Rado Integral

The Swiss watch manufacturer Rado is best known for their use of ceramic. This development dates back to 1986 and the introduction of the Integral collection. This was the first time Rado ever used ceramic in a watch. However, to this day these watches are not made entirely of this fascinating material: Stainless steel components lend the case greater stability. The central links of the bracelet are also made of stainless steel. In addition to its practical uses, this combination is also pleasant to look at. Most versions include a yellow gold PVD coating on the stainless steel elements, which contrasts beautifully with the ceramic that comes in black, white, or a metallic shine.

Integral watches all have stark, geometric shapes: The cases and dials are rectangular, and the bracelets only have straight lines. These simple shapes also find form in the reductionist design of the dial, which gives each watch a rather sophisticated feel. Models with the word "Diamonds" or "Jubile" in the name feature diamonds, which enhances this elegant effect. The Integral comes in both men's and women's sizes. The men's version usually has a date display at 6 o'clock – a feature not found on women's models.

Depending on the edition and its condition, prices for a Rado Integral vary greatly. You can buy a pre-owned women's model with a wide, silvery bracelet and a black dial in good condition for around 490 euros. Plan to spend about 60 euros more for the Jubile version with diamond indices at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock. Similar new models float between 885 euros for the standard version and 1,030 euros for the Jubile edition. If you're looking for an Integral Jubile women's watch with diamonds on the dial and case, you will need to spend a little more. Prices for pre-owned models start at 1,490 euros, while new models go for slightly over 1,900 euros.

Price ranges for men's watches are just as wide. A pre-owned Rado integral in good condition costs around 600 euros. Prices for new models start at just under 700 euros. Be prepared to spend around 1,400 euros for a men's Integral with diamonds on the dial. The model with additional diamonds on the case goes for 1,490 euros in good condition and 2,395 euros when never worn.

The Integral Chronograph is a particularly striking men's watch and is not a part of the current collection. Its rectangular shape and modern dial design with rectangular subdials give this watch a futuristic feel. There is a 10-hour counter at 2 o'clock, a small seconds dial at 6, and a 30-minute counter at 10. You can get a pre-owned model starting at about 820 euros, while new models sit at 1,340 euros.

In this family of mostly quartz-powered watches, the automatic models are truly special. The word "Automatic" beneath the Rado inscription and a small moving anchor on the dial are the only outward differences to the quartz models. The anchor symbol is found on all of Rado's automatic watches. Even though these watches are no longer in the Rado catalog, you can still find never-worn models online. Plan to spend 1,249 euros for one of these Integral Automatic pieces.