price Range: Starting at $4,000
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 300m
- Movement: Automatic
- Crystal: Sapphire
Our Experience With Rado Captain Cook
Rado Captain Hook is one of the first watch collections made by the Swiss company.
Unlike heavy watches often seen with other brands, these Rado watches are made of light and high-quality materials to ensure comfort and wearability throughout the day.
This Chronograph watch features an ultra-thin 43mm stainless steel case with a stylish black high-tech ceramic insert on the bezel, which adds a contemporary look to its already elegant design.
The gradient black dial is adorned with hands, indices, and outer minute markers treated with Super-Luminova material to enhance its legibility even in a low-light environment.
#2. Rado True Square
Check Current Price | Best Square Watch | Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Price Range: Starting at $2,600
- Case Material: Titanium
- Water resistance: 50m
- Movement: Automatic
- Crystal: Sapphire
Our Experience With Rado True Square
Undoubtedly one of our favorites, and if you prefer unconventional watches, this could be your next choice as well.
The Rado True Square watch is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to creating innovative designs paired with exceptional craftsmanship.
In fact, this watch ranks among the best square and rectangular-shaped watches on the market, receiving high praise from numerous watch enthusiasts in the community.
True to its name, it boasts a slim square-shaped titanium case and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that protects its elegantly arranged skeleton dial. It is run by an automatic movement with an amazing 80 hours of power reserve.
With its unique features and unorthodox design, you’ll be surprised that the Rado True Square can only cost you less than $3,000.
The Best Rolex Watches
#3. Rolex Daytona
Check Current Price | Best Racing Watch | Rating: 4 out of 5
- Price Range: Starting at $18,800
- Case Material: Stainless steel and yellow gold
- Water resistance: 100m
- Movement: Automatic
- Crystal: Sapphire
Our Experience With Rolex Daytona
The Daytona is one of the most modern Rolex watches worn by some of the famous celebrities in the world, including Paul Newman, John Mayer, and Jay-Z.
With its remarkable features, such as a tachymetric scale, three counters (sub-dials), and pushers, the Rolex Daytona was the ultimate timing tool designed for endurance racing drivers.
As the first Rolex watch designed for race car drivers, this model is powered by automatic movement with a 72-hour power reserve and a Superlative Chronometer certification.
There are many watches in the market that have a chronograph function. But in terms of accuracy and functionality, nothing in the world beats Rolex in this category.
#2. Rolex Sky-Dweller
Check Current Price | Best Watch With Calendar | Rating: 4 out of 5
- Price Range: Starts at $15,250
- Case Material: Stainless steel and white gold
- Water resistance: 100m
- Movement: Automatic
- Crystal: Sapphire
Our Experience With Rolex Sky-Dweller
With its elegance and classiness, the Rolex Sky-Dweller can be easily determined as one of the most versatile timepieces made by the famous brand.
They are also the most complicated watches that Rolex makes. This luxury watch showcases an in-house self-winding movement with dual time zones and instantaneous annual calendar functions.
It is water resistant up to 100 meters and has 72 hours of power reserve.
Furthermore, it also has a 42mm stainless steel and white gold case with a jubilee bracelet made with the same precious metals, which completes the Rolex Sky-Dweller’s refined and luxurious look.
Rolex Vs Rado – FAQ
Yes. Rado is renowned for using high-quality materials and highly accurate movements in every watch it makes.
Yes. Rado timepieces can be compared to Rolex watches for their quality, design, and durability.
Yes. All Rado watches are Swiss-made certified.
Rolex Vs Rado – Conclusion
And there you have it!
We trust that you have found our comparison between Rado and Rolex watches both enjoyable and informative. Each of these brands stands out as a pinnacle of excellence in its unique fashion.
But for us, the best overall watch is the Rado Hyperchrome.
Other top Rado watches include the Rado True Square and the Rado Captain Cook.
Regarding Rolex watches, our top choice is Rolex Datejust.
Other excellent Rolex timepieces you should also try are the Rolex Sky-Dweller and Rolex Daytona.
And if you have questions, comments, or thoughts, feel free to comment down below!
