3 Watch Brands with BIG Problems

[@heisenberg1732]

I see a Rado on someone's wrist, that's someone worth getting to know

[@kreszcenciahorvath]

Rado is way higher quality than Tissot. Tissot /Certina have rough things visible by the naked eye and they can't even align the numbers of the date-wheel perfectly. Rado is in a different league quality-wise. I had to inspect them with a magnifier but didn't find imperfections, it's easily Tudor level. The movements often upgraded versions with gold plated rotors (even when there is no sapphire caseback), no plastic parts and better regulation. Still a bit pricey for what you get but can't be compared to the aforementioned brands, only if you don't have in-hand experience with the pieces as they might look the same quality on the internet. So as a Patek and a Casio.

[@NCSheriff7]

Why compare a luxury brand with 2 premium watchbrands like Tissot and Certina lol. In Asia Rado watches are gifted like Rolex watches

[@thewholecut]

Disagree on Rado. At least they have some quirky and interesting designs. Most watch brands have the same copy and paste styles.

[@DonJon200]

Also their materials are top notch

[@mrrobot8973]

@@DonJon200the high tech ceramic is incredible

[@DonJon200]

@@mrrobot8973 Yes! I love Rado a lot for their choice of materials

[@Abdul-Baseer]

I got my grandfather's Rado voyager inherited to me. It comes with an octagonal dial which I am not able to find anywhere else as of yet. The other octagonal dials are octagonal outside and circular from inside. So yeah, Rado is a really versatile watch. That 80's era watch I got from my grandfather is still modern enough and almost looks similar to casio's classic dial shape of its digital watches.

[@Kevin-Valentin]

They are still too expensive coming from a Rado head ....

[@TheSkatereel]

Rado is doing fine in Asia, India, even Latin America. Swatch Group is happy with their peformance I bet, especially with the buzz of the Captain Cook. The other two brands are absolutely in the doghouse; brands that have been forgotten.

[@KAM128]

Yup but I've heard Grand Seiko is starting to pick up in those markets also. Still more than a rado even with discounts though but I'm sure it's eating into some sales.

[@ahha6304]

bah, not in Thailand, people watching more nowadays at Tissot, at least they have wider range, and in some level they feel like Rado is overpriced Tissot

[@DoveSharma]

Rado is not doing "fine" in asia. Its just that rado is doing better in asia than its doing in other continents

[@timemeasured9137]

Although Rado is not popular over here in North America, they are highly respected in the East….They are not hurting in the least. Never heard of the other two brands.

[@nomebear]

In the 70s and 80s, I recall seeing displays of Rado in the finer jewelers in the U.S., but not so much as of late. A family member wears Ebel every day and owns dress watches she bought while in Switzerland. If not for her, I would have known nothing of the brand. A close friend owned several Movado Museum designs in his collection.

[@neilmartin7776]

4:02 - "Rado is setting themselves up in a weird part of the market where they rely on the Captain Cook..." So, pretty much like Audemars Piguet with the Royal Oak?

[@dimman77]

A bunch of my non-watch buddies have Rados. Quartz and Automatics, usually ceramic, usually a gift for wedding, graduation or anniversary. One young guy I work with is looking to buy one because he likes the two-tone black and gold, with factory diamonds in a modern case and bracelet, as a much more affordable alternative two a two tone Rolex ("Rollie") with diamonds. I was very surprised. Seems Rado is super popular with non-watch-geek normies.

[@verklagekasper]

Rado's turnover is about 60% of Tudor's. Or as high as that of Hamilton and Mido combined. They are far from struggling.

[@watchdogpodcast239]

Rado is hugely popular in the Middle East. They'll be fine

[@timemeasured9137]

No doubt!!!!

[@MrTealZelosFan]

My Captain Cook was bought on a whim after watching a teddy video. Since then I’ve fallen in love with the brand and went on to purchase a Grande Seconde. I will continue to buy RADO. Will probably buy a Diastar next.

[@navboi12]

Look into vintage Diastars. I have a fair few square pieces from the 80s, including OG Anatoms.

[@OmidSoltan]

Interesting point about Rado, especially given the fact that it is usually compared with the likes of Longines and Oris.

