Case
High-tech ceramic case
High confidenceRado's ceramic, used for cases, bezels and bracelet links from the Integral onwards and for monobloc cases in the True and Ceramica lines. Sintered rather than machined, so the colour is the material rather than a finish, and it goes all the way through.
Part reference
- Brand
- Rado
- Material
- Sintered engineering ceramic
- Introduced
- 1986
Documented variations
Classification
FactoryDocumented as shipped from the factory for this reference and period.PeriodNot original to this watch, but correct for its production period.ServiceFitted by the manufacturer's own service network. Not a defect.AftermarketThird-party part. Affects originality, not authenticity.ModifiedGenuine parts in a configuration the factory did not sell. Affects originality and value, not authenticity.CounterfeitDeceptive reproduction intended to pass as genuine.UnknownEvidence on file does not settle the question.Cool to the touch, light for its bulk, unscratched
FactoryHigh confidenceWhole production
The three properties together. Ceramic conducts heat poorly and stays cold in the hand well after metal has warmed; it is lighter than steel of the same size; and it does not scuff. Any one of these can be misjudged; all three together are conclusive.
Chipped or cracked
FactoryHigh confidenceWhole production
Ceramic is brittle and a dropped watch cracks rather than dents. Generally not repairable — cases and links are replaced, not restored. Damage and condition, not authenticity, and it is behaviour a coated steel case cannot imitate.
Rado service replacement link or component
ServiceProbableWhole production
Because damaged ceramic is replaced rather than repaired, a serviced Rado routinely contains replacement links or components supplied by the manufacturer. A service part, not a marriage.
Black-coated steel
CounterfeitHigh confidenceWhole production
The standard counterfeit across every ceramic watch in the catalog. Warms quickly in the hand, is heavy for its size, scratches, and — the decisive test where the wear allows it — shows metal beneath the coating at a worn edge. Ceramic is the same colour all the way through and cannot wear to a different one.
Documented on these references
- Rado R32105153Factory
Whole production
Applies to the bezel insert on this reference; the case itself is steel. Test the insert, not the case.
Whole production
Whole production
Monobloc: one piece, no separable caseback. The presence of a screw-back is the finding here, not its absence.
Whole production
Applies to the ceramic bracelet links. The mixed-material bracelet lets the two be compared against each other on the same watch.
Provenance of this record
Sources & Evidence
Technical literature on engineering ceramics and cemented carbides
Materials-science and industrial technical literature
- Accessed
- 2026-08-19
Cited for
Rado — collection specifications and material documentation
Rado (Swatch Group)
- Accessed
- 2026-08-19
Cited for
Last verified: Not yet reviewed