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Me and My Rado
How long does a watch battery last?
A battery should last at least 24 months, depending on the type of watch movement and the energy required to power its various functions. A chronograph, for example, requires more energy than a watch that only displays hours and minutes. When the battery no longer works, it should be exchanged at an authorised Rado Service Centre.
Are Rado watches water-resistant?
Rado watches are water-resistant to a minimum of 3 bar (30 meters). At Rado, we measure water resistance in pressure (bar) first as this is a more accurate reflection of a watch’s ability to resist water. We advise you to be careful with your Rado when in and around water, unless it is water-resistant to a pressure of at least 10 bar (100 metres) or is certified as a diver’s watch. If the crown is open, if a pusher is used, or if you exceed the amount of recommended pressure by jumping or diving into the water, your watch can be damaged. It is also important to know that water resistance is not a permanent state. Your watch should be checked at least every 12 months at an authorised Rado Service Centre...
How should I clean my watch?
Clean your watch regularly with soap water or a microfiber cloth.
Does Rado perform valuations?
Rado has a large international network of authorised retailers, as well as many authorised Rado Service Centres, which provide reliable services worldwide. Click here to find the Rado Service Centre closest to you.
My watch is losing or gaining time. What should I do?
One possible reason for this is that your watch has been affected by magnetism. Magnetic fields are all around us in everyday objects including computers, televisions, fridges, magnetic fasteners on handbags, jewellery to name only a few. When a quartz watch comes in contact with a magnetic field, it stops. As soon as the magnetic source is removed, the watch starts running again. This may be perceived later as the watch running slow. In this case one need only reset the time. With a mechanical watch the steel components in the movement can become magnetised, which can result in the watch running generally much faster. The good news is, this is not a permanent state. If you feel your mechanical watch may have been affected by magnetism, your Rado Service Centre can use a special device to demagnetise your watch. This takes only a few seconds and, afterwards, your watch will work perfectly again.
How should I treat my Rado?
As a luxury product, your Rado should be treated with care and attention. Avoid knocks, shocks and drops that may damage the watch inside or out. Avoid contact with objects or materials such as nail files, granite or sand. These contain particles that can scratch stainless steel and even some of the hardest Rado materials.
How long should my leather strap last?
Quality leather wrist straps last between 6 and 12 months, depending on your wearing habits. Leather ages naturally over time and is affected by normal wear and tear. When your leather strap is worn out, you should replace it immediately in order to avoid any damage to the watch head. While we use quality leather for our straps, you can help to preserve your leather strap by avoiding contact with water, cosmetic products, perfume and extreme cold or strong sunlight.
How much does a Rado watch service cost?
This depends on the individual condition of each watch. To find out the service costs for your Rado, please contact the authorised Rado Service Centre in your area.
How can I make sure my Rado is water-resistant?
Send your watch for an annual water resistance test. You can find your nearest Rado Service Centre using the Service Center Locator.
How do I know if a Rado watch is real?
The only way to be 100% sure that a Rado watch is real, is to buy it from an authorised Rado retailer, directly from one of our Rado online stores, or through one of our trusted online retail partners. Every new Rado watch comes with a warranty card issued by Rado, which must be stamped and signed on the date of purchase. If you already own a Rado watch an authorised Rado retailer or Rado Service Centre will be able to help you determine if the watch is a genuine Rado.
My watch has stopped, what should I do?
This depends on whether your watch has a quartz or automatic movement. You can find this out quickly and easily. Most Rado automatic watches have the word 'automatic' printed on the dial. If your watch has a transparent case back which allows you to see the movement, this is an automatic watch. If an automatic watch stops, you can start it again by using the crown to wind the movement and by wearing it. A quartz watch is powered by a battery. When a quartz watch stops running, the battery should be replaced immediately by an authorized Rado Service Centre . By the way, quartz watches with an EOL (End of life) function use the second hand to indicate when the battery is running down: it jumps ahead at 4-second intervals, reminding you that the battery should be changed.
How can I make sure my Rado is always accurate?
Make sure your watch receives a full service every five to seven years and avoid contact with magnetic fields. If the movement in your Rado is fitted with a NivachronTM hairspring, your watch is well protected against magnetic fields.
