Rado Watch Repair Near Me

Rado makes a nice luxury Swiss watch some with ceramic cases that are extremely lightweight. Since they feature a Swiss movement it makes them common to work on, but you won’t find many Rado stores. Today, I’ll discuss who repairs Rado’s, the warranty, and finding an authorized Rado service center. I will also share my experience with the  Rado watch repair near me.

Map of Rado Watch Repair Near Me

For “Rado Watch Repair Near Me”, see the map below for locations…

Unauthorized Rado Watch Repair Shops

Local watch repairs, while convenient, are not the same as Rado authorized service centers. That means a local watch repair shop won’t honor your warranty, provide a guarantee of their work, and may void your warranty by working on it. There are reasons however you may still want to consider an unauthorized repair. Local watch repair places are jewelers are convenient, have a faster turnaround time, and you can talk directly to a technician.

When you deal with a Rado service center you need to mail in your watch, wait 3 to 5 weeks, and likely communicate via email. It’s a bit nerve-racking to mail in your $2,000 Rado and trust the mail system. I will however discuss the best way to do that later in this article.

Dealing with a local solution and talking to a person about the specific issue your watch has is worth it. Also, it may not make a difference to you if: 1) your warranty expired already or 2) if the issue you are having isn’t covered by warranty anyway.

How Long is The Warranty on My Rado Watch?

These watches have a limited warranty of two years from the date of purchase. The timepiece must have been sold by an authorized Rado dealer and the warranty certificate must be dated, fully and correctly filled out, and stamped.

The warranty covers any defect repaired free of charge. The keyword here is “defect”. That means craftsmanship and issues with mechanical parts that are a result of manufacturing issues. If the damage is caused by you it is not covered. The good news is though if you do have a defect they guarantee to fix it and if they can’t they will replace it with a watch of identical characteristics.

Here are other items not covered: Battery, wear and tear, damage you cause to any part of the watch, and handling of the watch by non-authorized persons.

Here is the actual Rado warranty for you to review.

Rado Watch Battery Replacement Near Me

Quartz Rado watches will require a battery change. It is best to change the battery every one to three years. You should never leave a dead battery in a watch, because it can leak. The Rado watch battery replacement near me, will also clean a minor leak when they swap the power source.

These timepieces will have a button-cell battery. You can replace these yourself or have a repair shop do it. As you saw that though in the warranty this constitutes an unauthorized repair. Changing a battery is inexpensive and can be done for less than $20 at a Macy’s or Jared Jewelers. If you bought the timepiece there they may even do the complete battery swap for free.

You can reference this battery conversion chart if you need to change the brand of the battery.

For waterproof Rado watches like the Divers, you definitely want a pro technician to do the battery change. They will give it a water seal test to ensure no water can get in the case. The Rado battery replacement near me will inspect the gasket for free before they seal the watch.

Rado Crystal Replacement

All Rado watches have a sapphire crystal. This means replacing a cracked or deeply scratched crystal is expensive. Sapphire doesn’t scratch easily, but it does shatter. Crystal replacement can be done locally, but you may want to consider an authorized repair regardless of your warranty.

The repair cost of a watch crystal replacement will run $100+ at a minimum. It will go up depending on which watch model you own and the quality and age of it.

Replacing the Band

Rado’s come with varying materials on their bands and straps. The type of material will determine the price. Replacing a leather strap can cost between $20 and $50. You may find 3rd part non-Rado straps though for a little less. Metal bands are more expensive and since some of these timepieces are ceramic they are more expensive to replace. Metal bracelets and links will cost $80+ dollars and run up into the hundreds.

Resizing a Rado Strap

Getting a strap or band resized is important for a custom fit and securing the watch. Resizing is one of the most commonly requested repairs at a jeweler. Most places will happily resize the watch for you if you bought the watch from them. If not a common resizing charge is $10 to $15 at the Rado watch repair near me.

