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Adrian Bosshard reveals Rado’s first semester novelties
We caught up with the Rado CEO to learn more about the Swiss watchmaker’s recently launched novelties
Words: Aobh O'Brien-Moody
Rado is renowned for its consistent march of progress, never resting on its laurels but powering on with pioneering work in high-tech ceramics and cutting-edge design. It’s always exciting to discover the latest innovative designs and technical advancements from the ‘Master of Materials’, so we were delighted to sit down with the brand’s CEO Adrian Bosshard to learn more about the first semester novelties for 2025 – including the Captain Cook Over-Pole, the DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan and five new editions of the Rado Anatom. Read on for the interview.
Can you tell us about any new materials or technologies used in this year’s releases?
For fans of vintage designs, we have the Captain Cook Over-Pole – a Worldtimer in a slightly larger size of 39mm than the original from 1962, powered by the R862 manual-winding movement.
In the DiaStar Original collection we very successfully launched a design collaboration timepiece with emotive industrial designer Tej Chauhan – the DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan. The watch stands out from the crowd with a yellow-gold coloured PVD coated CeramosTM bezel, a beautifully crafted matt black dial with printed minute track in silver and blue, a day-date window with Tej Chauhan’s proprietary font, and the grey pillow-shaped rubber strap – just to name a few details. For the ladies, we launched a new size in 38mm in the DiaStar Original product line in three vibrant dial colours that radiate fun and energy.
After the very successful relaunch of the Anatom for the 40-year anniversary, in our signature material high-tech ceramic combined with a sporty rubber strap, we made noise this year with five new models with a high-tech ceramic case and bracelet. Just in time for summer we will complement the collection with three stunningly colourful interpretations.
Rado Anatom with High-Tech Ceramic Bracelet
How did the collaboration with Tej Chauhan come about?
The biggest part of our collection is realised with internal designers. But a brand like Rado wants to push the boundaries and is looking regularly for inspiration, which we find with designers from outside the watch industry. Tej is a very creative and passionate designer and has become a fan of our brand. The result of our first collaboration was the remarkable True Square x Tej Chauhan in 2020. We appreciate his approach to new projects, he deeply understands that Rado is a master of materials and watchmaking, and we equally respect his mastery in design. This mutual appreciation creates a strong foundation for collaboration, allowing us to push creative boundaries while staying true to our identity. Together, we strive to bring joy to our customers worldwide, and this synergy is what makes our partnership truly special.
DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan
How has the response been to the novelties so far, and are there any surprising feedback or trends you’ve noticed?
We have kicked off 2025 very successfully with beautiful products and emotional communication tools. The feedback received from customers, retailers and journalists about our novelties is very positive and encouraging. A special highlight of the first quarter was the launch of the DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan at the stunning Rado booth during India Art Fair in Delhi. The feedback and the PR coverage were fantastic.
What role does sustainability play in the new releases, and how does Rado plan to further integrate sustainability into its future collections?
Moderate handling of resources and respect for employees have always been part of our core values. And there is nothing more sustainable than a watch that looks like new for generations to come, thanks to the use of our high-tech ceramic.
The use of ceramics in watchmaking has been a hallmark of Rado. Can we expect any new advancements or designs with ceramics in the near future?
The founder’s motto, “If you can imagine it, you can make it. And if you can make it, you will!” is the driving force behind all our efforts. In 1962 our engineers and watchmakers created the first scratchproof watch with the DiaStar. This revolutionary timepiece, featuring a hardmetal case and industrially produced sapphire crystal, was the catalyst for the success of Rado in many countries and for the brand to become the Master of Materials. The main driver at Rado has always been and still is the search for innovation and R&D. Therefore, we will also in the future continue to push the boundaries in material innovation, and as a consequence we have exciting projects in the pipeline… Stay tuned.
Captain Cook Over-Pole
What do the next few years look like for Rado? Are there any exciting plans or collaborations we should be watching for?
Many designers around the globe reach out to us because they are interested in working with Rado. Design is an important communication pillar for us, and we will continue to work with designers from outside of the watch industry. But we are very selective and choose only the ones that share our value and that fit the brand perfectly.
