Head-to-Head Comparison

Rado True Square Automatic vs Timex Weekender Chronograph

Rado's timepiece meets Timex's chronograph

Quick Verdict

The Timex Weekender Chronograph ($50–$100) delivers Quartz Chronograph (Battery) technology in the tier below the Rado True Square Automatic ($1,500–$2,500). The Weekender Chronograph measures 40mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The True Square Automatic justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic ETA C07.611. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

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Rado True Square Automatic

Rado

True Square Automatic

$1,500–$2,500

Timex Weekender Chronograph

Timex

Weekender Chronograph

$50–$100

Specifications Compared

FeatureRado True Square AutomaticTimex Weekender Chronograph
Price$1,500–$2,500$50–$100
Case Size38mm (Square)40mm
MovementAutomatic ETA C07.611Quartz Chronograph
Caliber TypePowermatic 80 (ETA-Based)Quartz Chronograph (Battery)
Power Reserve80 HoursBattery
Water Resistance50m (5 ATM)30m (3 ATM)
CrystalSapphire (Anti-Reflective)Mineral Glass
Case MaterialMonobloc High-Tech CeramicBrass (Silver-Tone)
OriginSwiss MadeTimex (USA Design)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Rado's design language vs Timex's approach

The Rado True Square Automatic features a Monobloc High-Tech Ceramic case at 38mm (Square) with Sapphire (Anti-Reflective) protection. The Timex Weekender Chronograph offers Brass (Silver-Tone) construction at 40mm with Mineral Glass. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Rado

Automatic ETA C07.611 vs Quartz Chronograph

The True Square Automatic runs the Automatic ETA C07.611 (Powermatic 80 (ETA-Based), 80 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Weekender Chronograph uses the Quartz Chronograph (Quartz Chronograph (Battery), Battery reserve) at standard. The True Square Automatic edges ahead on power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Rado

38mm (Square) vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 38mm (Square), the True Square Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Weekender Chronograph at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Timex

Timex sits in the lower tier

The Rado True Square Automatic sits at $1,500–$2,500 and the Timex Weekender Chronograph at $50–$100. On the specs that outlast any price: the True Square Automatic uses Sapphire (Anti-Reflective) with 80 Hours, against Mineral Glass and Battery on the Weekender Chronograph. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Rado

50m (5 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM)

The True Square Automatic is rated to 50m (5 ATM) while the Weekender Chronograph handles 30m (3 ATM). The True Square Automatic is better suited for water activities.

Our Verdict

Rado

True Square Automatic

Choose the Rado True Square Automatic if you prioritize Powermatic 80 (ETA-Based) engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. At $1,500–$2,500, it delivers Automatic ETA C07.611 with 80 Hours power reserve.

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Timex

Weekender Chronograph

Choose the Timex Weekender Chronograph if you value Quartz Chronograph (Battery) technology, Timex (USA Design) heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $50–$100, the Quartz Chronograph with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Rado True Square Automatic and Timex Weekender Chronograph represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Rado bringing Swiss Made tradition while Timex delivers Timex (USA Design) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Rado True Square Automatic ($1,500–$2,500) offers Automatic ETA C07.611 with 80 Hours power reserve, while the Timex Weekender Chronograph ($50–$100) features Quartz Chronograph with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Swiss Made craftsmanship vs Timex (USA Design) engineering.
The Timex Weekender Chronograph offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $50–$100. However, the Rado True Square Automatic may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The True Square Automatic at 38mm (Square) with 50m (5 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Weekender Chronograph at 40mm with 30m (3 ATM) is similarly capable. The True Square Automatic uses Sapphire (Anti-Reflective) while the Weekender Chronograph uses Mineral Glass. Sapphire resists scratches noticeably better than mineral glass.

How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.