[@dimman77]

I bet Rado outsells Oris 20:1

[@heinrich3427]

People don't buy movements, they buy brand prestige and Rado has a lot of that. Same with Tag, Hublot, Breitling and many more. Only watch enthusiasts care about movements.

[@jeffreyblue627]

Rado is extremely popular in many Asian countries. In fact, my Asian wife gave me a Rado as a gift, and it sits proudly in my Watchbox along with my Journe, Gronefeld, VC, Breguet, Rolex, and Omega.

[@Greysprunkiyay]

Weird flex but ok

[@flyingphoenix113]

That's a heck of a watch box!

[@2024-s2n]

I smell bullshit

[@MrCavalorn]

Nobody cares about your collection.

[@finnandrei5745]

I have a Rado Diastar, Credor, Citizen, Timex, Casio, and Eterna. :)

[@jamesblonde2271]

I actually said this Rado conversation to my local AD and he said I was talking balls, they sell quite alot of the ceramic watches, one of their more popular lines, also massive brand in Asia and the middle east.

[@omer88899]

Im a watchmacker, i repair ALOT of watches from the swatch group, and rado DOSE NOT USE the paowermatic 80 movment that tissot use, they usr a way better ETA2824 with unjusteble balance(only one pin for ajusting the balace spring) you need way more money and skill to make them... and they dont have plastic parts like the pwoermatic 80... The only down side of rado is the w.r its says 30m but its more like only 1m😂 alot of problems with the crowns ❤ keep then safe they will least for YEARS. And the ceramic ones breake a bit easy..and its a bout 20-60% of the watch price to fix them..depends on the modle

[@Lahirunav]

Rado is using the C07.611 movement while most tissots use C07.111 movement. Rado movement doesn't use plastic parts and has a silicon hairspring. The same movement is found in Certina watches and Tissot Gentleman watches.

[@rado5192]

So many comments about Rado. Nice. I bought Golden Horse 42 and it s a beautiful classic.

[@xy8362]

Its amazing got the blue one

[@paulratheram8632]

I disagree about Rado, the materials they use, there finishing, quality and attention to detail and design is far better than other lower priced Swatch brands. Tag and oris used basse Selita and ETA movements used in Tissot and charged a lot more how are they different then Rado? It also about marketing and brand and Rado is seen as luxury in parts of the world where Hamilton is seen as professional tool. Rados designs are unique. If you want a tough material watch, Rado is the original pioneer.

[@erwinleen4321]

A black ceramic with gold lines is a luxury Rado for many decades.

[@jshaan75]

One of the most uniformed watch reviews I have come across in a while. 1.Powermatic 80 has two movements, one with 23 jewels which is slightly less expensive, and another with 25 jewels, and this has three different modifications, some with plastic parts, and one top grade without plastic parts, with nivichron spring balance etc. and running to COSC standard +4 sec. So Rado uses only top grade Powermatic 80 which isn’t inferior to Longines, Tudor, or Rolex movements if not even better than some of them. Btw by the same logic, Omega is also using movements based on ETA. 2. Rado is not anywhere close to dying or depending upon the captain cook. Centrix and Hyperchromes are way more popular in the other half of the world (India, China, South Asia, Middle East) Rado has a market share of around 50 percent above 1000 USD price tag and is basically at the very epitome of luxury and considered just below Rolex. It's basically keeping the Swiss watch industry up and kicking in this part of the world.

[@spursblood1]

I struggle to understand anyone choosing Rado over Tudor, Longines, Bremont, Breitling, etc.

[@eagle_rb_mmoomin_418]

​@@spursblood1I would, none of those appeal. I know everyone is supposed to love Tudor now but I'd far rather have a Captain Cook the automatic chrono is chefs kiss or an over pole.

[@milosradivojevic5887]

Rado is amazing, my wife wants already a 3rd centrix, and I am getting a DiaStar 60th year anniversary on top of Captain cook ghost

[@bloodstockvip2176]

My Rado Captain Cook is one of my favourite pieces and I wear it most days. It's beautiful in green face/Bezel and is popular in the UK as a brand. I do have a Tissot too although rarely wear it but do enjoy it when I do

[@jdsk8914]

I'm thinking of getting a Captain Cook green. Hope you are enjoying yours !

