Rado has long held a reputation as the "Master of Materials," a title earned through its pioneering work with high-tech ceramics and innovative design. Under the leadership of Adrian Bosshard, the brand continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking while maintaining its commitment to heritage and craftsmanship. Bosshard, whose career spans nearly three decades within the Swatch Group, took the helm at Rado in 2020 after serving as CEO of Certina and Union Glashütte. His tenure has been marked by bold collaborations, technological advancements, and a keen focus on expanding Rado's presence in key markets, particularly India. During his recent visit to India, Bosshard spoke about the brand's deep-rooted connection with Indian consumers, the latest collaboration with British industrial designer Tej Chauhan, and the future of material innovation at Rado. 

Joining the conversation was Chauhan himself, a designer known for his emotive industrial design philosophy, whose latest work––his second project with Rado––on the Rado DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan reinterprets a timeless classic with a futuristic aesthetic. Together, they offer a compelling look at the intersection of heritage, technology, and avant-garde design. 

Rado has always held a strong presence in India. What do you think makes the brand so appealing to Indian consumers?

Adrian Bosshard: "Rado's success in India is built on multiple pillars. First, our long-standing presence and a strong, qualitative distribution network have been key. Second, our product innovation, particularly the DiaStar Original, Captain Cook, Anatom, and Centrix lines, has resonated deeply with consumers. Finally, our signature high-tech ceramic material—with its exceptional comfort, scratch resistance, and lightness—creates an unmatched wearing experience. Once someone wears a high-tech ceramic watch, they rarely want to take it off."

The DiaStar has been a Rado icon for over 60 years. What was the biggest challenge in modernising it while retaining its essence?

AB: "Altering the design DNA of the DiaStar would mean losing its soul. Our challenge was to integrate modern advancements while respecting the legacy of the original. We achieved this by leveraging Ceramos™, a composite of high-tech ceramic and metal, which retains the scratch resistance and lightness of ceramic while offering the visual appeal of metal."

Tej, this is your second collaboration with Rado. How did your approach to the DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan differ from your previous work on the True Square?

Tej Chauhan: "My goal was to honour Rado's mastery of materials while creating something new and exciting. The True Square was about embracing Rado’s geometric design language, but with the DiaStar, I wanted to bring a near-future aesthetic to an already iconic form. The balance was in ensuring it felt fresh and futuristic while still being unmistakably a Rado."

Colour plays a major role in your designs. What led you to settle on gold for this project?

TC: "I initially considered green, but developing new colours to meet Rado’s material standards takes time. Instead, I challenged myself to reinterpret gold in a contemporary way. The combination of the yellow-gold-coloured Ceramos™ bezel with the grey rubber strap and the striking minute track on the dial makes it feel fresh, yet timeless."

Rado is known for its pioneering use of materials. How do you see Ceramos™ shaping the future of watchmaking?

AB: "Ceramos™ is a game-changer for us. It combines the benefits of ceramic—scratch resistance, comfort, and durability—with the reflective quality of metal. This opens up endless possibilities for new aesthetics while maintaining the material integrity that Rado is known for."

Tej, one of the standout features of this watch is the unique rubber strap. What was your design philosophy behind it?

TC: "I’ve never been a huge fan of traditional rubber straps because they tend to feel too sporty. For this project, I wanted to create something that felt tactile and inviting. The result is a strap with pillowed forms that encourage interaction—it makes you want to pick it up and engage with it."

Adrian, how do you see consumer preferences evolving, particularly post-pandemic?

AB: "We’ve noticed a shift towards bolder, more individualistic designs. Consumers are no longer just looking for heritage—they want watches that make a statement. The success of collaborations like the DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan proves that there is a growing appetite for designs that stand out from the mainstream."

With India being such an important market, can we expect more exclusive editions for Indian consumers?

AB: "India is our number one market, and we have frequently chosen it for international launches. While we don’t create country-exclusive models, we ensure that our collections reflect the tastes and preferences of Indian consumers. We have some exciting novelties lined up for 2025, including new designs for women and two heritage revivals."

Tej, you’ve spoken about designing for the ‘near future.’ How does the DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan fit into that vision?

TC: "Near-future design is about striking a balance between innovation and familiarity. With this watch, I wanted to craft something that feels futuristic but is completely wearable today. The interplay of colours, the typography, and the unique strap all work together to create an object that feels like it belongs to both the present and the future."

Finally, Adrian, what’s next for Rado?

AB: "We’re always pushing boundaries—both in design and material innovation. Expect to see more bold collaborations, new colour explorations in ceramics, and a continued focus on making Rado watches as durable and distinctive as ever."

With the DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan, Rado once again proves why it remains at the forefront of horological innovation. By seamlessly merging its material expertise with Chauhan’s futuristic vision, the brand delivers a timepiece that both honours tradition and embraces the future. And with India playing an increasingly vital role in Rado’s global strategy, this is only the beginning of a new era for the Master of Materials.