At RADO, materials are never an afterthought. They shape the way a watch looks, feels and performs every day. For more than three decades, one material in particular has defined the brand’s approach to innovation: high-tech ceramic.

Introduced by RADO in 1986, high-tech ceramic transformed what a Swiss watch could be. Not by following tradition, but by rethinking it — placing comfort, durability and modern design at the heart of every timepiece.

From Extreme Heat to Natural Comfort

High-tech ceramic begins its journey under extraordinary conditions. Crafted from ultra-pure powders, the material is formed and sintered at extremely high temperatures to achieve its final density and strength. Yet the result is remarkably natural once worn.

Many RADO wearers describe the sensation as “organic”. Unlike metal, which can feel cold and rigid when first placed on the wrist, high-tech ceramic adapts quickly to body temperature. Within moments, the watch reaches the same warmth as the skin. There is no sharp chill, no sense of wearing a mechanical object — just immediate comfort.

This unique thermal behaviour is one of the most distinctive qualities of ceramic, and one that becomes increasingly appreciated with daily wear.

Comfort That Lasts All Day, All Year

The advantages of high-tech ceramic extend far beyond first contact. Its thermal stability ensures consistent comfort in all conditions — from cold winter mornings to warm summer days.

Because ceramic contains no metal, it is naturally hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It is also significantly lighter than steel, reducing wrist fatigue while maintaining exceptional strength.

Despite its smooth, refined feel, high-tech ceramic is highly resistant to scratches, helping RADO watches maintain their appearance year after year. The material balances lightness and resilience in a way few others can.

Engineering Colour Into the Material

RADO’s long-standing expertise in ceramic innovation has led to some of the most advanced finishing techniques in watchmaking. One of the most distinctive is plasma high-tech ceramic.

Rather than applying a metallic coating, RADO uses a plasma oven where gases are heated to around 20,000°C. This process transforms the surface of the ceramic itself, creating a lustrous, metallic finish without introducing metal.

Because the colour is integral to the material, it will never fade, peel or wear away. Combined with ceramic’s exceptional hardness — around five times harder than standard stainless steel — the result is a finish that remains as striking years later as it was on the first day.

Design That’s Felt as Much as Seen

High-tech ceramic allows RADO designers to explore clean lines, fluid forms and seamless surfaces that would be difficult to achieve with traditional materials. The material’s versatility appears across collections such as the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic, where heritage design meets modern performance, and the architectural purity of the Ceramica and Integral lines.

This emphasis on tactile experience has earned RADO more than 35 international design awards. While visual impact remains important, RADO’s philosophy goes further — focusing on how a watch feels the moment it’s worn, and how it continues to feel over time.

A Material That Reflects the RADO Philosophy

This is why ceramic remains at the heart of RADO. Not as a trend, but as a material that continues to shape the future of watchmaking — quietly, confidently, and with purpose.