[@bloodstockvip2176]

@@jdsk8914 love it, mainly my daily driver now

[@YDave-vq2gj]

You clearly don’t know about Asia markets lol… Rado is far from trouble please stop spreading false info

[@darrenl8290]

I was seriously thinking about a Captain Cook until I watched this video, it will be a Tissot Powermatic instead. Thanks for the heads up JP.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

RADO, Price Point Problem ? Then how about DAVE PORTNOY's 'Brick Watch' brand ( also ~ $2400) ???

[@jeeperspeepers8323]

The top brass at Rado will not lose one wink of sleep due to this video.

[@jshaan75]

Wrong on every front this video. It's BS

[@christianoliver4243]

Ebel were huge in the 80's. Their el primero Chronos were almost double the price of daytonas. Great design, great movement, great history. And then, towards the late 90's it all went south. Those vintage Ebels are sought after. Time to snap one up!

[@stupidocanerosa]

I believe it's going to be harder and harder to get bargains on 90's Ebel. Prices are steeping up dramatically. I got myself a 1911 steel ETA 2892 for a few hundreds one and half year ago and at today it went into the thousands. By the way, I love how it feels on my wrist and that 90's vibe... priceless.

[@fungus70]

Maybe Rado just hasn't enough stock to sell in US as demand is mostly taken up in other countries 😅 I have 2 Diastars and a True Square. Their ceramic is fantastic. It's really super scratch resistant and feels warm.

[@courtpaul9334]

When more people from North America start valuing & purchasing more Rado watches⌚the price will go through the roof so i hope they don't fancy them as much as Asia 😊

[@bettersteps]

You messed up with putting Rado on this list.

[@pmguy9403]

Thank you John for another great video. Keep it up!

[@DoveSharma]

Rado has one thing that most other brands of its price category does not. Originality in the design. If they introduce better movements the brand can really revive.

[@GCPlati85]

Phenomenal content. Information like what you shared about Rado, which someone who does not work in watches is not likely to come across, is highly valuable and appreciated.

[@jokester5812]

Shame he is talking shit.

[@Bruno-xb2mt]

The rado captain cook is just so unique, good looking and detailed though and has ceramic. It’s all that goodness that you’re paying for and the movement (which most people don’t really care about as long as its solid) probably allows it to cost way less than it would have otherwise so it’s actually really good value. Idk about their other watches though.

[@asvanth1941]

I own 3 rado

[@UTubeAngelique]

RADO are SUPERIOR quality! You make yourself silly with your lack of knowledge. My 1977 Shangri-La STILL works absolutely BEAUTIFULLY. You cannot compare it to a Swatch Watch! Many supermarkets sell you food, wines, etc… that are priced differently but you know when you’re buying cheap and when you’re not but to compare RADO to a chavvy Swatch..? PLEASE!😂

[@whartonseas]

Ummmm, in 1977 Rado wasn't part of the Swatch Group.

[@UTubeAngelique]

@ mmmmm, what’s that got to do with anything..? My watch is a 1977 RADO not Swatch??? Nothing to do with Swatch.

[@neilmartin7776]

Rado sell quite well here in the UK - they're available in many jewellers and watch retailers, and their ceramic models get decent attention from buyers.

[@jeffjacobson59]

Large Indian population. Rado is the Indian Rolex, after all

[@chaca500]

An American-centric view of a global subject, not fully informed, should be revised in the near future to improve viewer confidence.

[@kennyng2730]

I buy rado for one one reason only. CERAMIC. Am happy with my latest addition, captain cook. Ive a few of their ceramic series. Im a very rough person, the ceramic and sapphire glass kept it in total mint condition.

[@wittech6116]

“We have nearly doubled our inventory” translation: watches aren’t selling well right now. “Right now is a great time to buy” Translation: please please buy now, we know the market is only going to get worse and we are sitting on more inventory than we can maintain” And comparing tissot to Rado is a ridiculous notion. Rado has never been popular in the US. And swatch doesn’t care because Rado does extremely well in other regions. Swatch doesn’t expect all their brands to do well in all markets. Their business model works.

[@loganoftherockies9453]

Agreed with many here about Rado being quite popular in parts of Latin America, Asia, Middle East. That said, from my enthusiast pov here in the USA, yeah I agree completely with John P that the movement grade isn't on par with the price point---esp considering that Tissot and Mido both commonly use the higher COSC grade Powermatic 80 at a fraction of the price. That said, the ceramic Captain Cooks really are cool, and have come an inch away from buying one a few times.

