In this article, we are going to be looking at yet another comparison between two different Swiss luxury watch brands. This time, it will be Tissot Vs Rado.
Swiss watches hold the highest value and esteem among watch collectors. Over many years, Swiss watches have made a reputation for themselves by consistently producing high quality time pieces.
Swiss watches are revered for their incredible detail and accuracy. These types of watches tend to be just as much works art as they are devices used to measure time.
So back to Tissot Vs Rado, we are going to be looking at three main factors. These are: build quality, design, and pricing. Whenever a watch or watch brand strikes a good balance between these factors, they usually go on to experience success.
However, before we start getting into those details, let’s get to know a little bit more about our brands first.
About Tissot And Rado
Tissot
While Tissot is, in fact a luxury brand, it would be referred to as an “entry level” luxury brand. Basically, this is a watch brand that contains all of the qualities of a luxury watch, but at a more reasonable price.
Tissot was started in the mid 1800’s, and began as a family owned business. They achieved a significant degree of success over time and were able to expand and grow to stay competitive in an ever evolving market.
Tissot has even played their part in the advancement of technology within the industry. This can be seen in some of their products such as the world’s first multifunctional tactile watch, and also, the world’s first anti magnetic watch.
Rado
Rado has been around at least in some form since the early 1900’s. It was started by two Swiss brothers making watch movements out of their parents home. They quickly expanded to factories and mass production.
Rado originally became well known for their line of water resistant automatic watches. As with Tissot, Rado also innovated within the industry. They released the world’s first scratch proof watch, in 1962.
Since then, Rado has gained a reputation for producing more durable luxury watches. Today, Rado continues the trend of producing high quality, high end timepieces. It is also, now part of the Swatch Group.
With those brief introductions out of the way, let’s compare watches between these brands! We will start by looking at the build quality.
Tissot Vs Rado: Build Quality
Tissot
They produce both mechanical and quartz watches with analog displays, as well as quartz watches with digital displays and even smartwatches also. Tissot cases will be made of stainless steel, and have bands made of various materials such as stainless steel, nylon, leather, and rubber. Additionally, you will find models with gold plated or titanium cases.
Dial windows are made of sapphire crystal. The water resistance in Tissot watches can range from as low as 30 to as high as 100 meters, from model to model.
Rado
Rado makes both quartz and automatic watches. A lot of the cases are made of stainless steel. Being a Swiss luxury watch, you will also find titanium or gold plated cases as well. Also, I brought up earlier the fact that Rado made the first scratch resistant watches.
Well Rado has their own special type of ceramic and metal combination that they use to make some of their watches. Known as Ceramos, it is very durable and has many unique properties to it.
Other than that, the dial windows will be made of sapphire, which is expected in a luxury watch. The bands also can be made of stainless steel or Rado’s Ceramos material, as well as leather. Water resistance on Rado watches will typically range from 30 to 100 meters.
Verdict On Build Quality
Historically, Rado has the better builds overall. This is especially evident when you take into account their proprietary Ceramos material included in many of their builds.
Next, let’s check out the designs.
Tissot Vs Rado: Design & Style
Tissot
With Tissot, you get a lot of the traditional luxury watch styles. They have business casual, minimalist, diving, and chronograph styles. Then of course they have some more contemporary deigns in their digital and smartwatches.
All in all though, despite being an entry level luxury watch, Tissot still maintains a quality appearance on par with what you would expect from even the more premium Swiss brands.
Rado
Rado watches are very distinct. They have a style and elegance all their own. Their watches have both the luxury look combined with an artistic flair.
While they do have a lot of the traditional luxury styles and designs, many of them are unique in their own right.
Design & Style Verdict
When it comes to design and style, Rado takes the lead with their elegant designs possessing a unique flair.
Finally, we’ll take a look at the pricing differences between these two brands.
Tissot Vs Rado: Pricing
When it comes to pricing, the differences are blatantly obvious. As always, both brands will have more expensive and less expensive models. However, Tissot watches, on average are going to be far less expensive than Rado watches.
Whereas Rado watches tend to have prices that stay more in the higher ranges, Tissot watches can be found typically in the mid to mid high range.
As previously stated, because Tissot is more of an entry level luxury Swiss brand, their prices tend to be a bit more consumer friendly.
Check Tissot Prices On Amazon
Check Rado Prices On Amazon
So now what is the final verdict on Tissot Vs Rado watches?
Final Conclusion
Based on what we have looked at here today, it would appear that Rado wins overall. They have a superior focus on build, and more stylish and unique designs.
The only downside is that they are much more expensive on average than Tissot watches. Tissot watches, however, are great if you want to get into Swiss luxury watches at a more consumer friendly price.
And that wraps up today’s comparison. If you enjoyed it, then you can check out similar comparisons here