What are the most important documents relating to my Rado?
Keep the sales warranty or service warranty. You should also keep a copy of your instruction manual in case you need it.
Where can my watch be serviced?
Rado has a large international network of authorised retailers, as well as many authorised Rado Service Centres, which provide reliable services worldwide. Click here to find the Rado Service Centre closest to you.
How much do spare parts cost?
Original Rado spare part replacement is subject to the individual condition of each watch. To find out the original Rado spare part costs for your Rado watch, please contact the authorised Rado Service Centre in your area. Rado sells spare parts only to certified clients and Service Centres who meet our strict requirements in terms of quality and technical training.
My skin has an allergic reaction to certain metals. Can I still wear a Rado watch?
Yes! Our high-tech ceramic, for example, is very skin-friendly and much appreciated by people who may experience an allergic reaction to nickel, for instance. For people with allergies to metal we recommend our watches made entirely of high-tech ceramic. In general the skin-friendliness of our products is important, which is why we conform strictly to the EU's REACH regulation and do everything we can to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction to any of our products to a minimum.
Can I get spare parts for my watch?
We sell our spare parts exclusively to authorised service partners, never to individual customers. This ensures that those using Rado spare parts meet our strictly defined criteria in terms of machine and tool quality and infrastructure and that their staff has the appropriate training to replace parts. You can find a list of authorised Rado Service Centres Here.
The battery in my watch needs replacing. What should I do?
We strongly recommend that you take your watch to an authorised Rado Service Centre. This ensures that the battery is replaced correctly and that the watch can be checked to make sure everything else is in working order. During a battery replacement, the water resistance is also tested to ensure that your watch is properly sealed. You can contact your nearest Rado Service Centre using the Service Center Locator for information on where to replace the battery in your watch.
How often does my watch need servicing?
Like any high-precision instrument, watch movements must be maintained regularly to ensure that they work perfectly. We are not able to specify exact maintenance intervals, as this depends entirely on the watch model, climate, level of care exercised by the watch owner and your wearing habits. An approximate guide for servicing a watch movement is around five to seven years. If you have questions or concerns, we recommend you contact your nearest authorizer Rado retailer for more information or your nearest Rado Service Centre for an assessment.
Master of Material
How hard are Rado watches?
It depends on the material the watch is made from. At Rado, we measure hardness using the Vickers scale. The higher the number, the harder the materials. Natural diamond is the hardest substance with a value of 10,000 Vickers. High-tech ceramic has a rating of approximately 1,250 Vickers, Ceramos is around 1,750 Vickers and ultra-light high-tech ceramic is about the same. Our watches are hard but not indestructible. As a precision instrument, we suggest that you take the same care of your Rado watch as you would with any other high value item. If you drop your Rado watch, it may break.
Does Rado use scratch-resistant glass?
At Rado, we use sapphire crystal as standard on all our watches. It has a hardness rating of 2,500 Vickers and is considerably more scratch-resistant than mineral or acrylic glass. While it is very hard, it is not indestructible. Like high-tech ceramic, it can be scratched by materials that are as hard as or harder than sapphire. For this reason you should avoid contact with objects or materials such as nail files, granite or sand - all of which contain particles of these extremely hard materials.
Is high-tech ceramic scratch resistant?
First, let’s clarify what we mean when we say scratch-resistant. At Rado, scratch-resistant means “capable of withstanding scratching that occurs with normal everyday use”. In this context, Rado high-tech ceramic has a very high level of scratch-resistance. However, there is a risk of scratching if it comes into contact with materials that are as hard as or harder than high-tech ceramic. Such particles are found in objects or materials such as nail files, granite or sand. We recommend that you take care of your watch and try to avoid wearing it in situations where it may come into contact with other extremely hard materials.
Brand Facts
What does Rado mean?
There are many theories and no definitive evidence, but the most likely reason goes all the way back to 1928 when the Rado name was first registered. The gear wheel was one of the essential elements produced at the Schlup & Co. factory in Lengnau. Rado means ‚"wheel" in Esperanto - an international language whose foundations were laid in 1887 to unite speakers of different European languages.
The anchor on my watch has stopped turning. Do I need to send my watch for repair?