[@teemo4691]

What about Baume & Mercier ?

[@LK0405]

So they say the powermatic has plastic parts, and service will be hard. How does this relate to the captain cook? And how to check which movement is what without opening the case?

[@jokester5812]

Don’t worry, Rado does not use plastic parts, they use the top grade powermatic movement with all metal parts and novichron balance. They are incredible. The movements with the plastic parts go to tissot. When u wear rado u join a very special club.

[@marctavo5288]

it's well out of my league but I much more prefer Roger Dubuis then Richard Mille

[@billyclaveria2131]

Mostly Asians Mid Class luxury watch are Rado's thats a Fact i worked in Middle east....

[@sedna90377]

Rado feels like the "Oldsmobile" in the old GM lineup. Too many similar looking watches lost in the vast Swatch brands. I mean, who can tell the difference between Rado and Mido?

[@navboi12]

BS. You can most certainly tell those two brands apart. Rado vs. Titan on the other hand is a whole different kettle of fish; the latter is blatantly copying the first, though perhaps this is done above board via a licensing agreement.

[@Gamertrix117]

How’s that different to Audi having the same engine in their cars as Skoda? An Audi is more than double the price of a Skoda.

[@antonhallergren588]

Rado is just too expensive for what it is. They should basically be half price but they're sold at what they're sold at because they're very popular in Asia and India.

[@nomebear]

As my friends and I age, and as we pass on, I find that the heirs aren't interested in owning anything that we cherished. As collections go to auction, or disappear, I sometimes wonder where some of the more outstanding pieces, these objects of fine art ended up. In the 70s and 80s, I recall seeing displays of the uniquely designed Rado in the finer jewelers in the U.S., but not so much as of late. A family member wears Ebel every day and owns dress watches she bought while in Switzerland. If not for her, I would have known nothing of the brand. A close friend owned several Movado Museum designs in his collection.

[@watsonrousseau5425]

How about rado diaster model is worth for buying?

[@watsonrousseau5425]

Battery model I'm looking for

[@zoltanmagyar3059]

There is nothing wrong with Rado using the same movements like Tissot and others and charging 3-7 times most. Most companies do that. Movement is not the most expensive part of the watch. Most companies used 7750nor or 2892 and their prices ranged from a few hundreds to a few thousands. Rado problem is that ceramic is now much cheaper to produce than it was 20 years ago and they can't compete in that niche. They used to be much better quality in the past than now. I fancied their tungsten carbide bracelets and cases but I am not impressed by current stainless steel. They are like everybody else now. 2. Ebel was a great brand delivering better quality than Tag or even many Omega models. El Primero, 137 Lemania based among them. Even their ETA movements were always top level. Amazing bracelets and cases. They are still decent quality but much less so.

[@sagnikchaudhuri4142]

Anyone knows what quartz movement is inside Rado diastar?

[@stefanotattifrongia3612]

I think that ALL watch are in trouble with a few exceptions. During Covid we saw the boom of interest for watches and on the same moment no production. So all the brands put the price up, now again everyone announced further increases due to the war etc. On the same time the jewellery or AD will be floated of watches and less people will buy. Everyone is pushing since last year to buy before January or February but my opinion is that in six months we will see again discount from 20 to 40% discount.

[@kennethchia4517]

Agree with the other 2 but man. Looking at others responses you should already know. Rado is up there as one of my favourite brand for sure ❤

[@darroncrick9993]

I have a 18ct Ebel pre 1911 Sports. The weight and feel is lovely. Bought it for the metal but now don't take it off. Cheaper than the scrap price plus beautiful to boot. What's not to like?

[@trinity3422]

Unfortunately many brands act like their movements aren’t just slightly modified ETA’s so that they can call them “in house.” Hublot gets a lot of backlash but probably should get more backlash for their overpricing and doing the exact same type of marketing.

[@TheSlowoldman]

Tragic what has happened to Roger Dubuis, when you go back to the start the Hommage and Sympathie lines of the 90's are exquisite..... definitely a grail for me.

[@vetman548]

You can get some great prices on Captain Cook Rado watches if you look around.

