Rado DiaStar R12161633, 38mm, Gold Dial, Gold Stainless Steel Bracelet
Rado DiaStar, Gold Dial
Rado DiaStar Original is a Swiss automatic with a gold dial, sapphire crystal, 38mm steel case, 80-hour reserve and 100m water resistance.
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About this item
- Automatic movement with 80 hour power reserve
- Antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring
- Polished yellow gold colour PVD coated Ceramos bezel
- PVD coated stainless steel bracelet with 3-fold clasp
- Dial set with 11 cubic zirconia stones
- Water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres)
Top Highlights
- Brand
- Rado
- Model Name
- Diastar
- Model Number
- R12161633
- Department
- Unisex
- Item Type
- Automatic Watch
- Manufacturer
- Rado
- Country of Origin
- Switzerland
- First Available
- 16 October 2024
Features & Specs
- Display
- Analog
- Movement Type
- Swiss automatic
- Additional Features
- Scratch-Resistant
- Strap Type
- Bracelet
- Case Material
- Stainless steel
- Case Size
- 38.0 mm
- Case Thickness
- 12.1 mm
- Lug Width
- 20.0 mm
- Water Resistance
- 100 m
- Strap
- Stainless steel
- Clasp
- Foldover Clasp
- Closure Type
- Fold-over
- Crystal
- Sapphire crystal
- Bezel
- Ceramos
Style
- Style Name
- Classic
- Dial Shape
- Oval
- Dial Colour
- Gold
- Band Color
- Gold
- Face Style
- Ornate
- Collection
- DiaStar
Description
The Rado DiaStar Original is a Swiss automatic watch for anyone who likes a distinctive, scratch-resistant design with a gold-toned finish. It is listed as unisex, and its 38mm case suits a wide range of wrists.
The case and bracelet are stainless steel with a yellow gold coloured PVD coating, and the bezel is Ceramos. A sapphire crystal covers the gold dial, which carries 11 cubic zirconia stones and a harmonic pattern. Water resistance is rated at 10 bar, or 100 metres.
The standout feature is the movement: an automatic calibre with an 80 hour power reserve and an antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring. The bracelet has an Easy Clip System and a 3-fold clasp, so it is practical to wear daily as well as for dressier occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear the Rado DiaStar Original for swimming?
Yes for casual swimming. The DiaStar Original is rated to 10 bar, or 100 m, so showers, pools and sea swims are fine. It is a dress automatic rather than a dive tool, so skip hot tubs and keep the crown fully pushed in.
Is this watch suitable for daily wear?
It works well as a daily watch. The sapphire crystal and Ceramos bezel resist scratches, and the 80 hour power reserve means it will still be running after a weekend in the drawer. The gold coloured PVD finish is the part to treat with some care.
Will a magnet or phone stop it from keeping time?
Everyday magnets from phones, bags and speakers are far less of a concern here. The DiaStar Original uses an antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring, which is designed to keep the rate steadier near magnetic fields than a standard steel hairspring.
Will a 38mm watch fit my wrist?
A 38mm case with 20 mm lugs and 12.1 mm thickness suits most wrists, small to medium in particular. It is listed as unisex, so it also reads as a slim, classic size on larger wrists. The 3-fold clasp helps fine tune the fit.
How does it compare with a standard steel automatic?
Compared with a plain steel automatic, the DiaStar Original adds a gold coloured PVD finish, a Ceramos bezel, a sapphire crystal and 11 cubic zirconia stones on the dial. If you prefer a quiet look, a steel alternative may be a better match.
How often does it need service?
Most mechanical watches benefit from service every five years or so, depending on use. Have the water resistance checked at the same time, since seals age. A watchmaker can also advise on caring for the PVD coating.
Editor's take
Rado has long been known for scratch-resistant materials, and the DiaStar Original carries that identity into a gold-toned, 38mm unisex automatic. It is aimed at buyers who want a dressy piece with a distinctive oval-leaning profile and a polished Ceramos bezel.
The technical draw is the movement. An 80 hour power reserve means the watch keeps running through a weekend off the wrist, and the Nivachron hairspring resists magnetic fields that commonly upset everyday timekeeping. The sapphire crystal and PVD coated stainless steel case add to the scratch-resistant brief.
The trade-off is the finish itself. A PVD coating is a thin layer, so a gold coloured surface will not wear like solid gold and may show marks with heavy daily knocks. At 100 m of water resistance it handles swimming, but it is not a dive tool.
It suits someone who wants a jewellery-like automatic with a practical 3-fold clasp and Easy Clip System bracelet. For a plainer look at similar money, a steel-finish Swiss automatic dress watch is the obvious alternative.
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