It seems that the impression given by Swiss Rado watches is their expertise in applying high-tech materials, including sapphire crystal glass, tungsten carbide (also known as metal oxide ceramics) cases, and high-tech ceramics. The advantages of these materials are all about being wear-resistant. I currently wear a Rado watch, which has been with me for almost 20 years. It still looks brand new from the outside. Rado was also one of the first high-end watch brands to enter the Chinese market. Around 1990, the only watches that could be sold for over ten thousand yuan were Rado watches. Everything emphasizes the advantage of being the first mover, and indeed, Rado enjoyed at least 10 years of success. Most Rado watches are quartz-based. Later, changes occurred in China's domestic watch market, and watches from more famous Swiss brands entered the market. Moreover, people began to rekindle their love for mechanical watches, so Rado watches now find themselves in a somewhat awkward position.
One series of Rado watches is made entirely of ceramic, which they call "high-tech ceramic." This material can also be considered aerospace-grade: lightweight yet sturdy, resistant to high temperatures, corrosion, and wear. However, it is relatively vulnerable to drops or knocks. Now, there are similar products domestically, but the quality of the ceramic used is poorer, making them more prone to cracking.
The overall appearance of the Rado ceramic series watches is slightly round and bulky, especially the strap, which is quite thick, and the gaps between each link are relatively large. This makes it easy to accumulate dirt and grime; furthermore, wearing it feels a bit like wearing a bracelet—bulky and not very snug. The structure of the Rado ceramic watch strap consists of links that interlock rather than having pins or bolts on every individual link. Instead, there are only pins or bolts at the two ends of the strap, meaning the links are connected sequentially through these end points before being closed into a loop.
When disassembling or removing links, follow the arrow direction indicated on the strap and use a steel punch to gradually push out the connecting pin. Since there are no locating tubes in the strap structure, it is relatively easy to remove the pins, though the size of the steel punch must be appropriate, and the operation should be performed on a dedicated stand. Once the end pins are removed, the strap breaks its circular shape, leaving only the task of adjusting the length by removing links. Depending on the individual, usually 1-4 links need to be removed from a new watch. If an even number of links needs to be removed, ensure you remove them from both the upper and lower sections of the strap to avoid unevenness and ensure the clasp remains centered.
In the two segments of the Rado ceramic watch strap, there are narrower links that can be considered "half-links." These can also be removed during fine-tuning of the strap length for a more comfortable fit. Each ceramic link is essentially a sleeve with a stainless steel connecting plate inside. Carefully observe the ceramic link—it will have one side that is flatter and another side with a slight curve. The curved side should face outward when assembling, and this should not be mistaken during installation.
Reconnecting the strap back to its original form should not be too difficult, but attention must be paid to the insertion direction of the connecting pins and the shape of the pins themselves. One end of the pin will be slightly thicker or protruding, which should be considered its tail. Installation should go against the arrow direction on the strap, and the pins must be fully inserted. During the final hammering stage, take care not to damage the ceramic links. If the pin feels too loose after insertion, a small amount of super glue (502) can be applied to the end hole for reinforcement.