Straps made of leather, rubber, and other similar materials are harder to resize. You can punch new holes or move the clasp, but eventually, you can’t resize anymore. Metal bands however are more easily resized. For these, they can add or remove metal links to get the best custom fit on your wrist.

Rado Crown Repair

The crown is the part that allows you to change the watch functions. It’s the little knob that sticks out the side. Damage to just the crown is not a bad repair, but often when the crown is damaged the stem is damaged and replaced as well.

The stem is the pin that connects the crown to the movement. This is a harder repair on a vintage Rado, because the stem is no longer manufactured. This means a repair involves fabrication or finding a stem on the secondhand market. This adds to the cost and turnaround time of the repair.

Repairs to the Movement

The movement is the heart of the timepiece. Most Rado’s have either a Quartz or an automatic movement. Replacing the movement is a job for a professional. Movements on these watches vary in cost from $30 to $200. The model and age will determine the price. A vintage movement will cost you much more. For example, a vintage Diver Rado Captain Cook will cost at least $700.

Authorized Rado Repairs

For an authorized Rado watch repair near me, you can mail in the watch to their NJ service center. They are actually part of the Swatch Watch Group so that is who handles the repair work.  In my experience with the technicians at the Rado watch repair near me, depending on the issue they may advise you to send the watch in.

You can also try visiting a Rado store that will manage the repair for you. An authorized repair may take 3 to 5 weeks depending on the issue. You can contact their customer service here.

This is the address and contact email for the US:

They also have phone number for customer service:  1-800-283-7236

Authorized Rado Watch Repair Near Me

Utilizing an authorized Rado watch repair near me, involves mailing in your timepiece. If you require work on the watch and it is under warranty you can send or ship it to the Service Center with a copy of your proof of purchase from Rado or an Authorized Retail Distributor. You need to read the warranty card carefully before sending your watch.

Here is what you need to know before sending in your timepiece to an authorized Rado watch repair near me…

When you send in the watch be clear about what is wrong with it. If the issue isn’t covered under warranty, they will charge you for the repair work. They will however tell you what it costs up front and get your approval before doing any work. They can work on any aspect of the watch including routine maintenance, servicing, battery changes, movement overhauls, etc. If they do any repair it will come with a guarantee for a limited time period. If the warranty covers the issue it will be free of charge.

Tips for Sending Away Your Watch to an Authorized Rado Service Center Near Me

• Be VERY specific in describing the issue. Write it out on an index card.
• Estimate the watches value and write it on the card.
• Insure the package for at least the value you estimated.
• Put the watch in a sturdy box and wrap it with bubble wrap.
• Follow all the information on the warranty card.
• You should call customer service before you mail it.

Can you Fix an Rado Watch Yourself?

Fixing a Rado on your own is possible, but I would recommend you seek a pro. These are pretty expensive watches with complicated mechanics. When you open up the case you are exposing the watch movements internal components to dust which can damage it.

DIY vs. Professional Repair

When it comes to maintaining the quality and functionality of a Rado watch, owners often contemplate whether to attempt a DIY repair or seek professional servicing. This decision carries significant weight, as it can impact the reliability and longevity of these high precision instruments.

The Pitfalls of DIY Repairs

Attempting a DIY repair on a Rado watch can be tempting, especially when considering the potential cost savings. However, the risks often outweigh the benefits. Without extensive experience and the correct tools, it’s easy to cause more harm than good. For instance, a simple battery replacement might seem straightforward, but without proper handling, it’s possible to damage the watch movements or compromise the water resistance of the timepiece.

Moreover, Rado watches are known for their hard metal components and scratch resistant surfaces. Without the right techniques, you might end up with a scratched or worn casing, or worse, a broken crystal. Sapphire crystal, commonly used in Rado watches, requires specialized equipment to handle and replace, which is not typically found in a DIY enthusiast’s toolkit.

Advantages of Professional Watch Servicing

On the other hand, opting for professional servicing ensures that your watch receives a complete restoration if needed, by technicians with extensive experience. These experts use brand-specific tools and have access to genuine Rado spare parts, ensuring that every replacement or repair maintains the watch’s original quality and various functions.