[@anonymousprotein]

Rado, Longines, Omega and Tag and almost everyone in luxury segment are in trouble! If u open them, u will find same ETA movements that can buy in much cheaper price from swatch or tissot!

[@gregorycopploeauthorartist1427]

I agree. Just bought a Roger Dubuis Golden Square watch. Just love it!!! Limited edition. I would never buy the modern watches. The old ones are so classically delicious. So elated with my purchase. If Roger Dubuis decided to go back to the original designs, we would all go crazy for sure!

[@bigwangmark]

I switched off when you said that the powermatic found in the cheaper tissot watches was the same. It's not as they have a few versions of this movement that share the same powermatic naming system.

[@ahmadbas89]

Rado is out selling other big brands in Asia, India and middle east. I personally talked with a salesman in big authorized seller store in Saudi Arabia and he told me that Rado is responsible for more than half the sales of the store outselling Mido, Omega, even Hamilton.

[@smokee3820]

I bought a rado centrix with diamonds about 10 years back but my tastes have moved on since then. I now have an omega seamaster professional 300m but I've not sold the rado as the resale value is so low despite the watch doubling in price since I bought it that its just not worth selling and might as well keep it as a dress watch.

[@hongsitu3429]

Well if seiko can charge 1k to 2k or more for 4r and 6r movements, just means there are enough suckers out there to buy Rados.

[@SavageKillaBees]

Heres my true story. Knew of Rado forever. Was looking for a standout dive watch that suits my style. Discovered Rado skeletal all ceramic 43mm Captain Cooks. I was instantly sold! Today I have the limited edition, all ceramic reference on my wrist. Its such a fun and great standout watch! Absolutely love it.

[@biddy73]

Love my hi tech ceramic captain cook. wear for work in the building game no scratches looks like new ,do that with a black bay or rolex

[@garybailey1602]

Rados problem in Europe is the horrific model line up, the Captain Cook is the only watch that looks good, though I own a high tech ceramic and it stands up in quality to my omega, breitling and Rolex, quite honestly movement aside it blows away all my Hamilton's, I've never owned a Tissot as every one I've got hands on with feels like it's made of tin foil!!!!

[@lamentate07]

Rado's build quality is far above Tissot, that's why their watches cost more. They are premium watches for the price.

[@jasongultjaeff9397]

Typical US point of view. So what, Rado aren't big in the States, though I wouldn't be surprised if they are still growing with the popularity of the Captain Cook. Rado are doing fine. Just not big in the States, KZbin and the internet. I'm sure if they paid the right group of Nth American influencers, this online "opinion" could change very quickly....

[@lunchboxbandits]

I love my Captain cook Rado, it definitely it’s vintage style definitely beats out similarly spec’d watches. I’m interested in their True Square open heart.

[@danceaction8548]

This video is bs .. Rado was and is a popular watch and makes extremely high quality watches may be half the price compared to many brands like omega, cartier etc

[@zosothezephead837]

I own several Rado dress watches from the 90's. To me, this was their golden period when their designs were minimalist and innovative. I stopped following them from the noughties onwards as they seemed to have lost their identity. I think it's sad, as those watch designs (a handful of which are still produced) were both unique and head and shoulders above the competition way above them. Value for money? Well as so many reviewers like to say, "if you like the watch, buy it".

[@williambarabanitz3858]

Any thoughts on the current Discovery chronograph? All comments welcome.

[@silvestrocrino3256]

It surprises me that you lump Rado in with Ebel and Roger D…. Rado is huge in Asia….and sells more watches than Hamilton and Mido combined….my guess is that Swatch is happy with how these three watches brands line up.

[@jasongultjaeff9397]

This guy only see's the US.

[@bnick25352535]

Never buy Rado at retail,even on grey market there hype is kinda dwindle and are not selling.Finding Ebel at the Movado outlet stores doesn't help there brand at all.

[@teus-janreinders1715]

I bought Yesterday a diamaster automatic gr a nde seconde.Outstanding quality For a fair price.Rado is sold in many fine jewelry dhops in Holland.

[@junalmarines9342]

Rado is great.. how about the breitling colts with ETA movements?

[@smoothacceleration437]

Please always do a wrist watch check.

