The roots of Rado are in the Swiss town of Lengnau, where in 1917, three brothers Fritz, Ernst, and Werner Schlup opened the Schlup & Co. clockwork factory. Initially they were producing only watch movements, it is only 40 years later when the company becomes Rado Uhren AG that they will launch their first collection of watches.
In 1962, Rado has launched the first scratch-resistant watch on the market, the oval DiaStar1, made from tungsten alloy and it is still in sale under the Rado Original name. Their search for revolutionary hard and scratch-resistant materials, stayed with Rado throughout the years. During the 80′s, they have started experimenting with high-tech ceramic, proving the market the true value of this durable material. In 2004, Rado managed to set a world record, the Rado V10K watch, which stands for 10,000 Vickers, is made from a material just as hard as natural diamond.
As company, Rado in 1968 became part of ASUAG, witch later was forced to merge into what is today known as the Swatch Group. Within the Swatch Group, Rado is positioned as the brand using high-tech, scratch resistant materials, with a distinctive look that got them several design awards.
Rado HyperChrome Court
The HyperChrome Court collection is Rado’s way of telling the world that they are serious about tennis. This mini-collection consists of three pieces, all matt dark grey with blue, green or orange accents, each one of them representing a different playing surface. The hard court is represented by the blue version, grass by the green and clay by the orange. These strong looks will ensure you always look cool on court – no matter how hot it gets, and each super sporty tennis watch can also follow you off court to the pool, the beach, or – for tennis champions – your yacht.
Whether you prefer to hit from the baseline, run in to the net, or play serve and volley, the Rado HyperChrome Court Collection is bound to complement your game. Singles will find it a suitable doubles partner, and when it comes to the style stakes you’ll always be ‘in’. Forehands, backhands, volleys and smashes have never been so well-timed. Distinctive and eye-catching but with the subtle class and lightweight scratch-resistance associated with all the ceramic models in the Rado HyperChrome collection, the new Rado HyperChrome Court Collection offers comfort and cool in one perfectly formed package.
Technical specs
Case
Black matt high-tech ceramic case with sandblasted stainless steel side inserts.
Black matt high-tech ceramic case back with sapphire crystal
Stainless steel and black rubber moulded crown
Stainless steel pushers
Water-resistant to 10 bar (100m)
Dimensions: 45 x 51 x 13 mm
Movement
12 ½ ETA 2894-2, automatic chronograph, 37 jewels, 6 hands, date at 4:30, 42 hour power reserve, small seconds, 12-hour, 30-minute and 60-second counters, black oscillating rotor, decorated movement
Strap
Officially it’s described as black rubber, but I would say it’s more of a dark grey color with blue line and Rado logo.
Price: USD4,000 upwards
