The Oddity of the Rado DiaStar Original Skeleton

Written By ijustpivoted

What a strange, strange little object…

Rado seems to be in a perpetual state of creating the oddest of oddball watches, and I couldn’t be happier to see it.

The DiaStar debuted in 1962, and its polished oval case, along with its remarkable scratch resistance, has been a constant ever since: a staple of the brand and a demonstration of what’s possible in material science. The original utilized a tungsten carbide case, which was responsible for its imperviousness to scratches. It was a godsend for the obsessives among us who wanted to wear our watches but avoid damaging our irresponsibly expensive purchases. We could finally have our perfect mirror finish — and keep it, too.

This newer iteration of the DiaStar uses Ceramos instead of tungsten carbide. This material, a combination of ceramic and metal, retains the scratch resistance while preserving the futuristic chrome finish found in the previous generations. While it’s not the same tungsten composition present in the original DiaStar, it’s just as neat.

Before purchasing the watch, I was apprehensive about the possible presence of a synthetic escapement, which is found in many of the aforementioned Powermatic 80s—but to my delight, I discovered that this particular version does away with any plastic parts. This specific caliber (03.808.040) utilizes a Nivachron hairspring, making the movement impressively antimagnetic. So if you ever find yourself in a magnet fight with your friends or neighbors, this watch has you covered. It’s also more accurate than the base caliber, being regulated in five positions instead of a *scoff* paltry three.

The sneeze guard covering the moving, polished buffet underneath is a brilliantly strange faceted sapphire crystal, reflecting light every which way. It reminds me of a King Seiko Vanac — and I mean that as a massive compliment.

In a weird way, I see my own reflection in this watch — both literally (thanks, Ceramos) and figuratively. I’m not sure what market it appeals to, it’s oddly smooth (thanks, male pattern baldness), and it raises more questions than it answers.

It’s why this is the only watch I’ve ever regretted selling — and the only watch I’ve bought twice.

Who’s this for?

  • People who explain the taxonomy of life on a first date.

  • A person who uses a loofah instead of a cast iron scrubber just to be different.

  • Someone who thinks Ugly Season is the best Perfume Genius album.

  • Me, and possibly you. 

Specs:

General

  • SKU: R12162153

  • Gender: Unisex

  • 100m water resistance

Movement

  • Movement Type: Automatic

  • Movement Reference: 03.808.040

  • Power reserve of 80 hours

Case

  • Case Thickness: 11.9 mm

  • Case Dimension: 38.0 mm

  • Lug to Lug: 45mm

  • Stainless steel with a Ceramos bezel

  • Display caseback

  • Recessed crown (not screw down)

Price   

  • $2,050 USD (as of the time of publication) 

ijustpivoted