No. The anchor decoration is a feature of most Rado automatic watches. It is an independent decorative element and is not linked to the movement or any other part of the watch.
Online Orders
How can I check the status of my order/shipment?
You may check the status of your order at any time by visiting our website and simply clicking on the My Account > My Order* link on the navigation bar at the top of the screen. You can also contact our Customer Service representative at 1-800-283-7236 (From 8 AM to 6 PM EST Monday through Friday) or by e-mailing us at customerservice.us@rado.com *Please note you must have an established account to view order status. Actual delivery times will vary based on method of shipment chosen and your geographic location.
Does rado.com/en_us ship Internationally?
We apologize, but at this time orders can only be shipped within the Continental United States and Hawaii. We cannot ship items to U.S. territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands).
What is the Rado security policy?
Rado takes great care to ensure your credit card information is safe when placing an order online. Thus, we require you to re-enter your credit card information for each order. When making a purchase at rado.com/en_us, all transactions are done by using SSL 3.0 encryption -- the Internet standard for secure transactions. This ensures that your orders are encrypted when you transmit them to rado.com/en_us. If you have any questions regarding our privacy practices, please call us at 1-800-283-7236 (From 8 AM to 6 PM EST Monday through Friday) or email us on customerservice.us@rado.com
What forms of payment are accepted at rado.com/en_us?
The Rado Online Store accepts PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Affirm as forms of payment.
What is covered under the two-year Warranty?
Your Rado® watch is warranted by Rado Watch Co. Ltd. for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of purchase under the terms and conditions of this warranty. The international Rado warranty covers material and manufacturing defects existing at the time of delivery of the purchased Rado watch (“defects”). The warranty only comes into force if the warranty certificate is dated, fully and correctly completed, and stamped by an official Rado dealer (“valid warranty certificate”).
All Rado watches come with a two (2) year international warranty.
During the warranty period and by presenting the valid warranty certificate, you will have the right to have any defect repaired free of charge. In the event that repairs will not restore the normal conditions of use of your Rado watch, Rado Watch Co. Ltd. guarantees its replacement by a Rado watch of identical or similar characteristics. The warranty for the replacement watch ends twenty-four (24) months after the date of purchase of the replaced watch.
This manufacturer’s warranty does not cover:
The life of the battery
Normal wear and tear and aging (e.g. alteration of the color and/or material or non-metallic straps and chains, such as leather, textile, rubber)
Any damage on any part of the watch resulting from abnormal/abusive use, lack of care, negligence, accidents (knocks, dents, crushing, broken crystal, etc.), incorrect use of the watch and non-observance of the directions for use provided by Rado Watch Co. Ltd.
The handling of the watch by non-authorized persons (e.g. for battery replacement, services or repairs) or the alteration of the watch from its original condition beyond Rado Watch Co. Ltd.’s control.
All applicable implied warranties, including the implied warranty of merchantability and of fitness for a particular purpose given to you by law, are hereby limited in duration to the duration of this warranty. Under no circumstances will Rado Watch Co. Ltd. be liable for any indirect or consequential damages of any kind. Some states do not allow limitations on how long implied warranties last, or exclusions or limitations of incidental or consequential damages, so exclusions or limitations mentioned may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights that may vary from state to state.
Rado Watch Co. Ltd.’s obligation is strictly limited to repair or replacement as expressly stated in this limited warranty. Your official Rado dealer carries sole responsibility for any other guarantees.
The Rado Watch Co. Ltd.’s customer service ensures the perfect working order of your Rado watch. If your watch needs maintenance, rely on an official Rado dealer or an authorized Rado Service Center as set forth in the enclosed list: they alone can guarantee service according to Rado Watch Co. Ltd.’s standards.
Is the shopping process secure?
Rado takes great care to ensure your credit card information is safe when placing an order online. Thus, we require you to re-enter your credit card information for each order. When making a purchase at rado.com/en_us, all transactions are done by using SSL 3.0 encryption -- the Internet standard for secure transactions. This ensures that your orders are encrypted when you transmit them to rado.com/en_us. If you have any questions regarding our privacy practices, please call us at 1-800-283-7236 (From 8 AM to 6 PM EST Monday through Friday) or email us on customerservice.us@rado.com
Find more information here.
