Rado's popular "Diamond Star" with its unique oval case has been reissued as the "Diamond Star Original." This model, which pays homage to the original model released in 1962, is made of the highly scratch-resistant material "Ceramos."
Edited & Text by Kouki Doi (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2023 issue of Kronos Japan]
A reissue model celebrating the 60th anniversary of the "eternally brilliant watch" Diastar
Rado has been reinterpreting iconic masterpieces from its archives and reviving them with modern technology. Popular pieces like the Captain Cook and the dressy Golden Horse evoke memories of the glorious 20th century, and the new Diamond Star model unveiled this time is one such example.
Rado's exclusive caliber R764 is a practical movement with a power reserve of over three days. It uses a Nivachron™ balance spring, which is resistant to magnetism that can adversely affect accuracy. Automatic winding (Cal. R764). 25 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve of approximately 80 hours. Stainless steel and Ceramos (diameter 38mm, thickness 12.3mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Each is priced at 215,600 yen (tax included).
The Diastar, which was launched in 1962 and celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2022, is a model that established the brand's direction as a "Master of Materials" and Rado, which excels in the development of new materials. The original Diastar was a unique model with a distinctive oval case, and its selling point was "scratchproof." It was the first in the watch industry to use hardmetal, a scratch-resistant tungsten carbide alloy, for the case, and by combining it with a sapphire crystal, it gained popularity at the time as a "watch with eternal brilliance."
To celebrate Diastar's 60th anniversary, the new Diastar Original is being released. While the distinctive oval case design remains the same, most of the elements are new. First of all, the distinctive bezel that covers most of the case is made from Ceramos. While possessing the properties of scratch-resistant ceramics, by mixing in approximately 10% of an alloy containing titanium carbide, it has succeeded in achieving a polished metal-like luster.
Another defining feature of this watch, along with the case, is its sapphire crystal. Three facets are cut at different angles between 3 and 9 o'clock, enhancing the watch's expressiveness. The dial, available in three colors, is also in keeping with the archives, featuring an attractive brushed finish with two cross-shaped lines. Combined with the day-date display at 6 o'clock, this creates an exquisite balance between design and practicality.
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