Rado – Cashback, Rebates & Rewards

I bought my wife a Rado watch in 2014, costing £1600 and it was only ever used on occasion as a dress watch, my wife preferring her Seiko for day-to-day use. It has never been perfect, seemed to need a new battery more frequently than one would expect, just not reliable. The final straw was when it literally fell apart (not dropped or anything), one side panel came off (looks like the glue gave up the ghost) resulting in the glass falling out. Took it to The WATCH Lab, who duly sent it away for repair. Found out today that it will cost £695 to fix, needs new hands apparently and a full service, as well as a new glass (nothing wrong with the old one from what I could see). I contrast this with the Seiko, which also needed looking at. That came back with a new mechanism, and full service, with no additional charge other than The WATCH Lab's standard fee. The moral of this story is that a brand and a fancy price are no guarantee of quality. I will never buy a Rado product again, and would advise anyone else to do the same. It's since been replaced by a Citizen Eco watch, not as fancy but doesn't need batteries - ever, and if it's as good as my own, it'll do for me.

As a watch repairer we send many watches off for service. This includes Rado watches. (They are part of the SWATCH group and also make Longines, Omega, Certina and a few others brands). One difficulty that seems to be common to all the Swatch group brands, but particularly Rado is that their very expensive watches consistently seem to be obsolete within a mere three to four years. ( For example, one customer's Rado "Centrix" watch, bought in 2018 for £1750 only occasionally worn - Now OBSOLETE and cannot be repired" ) Whilst, this MAY be understandable for very cheap watches, I personally have customers who have paid in excess of £2000 in a Rado Dealership only to be told 3 to 4 years later that the parts are now obsolete. As a watch repairer, the SWATCH brand brand is one I will, and always will personally avoid and I will unfailingly give the same advice to my customers. I would also encourage anyone reading this to read some if not all of the previous reviews by others rgarding their experience of Rado. much of what is being said, reflects my own experience.

I bought my husband a 2 K Rado watch 10 months ago. The leather strap came undone at the seams and the strap itself looks like it is 10 years old. The Rado customer service says it is not covered by the guarantee which is really upsetting because we have Swatch watches that are in better condition after 10 years of wear and tear. So I can only conclude that the quality of the brand has gone seriously downhill, you are paying serious money for a product you could buy in the Canal Street for 50 bucks. Shame on you Rado! I wanted to buy one for myself, but now I most definitely won't. I shall remain loyal to my Cartier, still as good as new after 5 years.

My wife bought me a Rado for my 60th birthday in 2018. As it was so expensive £4k I have only worn it about a dozen times, for special occasions etc. Last time out one of the little hands fell off its sprocket. As its 4 yrs old Rado say its out of guarantee and wont re-fix the hand on to the sprocket without a full service for £280. I am so disappointed with their attitude, so beware before you part with big money think how many decent watches you could get for your money.

I want to praise Rado Customer Service for a truly remarkable experience. I have had my Rado ladies watch for 18 years, and I have worn it loads because I love it. Recently the battery stopped working. A local watchmaker inspected it and said that there was a piece inside which had broken off. A long story. I live in Spain and Rado Madrid dealt with it. They sent a courier to pick it up, inspected it and came back with a solution with I was very happy with. The communication and speed of dealing with the problem will no doubt make me want to buy a Rado again. They were courteous, efficient, and always replied to any concerns immediately Want to buy a Rado, definitely go for one. You will not be disappointed. I am absolutely thrilled with it. It is beautiful.