Rado DiaStar Original Skeleton: Autumn Collection in PVD Gold
Rado, a brand renowned for its pioneering use of advanced materials in watchmaking, has unveiled its latest DiaStar Original Skeleton models, bringing a touch of autumn-inspired elegance. While Rado is now largely recognized for its high-tech ceramic creations, its legacy of material innovation began in 1962 with the original DiaStar, the world's first scratch-proof timepiece crafted from polished tungsten carbide. This groundbreaking watch also featured an innovative sapphire crystal dial cover, a significant advancement over the mineral and polymer glass prevalent at the time. Following its 60th-anniversary reinterpretation in Ceramos and recent vibrant summer editions, the DiaStar Original Skeleton now embraces the rich hues of autumn with two new models adorned in golden tones.
These two captivating autumnal timepieces are meticulously crafted from Rado's proprietary Ceramos, a sophisticated composite that marries the fracture-resistant qualities of metal with the exceptional scratch resilience and lightness characteristic of high-tech ceramic. The convex Ceramos bezel, a signature design element, is now presented in a luxurious rose gold color and a classic yellow gold shade, both finished with PVD coating and a radial brush for a refined yet sporty aesthetic.
Echoing its predecessors, the distinctive helmet-shaped case maintains its dimensions of 38mm in width, 45mm in length, and a slender 11.9mm in height. The central case, case back, bracelet, and crown are all fashioned from stainless steel, meticulously coated with a polished gold-colored PVD finish. This robust construction ensures a water resistance of up to 100 meters, making it suitable for various activities. A defining characteristic of the DiaStar is its hexagonally faceted sapphire crystal, which gracefully covers the dial, creating a central square motif flanked by elegantly sloping sides.
Powering these intricate timepieces is the skeletonized automatic calibre R808. This movement, finished in a complementary golden hue, features a horizontally brushed train bridge that harmonizes with the bezel's finish. The golden hour markers appear to float over the movement, attached to a black or brown annular ring on the dial's periphery, marked with precise white minute indicators. For enhanced visibility, both the golden indices and the hour and minute hands are treated with Super-LumiNova. A subtle yet iconic detail, the pivoting Rado anchor, finished in gold, is positioned at 9 o’clock, adding a touch of brand heritage.
The case back, also incorporating a sapphire crystal, offers a clear view of the golden anchor-shaped rotor, beautifully adorned with Geneva stripes. The R808 automatic calibre, a refined and skeletonized version of the ETA Powermatic 80 family, is equipped with a Nivachron hairspring. This advanced component provides crucial protection against magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations, ensuring consistent and accurate timekeeping. The movement is finely regulated in five positions and boasts an impressive power reserve of 80 hours, delivering both reliability and precision.
Completing the autumnal theme, these DiaStar Original Skeleton references are paired with a sporty brown rubber strap, secured by a gold-colored PVD-coated steel pin buckle. The inclusion of the EasyClip interchangeable system allows for effortless strap changes, offering versatility and convenience. These distinguished timepieces are available for purchase at EUR 2,600 or USD 2,700, representing a fusion of Rado's innovative material science and timeless design. Further details can be found on Rado's official website.