Where can i purchase additional links?
Additional links are available for all watches with bracelets. When ordering a watch online from rado.com/en_us, use the "Wrist Size" menu to choose the appropriate bracelet length. There will be no charge for additional links to size a bracelet up to 9.5 inches. Additional links will be charged according to the chart below. For any questions, please contact our Customer Service representative at 1-800-283-7236 (From 8 AM to 6 PM EST Monday through Friday).
Ceramic Links
1 Link: $20 additional charge
2 Links: $40 additional charge
4 Links: $80 additional charge
6 Links: $120 additional charge
Steel Links
1 Link: $10 additional charge
2 Links: $20 additional charge
4 Links: $40 additional charge
6 Links: $60 additional charge
Return and Exchange Policy
Extended Returns Policy 2020 - Orders purchased between November 2nd and December 31st can be returned until January 15th 2021. Customer satisfaction is our goal. If you are not satisfied with your product, you may return any unworn, undamaged merchandise purchased online from rado.com/en_us by mail within 14 days of delivery for an exchange or full refund of the purchase price. The customer will bear the cost of return shipping. Exchanged items will be shipped free of charge. Shipping & handling fees are non-refundable, except for defective or incorrectly shipped items. Any watch that fails quality inspection from Customer Service (e.g. scratches, worn, damaged) will be returned to you and no refund will be issued. Items must be returned in their original packaging, including any accessories, extra links, free gifts, or anything else that came with the item. For more information please contact Sales Support directly at 1-800-283-7236
Find more information here.
What is Affirm?
Affirm is a financing alternative to credit cards and other credit-payment products. Affirm offers instant loan decisioning for online purchases to be paid in fixed monthly installments over 3, 6, or 12 months. When checking out with Affirm, you will be redirected to the Affirm website to apply and see the conditions. For more information about Affirm, click Here.
What shipping options are available?
Unless otherwise stated, all shipments are with UPS and delivered Monday through Friday. The following shipping options are available.
2nd Day Shipping (Arrives in 2 business days)
Overnight Shipping (Next business day)
Rush Overnight Delivery: Orders approved Monday through Thursday by 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time and Friday by 12 PM Eastern Standard will have same day shipment. Orders approved after the aforementioned times will be processed the next business day.
Do you ship to PO Boxes?
We do not ship to PO Boxes.
Please note we only ship to U.S. addresses (Continental United States and Hawaii.)
SHIPPING ADDRESS DISCLAIMER
Your shipping address is checked by our system for security reasons and to guarantee the best delivery time. Our address verification software package is updated regularly and contains all valid addresses from the United States of America. You will be asked to change your shipping address if this address you enter is not recognized. Should you have any problems with the address validation, please call our Customer Service representative at 1-800-283-7236 (From 8 AM to 6 PM EST Monday through Friday.)
How to make a return / exchange
To return an item, please follow the instructions on the back of your packing slip. Please complete the form that came in the box and enclose it with your returned merchandise. The watch must be returned with box, warranty cards, user manual, gifts with purchase (if applicable), and any extra links due to bracelet sizing. In order to expedite your return, you must choose the appropriate reason code for your return on the packing slip. Carefully package merchandise to prevent damage in transit. Ship your return using the return label sent to you on the bottom of the original invoice. If you do not have your packing slip, please contact us at 1-800-283-7236 (From 8 AM to 6 PM EST Monday through Friday) or by emailing customerservice.us@rado.com. We recommend that all returns and exchanges be sent by UPS or FedEx with a valid tracking number attached. We are not responsible for items which are lost, stolen, broken, or damaged during the return process. All refunds will be issued in the form of the original payment. All return documents (packing slip/return labels) are on the outside of the box in a plastic sleeve. Please note: All exchanges must be equal or greater in value to the returned merchandise. If the value of the item(s) that you wish to exchange exceeds the value of your returned item(s), you will be charged the difference. Return Your Package To: Swatch Group (U.S) Inc. C/O – Rado Ecommerce Division 55 Metro Way, Suite 1 Secaucus , NJ 07094 United States of America
Find more information here.
Haven't found the answer to your question?
Get in touch with our service team any time using our contact form.