Rado is known for its luxurious, high-end watches, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of reach for budget-conscious shoppers. In fact, there are plenty of Rado watches that are surprisingly affordable.
If you’re looking for the cheapest Rado watches, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered a list of the most budget-friendly Rado watches available, so you can find the perfect watch without spending a fortune.
In total, we’ve selected 3 different watch models you can snatch in 2023. All three timepieces have been picked for various reasons and cater to different wallet sizes.
Without further ado, let’s go.
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Cheapest Rado Watches (Top 3 Overview)
Cheapest Rado Watches (Top 3 Reviewed)
Diastar R12391153
Details
More often than not, quartz watches are way less expensive than their mechanical counterparts – and the Diastar R12391153 is no exception.
As things stand, this is the cheapest Rado watch available on offer. Despite coming at a very reasonable price, the watch doesn’t sacrifice any of the high-quality materials or features that Rado is known for.
- Related: Rado vs Longines comparison
If you’re familiar with the brand, you will definitely know that the Diastar is probably the most iconic design in Rado’s collection. First introduced in the 1970s, the watch has been through several iterations – with the R12391153 one of the freshest and most budget-friendly.
The watch comes with a uniquely-shaped oval case which is one of the trademarks of the Diastar collection. The case measures 35mm in diameter and is just 8.5mm thick, making it a popular choice amongst both men and women. The caseback is solid while the 3-link bracelet comes with a deployment clasp closure. All the elements are made from stainless steel.
Although being on the minimalistic side, the dial is a thing of beauty. The black background combines neatly with the silver-tone hands and diamond markers. For easy reading after dusk, the watch hands are luminescent. There are also minute markers on the outer rim and a day & date window positioned at 3 o’clock.
The watch has the best possible protection against cracks and scratches thanks to the sapphire crystal glass. On the waterproofing front, however, the watch is a bit lacking. It has a water resistance of just 30 meters (3 ATM) which means you shouldn’t expose it to water.
Last but not least, the timepiece is powered by a Swiss quartz movement, delivering excellent accuracy of +/- 10 seconds/month.
Diastar R12408633
Details
If like the rest of watch aficionados, you prefer the feel of an automatic watch on your wrist, then the Diastar R12408633 is a great choice. It’s one of the most affordable automatic watches in Rado’s collection and it comes with several high-end features.
Since it’s another watch belonging to the Diastar family, it’s no surprise it also comes with an oval-shaped case. Furthermore, it matches the predecessor in terms of the case diameter (35mm). However, it’s slightly thicker (11mm).
While the previous Diastar has an all-silver-tone design, this model comes with a silver-tone stainless steel case and a two-tone (silver & gold PVD) stainless steel bracelet. Similarly, the bracelet is made of 3 links and has a deployment clasp.
Whereas we are major fans of the previous watch’s style, the champagne dial of this model takes it to a whole new level. The face also features luminous gold-tone hands and diamond hour markers. There are also ultra-small minute markers on the outer rim. This time, the day & date window is vertical and has a unique position at 6 o’clock.
Unsurprisingly, the dial window is made from scratch-resistant sapphire glass. This model offers much better protection against water, with a water resistance rating of 10 ATM / 100m. This makes it a safe companion for showering but also for short swimming sessions.
Understandably, the biggest talking point of this model is automatic movement. The watch uses an ultra-reliable Swiss caliber – ETA 2836-2. It’s a 25-jewel movement with a power reserve of 40 hours and an accuracy averaging +4/-6 seconds per day. Excellent!
True R27742152
Details
Closing the list of the top 3 cheapest Rado watches is a High-Tech Ceramic timepiece – True R27742152. While the previous two models will look equally fine on both men and women, this is a ladies’ watch that will suit any woman looking for an elegant and stylish accessory.
The first thing that clearly distinguishes the model is the feminine case size – 30mm in diameter and just 5mm in thickness.
As already mentioned, the watch is made using Rado’s proprietary High-Tech Ceramic. This is a material that’s not only extremely scratch-resistant but also hypoallergenic. Furthermore, it’s ultra-lightweight and comfortable to wear. Both the case and the 3-link bracelet are made from the material – hence quite a hefty price tag, even for a seemingly “cheap” Rado watch. Akin to the previous Rados on the list, this one also uses a deployment clasp.
You can learn more about High-Tech Ceramic technology on Rado’s official website.
Moving on to the dial, it’s as minimalistic as it gets. The black background goes perfectly with the rose gold PVD-coated hands and index markers. There’s no day & date window to be found but, given the size of the dial, it would probably look a bit cluttered anyway.
The watch is powered by a Swiss quartz movement (ETA Caliber 282.001) and it has a water resistance rating of just 30 meters (3 ATM). Again, not the best option for people into water sports but it will survive a few splashes of water just fine.
Final Word & FAQ
Cheap Rado watches definitely exist and, in this article, we’ve presented some of the best options currently available on the market. While there are many much more affordable Swiss watch brands out there, Rado is considered a luxury watchmaker for a reason.
As such, their timepieces boast excellent build quality, use high-end materials, and come with various luxurious features. While the three watches discussed in the article are one of the cheapest models around, they still offer a lot in terms of style, build quality, and features.
Hopefully, this article has helped you find the right Rado watch for your needs and budget. If you still have any unanswered questions regarding Rado, make sure to check out the FAQ section below.
Alternatively, check out our guides to affordable luxury watches and cheap Swiss automatic watches for more ideas.
What is the lowest price of a Rado watch?
At the time of writing, the cheapest Rado watch we could find online is the Diastar R12391153 listed for just under $400.
If you have managed to find a cheaper one, make sure to let us know in the comment section at the bottom of the article – we will gladly update the information!
How much does a Rado watch cost on average?
The average price of a Rado watch is somewhere around $1,000. However, it’s important to note that the Swiss brand offers a wide range of timepieces that go well beyond this price point.
Some of their high-end models (such as the HyperChrome) can easily retail for $8,000 or more.
Is it worth buying a Rado?
This is, of course, a matter of personal opinion. In our opinion, Rado watches offer excellent value for the money.
They boast excellent build quality, use high-end materials (such as their proprietary High-Tech Ceramic), and come with a wide range of features. Furthermore, they are backed by Rado’s excellent customer service and a 2-year warranty.
Is Rado a luxury brand?
At the very least, Rado is well worthy of the Entry-Level luxury watch category.
While they don’t have the same level of recognition as some of the other Swiss luxury watchmakers such as Rolex or Patek Philippe, they are still considered a top-tier brand. This is reflected in both their prices and the quality of their watches.
Do Rado watches go up in value?
While we can’t say for sure, it’s very likely that Rado watches will hold their value (or even appreciate) over time.
This is especially true for some of their more iconic models such as the Diastar or the Golden Horse. Of course, this also depends on the specific model and its current market value.
