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How the DiaStar Original updates a 1962 design
Rado says the DiaStar was unveiled in 1962 and calls it the world’s first scratch-resistant watch. That superlative is the brand’s historical claim; the sources cited here do not independently substantiate it. In its current collection, Rado frames the design as an update that preserves the original’s identity while using contemporary materials and technology. The brand describes the watches as “Updated for a contemporary lifestyle, the new Diastar watches stay true to their original design while embracing modern innovations.”
The result is not a uniform recipe applied to every watch with the DiaStar Original name. Rado’s US collection listings include 30 mm and 38 mm automatic models, a 38 mm 60-Year Anniversary Edition and skeleton versions; the broader listings also include quartz chronographs. Check the exact reference before comparing features or assuming that a detail belongs to the whole collection.
What the 38 mm R12160113 offers
The R12160113 is a concrete example of the contemporary approach: a stainless-steel case, polished Ceramos bezel and faceted sapphire crystal with antireflective coating. Its 38.0 mm diameter and 12.1 mm thickness give a more useful description of its proportions than the collection name alone. Rado lists its weight as 140 g.
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- 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)
| Specification | Rado DiaStar Original Automatic R12160113 |
|---|---|
| Case diameter | 38.0 mm |
| Case thickness | 12.1 mm |
| Case and bezel | Stainless-steel case; polished Ceramos bezel |
| Crystal | Faceted sapphire crystal with antireflective coating |
| Movement | R764 automatic calibre |
| Power reserve | 80 hours, as listed by Rado for this reference |
| Dial and display | Rhodium-coloured mosaic-style dial with eleven blue crystal stones; day/date display |
| Other listed details | Nivachron hairspring, five-position movement testing and adjustment, Super-LumiNova details, pressed stainless-steel caseback, stainless-steel bracelet with three-fold clasp |
Rado also lists a Nivachron hairspring and says the R764 is tested and adjusted in five positions. Those movement details, like the 80-hour reserve and day/date display, describe this reference; they should not be assumed for every DiaStar Original. Ceramos and sapphire are the specified bezel and crystal materials. Scratch resistance is not immunity from scratches or other damage.
Where the contemporary edge comes from
Material and shape
The polished Ceramos bezel sets off the steel case, while the faceted sapphire crystal adds a crisp, reflective surface above the dial. These materials and finishes sharpen the watch’s visual presence without making the collection’s historic silhouette disappear.
Rank #2
- 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)
Dial details
On R12160113, the rhodium-coloured mosaic-style pattern and eleven blue crystal stones supply texture and color. They are specific to this reference, rather than standard features across the DiaStar Original family.
A separate design collaboration
Designer Tej Chauhan’s DiaStar collaboration offers one distinct interpretation, not a description of every Original. In a Wallpaper* interview about that collaboration, Chauhan said, “I wanted to create an object that you’d want to pick up, something with an invitation to interact.” The interview discusses a padded strap, a differently colored day-of-week display and a gold-coloured Ceramos bezel. Those choices express the collaboration’s design intent; they do not establish objective claims about comfort or durability.
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)
How to compare DiaStar Original references
Start with the reference number, then compare the features that change the wearing experience and the watch’s appearance:
- Size and thickness: Compare case diameter and thickness, not just the family name.
- Movement: Confirm whether the specific model is automatic or quartz.
- Reserve and functions: Check the listed power reserve and whether the watch has a date, day/date, or another display.
- Design: Compare dial color and texture, bezel treatment, and whether the model is a skeleton or anniversary edition.
- How it is worn: Verify whether the exact reference comes on a bracelet or strap; do not assume another model’s strap or bracelet will fit.
Rado’s official collection and product listings are the place to verify reference-specific specifications. Availability and prices can differ by market and change over time; confirm them with the seller in your region. At the time represented by Rado’s US product listing, the R12160113 was shown at a list price of $1,800.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Case Size: 35 MM
- Swiss Automatic Movement
- Case & Bezel: Hardmetal
- up to 80 Hours Power Reserve
- Sport type: Snorkeling
Rank #4
- DiaStar Original X Tej Chauhan Special Edition - R12165155
Sources
- Rado: DiaStar Original Automatic R12160113
- Rado: DiaStar Original collection
- Wallpaper*: Tej Chauhan interview on his Rado DiaStar design collaboration
- Rado: 2024 user manual
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.
