FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

With regard to nickel precipitation in our products, we orientate ourselves towards meeting the specifications of the international implementation of the REACH directive in the EU. The maximum permitted limit value is 0.5 μg/cm2 of nickel precipitation per week. By observing this statutory limit value, we can ensure that the risk of an allergic reaction to nickel in our products is reduced to a minimum. At Rado, every watch model is checked against the aforementioned criteria before it goes on sale. In our experience, allergic reactions to our products are exclusively isolated cases. If a customer should have an allergic reaction, we recommend having this checked by a doctor. Only a doctor is able to determine whether there has actually been an allergic reaction.

Like any high-precision instrument, watch movements must be maintained regularly to ensure that they work perfectly. Rado is not able to specify exact maintenance intervals, as this depends entirely on the watch model, climate, and level of care exercised by the watch owner. An approximate guide for servicing a watch movement – depending on how the watch is used – is around five years.

Only a qualified watchmaker or an authorised retailer who is familiar with Rado products is able to determine whether a watch is a genuine Rado timepiece. We advise you to only purchase Rado watches from an authorised Rado retailer. You can find your nearest retailer, as well as a full list of authorised points of sale, by clicking on the Store Locator . Every new Rado watch comes with a warranty card issued by Rado.

No. In order to determine a fair market value for your watch, Rado recommends that you consult a professional valuer who specialises in vintage watches and jewellery. The price of a worn Rado watch always depends on the offer and demand. Rado does not buy back used watches.

The service is subject to the individual condition of each watch. To find out the service costs for your Rado watch, please contact the authorised Rado Service Center in your area.

Rado has an international network of 5,000 authorised retailers, and many authorised Rado Service Centers, which provide reliable services worldwide. Click here to find the Rado Service Center closest to you: Find Service Center.

Rado recommends that you take your watch to an authorised Rado Service Center where the water resistance is tested when replacing the battery to ensure that your watch is properly sealed. Rado recommends replacing the gaskets and, if necessary, the crown every time the battery is replaced to ensure the water resistance of the watch. You can contact your nearest Rado retailer using the Store Locator for information on how to have your watch serviced.

Recommendation how to use automatic watches

Before “wearing” your automatic Rado watch again, i.e. attaching it to your wrist, we recommend turning the crown 15 to 20 full turns. By doing so, you ensure that your Rado watch starts out with sufficient power reserve and its accuracy lies within tolerance.

By moving the arm and/or wrist on which the watch is worn, the automatic winding mechanism fully winds up the watch movement over time. To do this, the watch must be actively worn for several hours (approx. 4 to 8 hours, depending on the activity of the wearer) per day.

This guarantees that your automatic Rado watch will display the exact, reliable time for you.

The accuracy of a mechanical, automatic watch:

Tolerance for normal movements:

Maximum deviation from minus 5 to plus 20 seconds within 24 hours.

Tolerance for chronometer movements:

Maximum deviation from minus 4 to plus 6 seconds within 24 hours.

The power reserve of a mechanical, automatic watch:

The minimum duration is 36 hours. When the fully wound watch is put into an idle position and is no longer moved, it shows the precise time for another 36 to 40 hours and in some cases up to 80 hours.

We do not sell any spare parts to private customers. Our spare parts customers are authorised by Rado and must meet clearly defined criteria in terms of machine and tool infrastructure as well as the technical training of the employees.

To have your Rado watch serviced, please contact  one of our authorised service centres. You will find the addresses on our website www.rado.com under “Customer Service”, “Service Centers”.

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 Center in your area. Rado sells spare parts only to certified clients and service centers who meet our strict requirements in terms of quality and technical training.