As a brand renowned for its innovative use of materials, Rado has once again pushed the boundaries of watchmaking with the reinvention of a classic — the DiaStar Original. This time, the Swiss brand has brought the iconic model to the forefront of contemporary design by introducing a skeletonized dial and a high-tech Ceramos case. This article delves into the intricate details of the Rado DiaStar Original Skeleton, exploring its unique features, design elements, and the innovative materials used in its construction.
A Glimpse Into the Past
The DiaStar first made its debut in 1962, marked as the world’s premier scratch-resistant watch built with a hard-metal tungsten-carbide case. Its futuristic oval case and large porthole over the dial were indicative of the early 1960s zeitgeist. The DiaStar was designed to outshine and outlast all other models in the market, and it successfully did so.
The Modern Reimagining
Fast-forward to the present, the DiaStar has undergone a significant transformation. As Rado celebrated the 60th anniversary of the DiaStar in 2022, it introduced four editions with shiny, high-tech Ceramos, a composite with the hardness of ceramic and the luster and resistance of a metal alloy. This material is lighter than the original tungsten-carbine case and even more scratch-resistant.
Introducing the DiaStar Original Skeleton
Continuing its journey of innovation, Rado has now unveiled the DiaStar Original Skeleton. This latest model stands out with an open-worked dial that reveals the intricate workings of the R808 automatic movement. The case shares the same helmet-shaped design as its predecessor, measuring a diameter of 38mm, a length of 45mm, and a height of 11.9mm. The polished Ceramos bezel, with its sleek grey tone, beautifully complements the movement.
The Case and Crystal Design
The DiaStar Original Skeleton boasts a middle case, caseback, bracelet, and crown made of stainless steel. It also maintains the water resistance of the original model, capable of withstanding depths of up to 100 meters. One of the distinctive features of the DiaStar is the faceted sapphire crystal that rises over the dial, forming a central square with sloping lateral flanks.
A Closer Look at the Dial
The skeletonized movement that powers the DiaStar Original Skeleton is the same as the one used in the Captain Cook High-Tech model. However, the golden train bridge seen in the Captain Cook model is grey and horizontally brushed in this model to match the other bridges over the movement. The train bridge eliminates the need for a dial, providing Rado with a wide array of design possibilities for future models.
The Movement: Calibre R808
Rado has employed the calibre R808 for the DiaStar Original Skeleton. This automatic movement showcases the technical expertise of Swatch Group, developed in partnership with the Swiss Centre for Electronics and Microtechnology. The movement is equipped with a Nivachron hairspring that remains unaffected by magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations. It is regulated in five positions and delivers a robust power reserve of 80 hours.
Final Touches
The DiaStar Original Skeleton comes with a polished and brushed stainless steel bracelet with H-links and a triple-folding clasp. The retail price is CHF 1,950. For more information, please visit Rado’s official website.
Breaking New Ground with Ceramos
Rado’s mastery of materials is evident in its use of Ceramos, a high-tech blend of ceramic and metal known for its hardness, metallic shine, and resistance. This composite material is lighter than the original tungsten-carbide case and even more scratch-resistant. The process of creating a monobloc case from Ceramos is swift, reliable, and highly accurate, resulting in an impeccable finish.
The Art of Skeletonisation
The skeletonization of the dial is a testament to Rado’s creative vision. The openwork design introduces a lighter, airier note to the watch, serving as a perfect counterpoint to the solid Ceramos bezel. The grey tone of the bezel is further enhanced by the golden hour markers and hands that are suspended over the movement, offering an interesting contrast.
A Legacy of Innovation
Rado’s commitment to innovation is reflected in its drive to answer questions that have not yet been asked. The brand has created its own path, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in watchmaking. The DiaStar Original Skeleton is a perfect example of this, boasting a design and use of materials unlike any other watch on the market. Whether this daring approach will resonate with watch enthusiasts remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — Rado is not afraid to challenge the norms and set new trends in the industry.
Final Thoughts
The Rado DiaStar Original Skeleton is more than just a watch; it’s a piece of history reimagined for the modern era. Its unique design, innovative use of materials, and technical precision make it a worthy addition to any watch collection. As the watch world continues to evolve, one can only expect Rado to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible, always surprising us with its innovative spirit and dedication to excellence.
Rado DiaStar Original Skeleton Specifications
Reference: R12162153
Movement: Rado calibre R808, automatic, 25 jewels, 3 hands, 80-hour power reserve, antimagnetic Nivachron™ hairspring, exceeds standard test requirements from 3 to 5 positions for higher accuracy, movement fully coated in anthracite
Case: Polished Ceramos™ bezel / Polished stainless steel middle part / Square faceted sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating inside White printed Rado and DiaStar logos on sapphire crystal inside Transparent case back / Water-resistant to 10 bar (100m)
Dial: Black annular dial with flying yellow gold colour indexes with white Super-LumiNova® White printed minute track / Gold coloured moving anchor symbol on red background
Hands: Yellow gold coloured with white Super-LumiNova® / Yellow gold coloured second hand
Bracelet: Polished and brushed stainless steel / 3-fold clasp / EasyClip system
Dimensions: 38.0 x 45.0 x 11.9 (WxLxH in mm)
Price: CHF 1,950
For more information, visit Rado.
