Rado Diastar 'The Original' Gold-Tone Automatic Watch with Diamond Markers
Watch (Luxury Wristwatch) · Yellow Gold tone (PVD coating)
Purity: Yellow Gold PVD Coating over Hardmetal (Tungsten Carbide)
Type
Watch (Luxury Wristwatch)
Purity
Yellow Gold PVD Coating over Hardmetal (Tungsten Carbide)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold tone (PVD coating)
Weight
150-180 grams (total weight of watch, not solid gold)
Description
An iconic Swiss luxury watch featuring an oval-shaped, gold-tone hardmetal bezel designed for scratch resistance. The black dial is accented with a gold-tone spider-web pattern and authentic diamond hour markers, featuring a unique vertical day-date window at 6 o'clock.
Key Features
Scratch-resistant tungsten carbide bezel, faceted sapphire glass, vertical day-date display, and swinging anchor logo
Color & Finish
Glossy yellow gold with a high-mirror polished surface and faceted sapphire crystal
Hallmarks & Stamps
Rado anchor logo on the dial, 'Diastar' on back, water resistance rating, and serial numbers on caseback (not visible in image)
Dimensions Estimate
Case size approximately 35mm width x 42mm height; standard men's dress watch size
Gemstones & Inlays
Single-cut diamond hour markers (total 11-12 stones) set against a black geometric lattice dial
Clasp & Closure
Triple-fold deployment clasp with push-button release, typically signed with the Rado logo
Chain & Links
Three-row jubilee-style link bracelet with polished center links and brushed outer edges
Craftsmanship Details
Precision Swiss automatic movement (ETA base), impeccable high-polish surfacing, and complex faceted sapphire crystal cutting
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic heavy weight of tungsten carbide, iconic faceted crystal, precision alignment of 6 o'clock date window, and swinging Rado anchor
Origin & Maker
Switzerland; Rado Watch Co., Lengnau
Era & Period
Vintage modern; original design debuted in 1962, this model likely Mid-Century Modern revival
Age Estimate
Modern production (circa 2000s-2010s) based on dial design and vertical day-date complication
Cultural Significance
Highly prized in Asia and the Middle East as a symbol of status and longevity due to its indestructible finish
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent; high-mirror polish shows no visible scratches or chipping to the PVD coating; crystal appears clear
Value Estimate
$350 - $650 (secondary market value); replacement retail approximately $1,200. Value lies in brand and design, not gold melt.
Care & Maintenance
Wipe with a soft cloth; avoid chemicals that can degrade PVD; avoid dropping as tungsten carbide is brittle even if scratch-proof
Similar Items
Vintage Omega Constellation, Seiko 5 'TV Dial,' or other Rado models like the Captain Cook or Centrix
Interesting Facts
The Rado Diastar was the world's first 'scratch-proof' watch, using materials usually reserved for aerospace and industrial tooling