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The Rado DiaStar Original Skeleton (reference R12162153) keeps the collection’s distinctive, helmet-like outline and opens the dial to show its anthracite-grey R808 automatic movement. The 38 mm steel watch pairs that exposed mechanism with a Ceramos bezel, gold-coloured floating indexes and an 80-hour power reserve.
What is the DiaStar Original Skeleton?
Introduced in 2023, the DiaStar Original Skeleton is an openworked take on the DiaStar design, which Rado traces to 1962. Rather than replacing the collection’s rounded, helmet-like case profile, the skeleton version makes the movement part of the dial’s visual structure. Rebecca Doulton’s Monochrome Watches launch report, published June 19, 2023, describes it as a contemporary reinterpretation of that design.
The reference to look for is R12162153. Rado’s U.S. product listing names it the DiaStar Original Automatic Skeleton.
What changes with the skeleton dial?
The openworked dial exposes the anthracite-grey-coated R808 automatic caliber rather than hiding it behind a conventional dial. Gold-coloured floating indexes and hands provide contrast against the darker movement; Rado says the hands carry white Super-LumiNova. Sapphire windows at the front and the transparent sapphire caseback make the movement visible from both sides, according to Rado’s product listing.
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- Case Material: Stainless Steel and Ceramos
- Movement Type: Automatic
- Case Size: 38.0 mm
- Case Thickness: 11.9 mm
- Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
The result is not a minimal, empty-looking skeleton watch: the case retains the bold DiaStar silhouette, while the exposed mechanics and floating markers give the face its layered, graphic look.
Case, materials and dimensions
Rado lists a 38.0 mm case diameter and 11.9 mm thickness. The case and bracelet are stainless steel, with a Ceramos bezel; the bracelet closes with a three-fold clasp. Ceramos is central to the watch’s visual identity here, contrasting with the steel case and the faceted sapphire crystal noted in Monochrome’s launch coverage.
Rank #2
- DiaStar Original X Tej Chauhan Special Edition - R12165155
| Specification | What the sources state |
|---|---|
| Case diameter | 38.0 mm, Rado U.S. listing |
| Case thickness | 11.9 mm, Rado U.S. listing |
| Case length | 45 mm, Monochrome Watches’ June 19, 2023 launch report |
| Case and bracelet | Stainless steel, Rado U.S. listing |
| Bezel | Ceramos, Rado U.S. listing |
| Crystal and caseback | Faceted sapphire crystal reported by Monochrome Watches; transparent sapphire caseback listed by Rado |
| Water resistance | 100 metres, as reported by Monochrome Watches in 2023; this figure is not shown in the retrieved Rado U.S. listing specifications |
R808 movement and power reserve
Rado specifies its automatic R808 caliber, an 80-hour power reserve and a Nivachron hairspring. The longer reserve means the watch can run for up to 80 hours off the wrist when fully wound, though actual running time depends on use and winding conditions.
Rado also says the movement has been tested in five positions and describes the Nivachron hairspring as antimagnetic. Its accompanying claims about precision and reliability are the manufacturer’s statements, not independent test results. No independent accuracy or performance testing is established by the cited coverage.
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Rank #3
- Case Materials and Thickness: Silver Hardmetal and Stainless Steel. 11.9 mm
- Dial: Black Dial with Crystals as Indexes and Date Display at 6 o'clock
- Bracelet: Silver Stainless Steel and Fold Over Clasp
- Movement: Swiss Automatic and 80 Hours Movement Power Reserve
- Water Resistant: 3 bar (30 m)
Launch price and current availability
Monochrome Watches reported a retail price of CHF 1,950 at launch in 2023. That is a historical launch figure, not a current international price. Rado’s U.S. listing displayed $2,300 when retrieved in 2026; prices and availability can differ by market and change over time, so check the live listing for the relevant region.
For model details, consult Rado’s U.S. product page for R12162153. The launch specifications and 2023 price are covered in Monochrome Watches’ June 2023 report.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Case Materials & Thickness: CVD-coated hardmetal, Stainless Steel, Stainless steel / PVD. 11.9 mm
- Dial: Gold with Crystal as Indexes and Date Display, Facetted Sapphire Crystal.
- Bracelet: Gold Stainless Steel / PVD and Fold Over Clasp
- Movement: Swiss Automatic, 80 Hours Movement Porwer Reserve
- Water Resistant: 3 bar (30 m)
Rank #4
- Case Materials and Thickness: CVD-coated harmetal, Stainless Steel and PVD. 11.9 mm and Oval Shape
- Dial: Facetted Sapphire Crystal with Crystal and Blue Crystals as Indexes
- Bracelet: Gold Stainless Steel, PVD and Titanium Clasp
- Movement: Swiss Automatic Movement and 80 Hours Movement Power Reserve.
- Water Resistant : 3 bar (30 m)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