[@scott2575]

RD older stuff is amazing

[@paulhopkins1905]

Mido is making nicer looking watches than Rado, with similar quality, for less money

[@erikblomstedt9089]

Some more to consider: Urban Gentry, Watchbox Studio, John P Watches, Wristwatch Revival

[@richardwilson3364]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mikeswatches2480]

Rado has no problems!

[@friskjidjidoglu7415]

“Powermatic” or eta c07 (and “powermatic”is a Tissot term fyi) is a family of movements that has roughly 3 different levels with each movement, having its own different grades, So this is not necessarily true.

[@DWilliam1]

You can get a RADO captain cook for well under $1700 on the gray market.

[@brianwarner44]

I was about to buy the Captain Cook until I did some research and it had the same movement as my 200 Tissot...for this reason I went for the Longines Spirit and I'm so glad I did. I always thought about this and never heard anyone talk about it until this video. Great points..Rado needs to step it up...they ain't gonna fool me lol.

[@johnf1105]

Longines only modifies the same ETA movements sold to Rado and Tissot. After they modify it, the call it something different. Anyways, Longines Spirit is a nice watch. I’ve been looking at the Zulu time quite a bit lately.

[@jasongultjaeff9397]

Same movement

[@Domain_Man1]

"Been trying to develop a name for themselves" lol - 'Rado are an innovative watchmaker with roots going back to 1917'.

[@derbywinner6316]

I remember Engel had a boutique in Bogotá, Colombia. , it’s closed for many years

[@g.shumway5925]

Delray? So he’s with Federico? Big fan of him.

[@Robert-vw3od]

this business of reinventing the same watch is a problem in the modern age. I make the point endlessly about IWC and baume and mercier - same watch. rado needs to be luxury in its own right

[@arsalino1116]

I do not agree with your points about Rado. Anyone holding a rado and tissot in the hand can tell the difference in material. The Diastar for example, you can not find such style and material in any tissot. There is actually a video on youtube of a guy showcasing the scratch resistance.

[@lamentate07]

Correct. I have only been recently converted to Rado, and they are seriously underrated in the west. The build quality is superior to most of the lower to mid tier Swatch brands, and their design language is completely unique.

[@junalmarines9342]

Coming from a person who doesn't own a rado.

[@jevtovicraco8129]

I am also Suffering with the EBEL BRAND. It is still dissapointed what they are NOT DOING. Katastrophe!!!!!

[@vonyp6018]

I just find the rado cc odd looking with that concave bezel . Ceramic is a great idea but just didn't feel that refined to me. For rhein same money, I'd rather a b n m riviera

[@Marko-hr4rj]

Rado is in truble?... Your "nation" is not capable to talk oboth anything on this world. Rado is in truble?... So funny.

[@francisng341]

RD vintage thumb up....diito for ebel reintroduce their vintage sport watch...will be a hit

[@ssdc2]

Captain Cook is a crap name for a watch line.

[@gelmibson883]

Doesn't sound to me as well....

[@respectablylate3081]

Being an Australian, I wondered where they got the name from and the relationship to the watch company. I. myself, own one and love it!

[@pmguy9403]

Also John, when are you going to get married and have children? We need more smart watch nerds like you in the world!! Be fruitful brotha

[@jankay8569]

he's a good looking guy. I don't think we need to worry about him.

[@slamtilt01]

Your comment about Rado needing to lower the price of their watches is missing the point of what I believe Swatch want the perception of the brand to be. It’s a high quality brand without the hype that the others have. You mentioned Longines, Tissot and Hamilton. Well should add Omega in the mix too, because why not. Those brands are talked about often, seen often and have massive hype. Rado not so much but people who know Rado know the brand. Looking at their products I like the True Square. It’s a skeletonised (kinda tourbillon) watch in a square case. It’s not an RM but it’s not meant to be. The Centrix is the classic dress watch ⌚️ from Rado.

[@nowthatsfunky7676]

These low mid brands are now all trying to move up into space that Rolex and Omega left. Oris is the prime example. I do not think they doing a very good job but.

[@Endoftimerain]

I got Rado Special edition Chrono with tungsten case and it is worth every penny Their Special Edition is Worth

[@I-Libertine]

Um-- you're mistaken about Rado, alas.

[@jevtovicraco8129]

They just issued the new ANATOM Model with a Price Tag of here in Europe about 3700 Euros. TOOOO MUCH for that what you get from the Caliber Side.