Professional technicians can also provide a free estimate before any work is done, giving you a clear understanding of the service costs. They will ensure that your watch is properly sealed and maintains its water resistance post-repair. Plus, with professional servicing, your watch is often covered by a two year warranty, offering peace of mind that the repairs are durable and reliable.

Additionally, professional repair centers often offer return shipping, allowing you to ship your watch for servicing with ease. They take care to replace only what’s necessary, such as a battery or crown, and can handle more complex issues like quartz watches that require more energy for their various functions to work perfectly.

In conclusion, while DIY may seem like a cost-effective solution, the potential for costly mistakes is high. Professional repair services ensure that your Rado Diastar or any other model remains a high-level timepiece, displaying hours with the same precision as when it first graced your wrist.

Maintenance Tips to Avoid Frequent Repairs

Maintaining your Rado watch in top condition requires a blend of regular care and awareness of its needs. Here are some daily care tips to help you avoid frequent trips for repairing your timepiece:

• Scratch-resistant watch faces are a hallmark of quality, but they are not impervious to all damage. Always store your Rado watch in a soft cloth away from hard surfaces to maintain its pristine condition.
• The bracelet of your watch is also susceptible to wear and tear. To preserve its form, ensure that you clean it with a soft, damp cloth, especially after exposure to sweat or saltwater.
• Rado watches are high precision instruments that require a stable environment. Extreme temperatures and shocks can affect the watch’s ability to accurately display hours. Avoid exposing your watch to rapid temperature changes and physical shocks, such as drops.
• The energy required to keep your watch running smoothly is best maintained by winding it regularly if it’s a mechanical model, or ensuring the battery is changed before it completely depletes for quartz models.
• For those who own vintage pieces, perhaps passed down from the Brothers Fritz, the founders of Rado, it’s essential to handle these watches with a very high level of care, as their age makes them more delicate.
• Lastly, if you notice any irregularities, it’s crucial to take your watch to a professional. While it might be tempting to attempt a fix at home, the intricate mechanics of a Rado watch are best left to those who have the expertise and tools to handle them properly.

Other Resources for Rado Watch Repair Near Me

If you need help, have questions, or want to connect with some other Rado timepiece owners for advice try these resources. Aside from contacting the Rado watch repair near me, here are a list of resource I use:

• Reddit: Watches
• The Watch Discussion Forum: Rado Thread
• Equation of Time Forum: Rado Discussion
• Rado’s Official Website
• FAQ- Rado
• Wiki page for Rado

Best Rado Watch Models

At the Rado watch repair near me, the first question they ask is what model timepiece you have. The model is an indicator to a repair shop about the functions and internal components of the watch. Here is a list of some of the most popular Rado models of all time:

• True Thinline Nature
• HyperChrome Captain Cook
• Integral Analog Display
• Men’s R12413493 Original Gold Dial Watch
• Men’s Automatic Watch R12408653
• DiaMaster Thinline
• DiaMaster Petite Seconde
• Coupole Classic Automatic
• Centrix
• True Open Heart Automatic
• Ceramica
• Hyperchrome Chronograph Automatic
• D-Star
• Centrix Chronograph
• Hyperchrome 1616
• Integral
• Sintra
• Florence
• Golden Horse 1957

Rado Watch Repair Near Me Conclusion

Rado is a Swiss watchmaker and has been around for just over 100 years. They make nice high-end watches typically with Quartz or automatic movements and sapphire crystals. What makes them unique is how they focus on making light weight watches, some made of ceramic. This is how they cater to people with allergies who may get skin reactions from wearing a wristwatch with a metal case.

All of this adds up to expensive repairs when they are required. You need to decide if you want an unauthorized repair or send it to the service center. No matter which you choose it should be done in consideration of the 2-year warranty. This is what I have learned from the Rado watch repair near me.