Rado DiaStar Original R12408633, 35mm, Yellow Dial
Rado DiaStar Original, Yellow Dial
Swiss automatic with a yellow dial, 35 mm hardmetal case, sapphire crystal, 80 hour power reserve and 30 m water resistance.
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About this item
- 35 mm case with a Swiss automatic movement
- Hardmetal case and bezel
- Up to 80 hours of power reserve
- Sapphire crystal glass
- Water resistant to 30 metres, rated for snorkelling
Top Highlights
- Brand
- Rado
- Model Name
- D-Original
- Model Number
- R12408633
- Department
- Men
- Item Type
- Automatic Watch
- Manufacturer
- Rado
- Country of Origin
- Switzerland
- First Available
- 12 November 2003
Features & Specs
- Display
- Analog
- Movement Type
- Swiss automatic
- Additional Features
- Scratch-Resistant
- Strap Type
- Bracelet
- Case Material
- Hardmetal Super- LumiNova®
- Case Size
- 35.0 mm
- Case Thickness
- 11.9 mm
- Lug Width
- 18.0 mm
- Weight
- 449 g
- Water Resistance
- 30 m
- Sport Type
- Snorkeling
- Strap
- Stainless Steel/ PVD
- Clasp
- 3 clasp closure
- Crystal
- Sapphire crystal
- Dimensions
- 12.4 x 15.39 x 15.39 cm; 449.06 g
Style
- Style Name
- Automatic Watch
- Dial Shape
- Round
- Dial Colour
- Yellow
- Band Color
- 2 tone: yellow/silver
- Theme
- Sports
- Face Style
- Guilloche
- Collection
- DiaStar
Description
The Rado DiaStar Original is a Swiss automatic men's watch built around a compact 35 mm round case. A yellow guilloche dial sits against a two-tone yellow and silver bracelet, which gives it a distinctive look among small-diameter automatics.
The case and bezel are made of hardmetal, a material associated with scratch resistance, and the dial is covered by sapphire crystal. Inside is a Swiss automatic movement, and the watch is water resistant to 30 m, enough for splashes and light water contact.
The standout detail is the power reserve of up to 80 hours, which lets the watch sit unworn over a weekend and still keep running. The stainless steel and PVD bracelet and the 18 mm lug width make it a practical daily piece for smaller wrists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear the Rado DiaStar Original in the shower or pool?
The Rado DiaStar Original is water resistant to 30 m, which generally covers splashes, rain and hand washing. It is not built for swimming or regular showers, as hot steam and pressure changes can wear down the seals over time. For pool use, a diver with 100 m or more is the safer choice.
Will a 35 mm case look too small on my wrist?
A 35 mm case sits on the smaller side for modern men's watches, and it suits wrists of roughly 6.5 to 7.5 inches well. With an 18 mm lug width and a stainless steel and PVD bracelet, it wears neatly and close to the wrist. Larger wrists will get a more vintage, understated look.
How long will it run if I leave it in a drawer?
The Swiss automatic movement offers up to 80 hours of power reserve, so it should keep running for about three days off the wrist. After a longer break, give the crown a few turns or wear it for a while to restart it. This is a clear advantage over the usual two-day reserve.
Is the hardmetal case really scratch resistant?
Case and bezel are made of hardmetal, and the dial is protected by sapphire crystal. Hardmetal generally resists everyday scratches much better than standard stainless steel, so the Rado DiaStar Original should keep its finish well. Hard impacts can still chip or damage it, so avoid knocks against stone or metal.
How does it compare to a regular steel dress automatic?
Versus a typical steel dress automatic, the DiaStar Original offers a hardmetal case, a longer 80 hour power reserve and a yellow guilloche dial. A steel alternative may be easier to service and cheaper, but it will scratch more readily. Choose this one if finish durability and a distinctive look matter most.
How often does an automatic watch like this need service?
A Swiss automatic like this generally benefits from service every five to seven years, depending on use. A watchmaker will clean, lubricate and regulate the movement and check the gaskets. Because water resistance is only 30 m, a pressure test is worth doing at each service to confirm the seals are still sound.
Editor's take
Rado's DiaStar line made its name on scratch-resistant case materials, and this Original keeps to that idea in a compact, men's-sized package. The 35 mm hardmetal case and bezel, a yellow guilloche dial and a two-tone bracelet give it a look that is clearly Rado rather than generic.
The headline spec is the 80 hour power reserve from the Swiss automatic movement, which is well beyond a standard two-day reserve. Over the dial sits sapphire crystal, which pairs sensibly with the hardmetal case, since both are chosen for resisting daily wear.
The main trade-off is water resistance. At 30 m, the watch handles splashes and hand washing but is not built for swimming, despite the snorkelling tag in the listing. Anyone who wants real pool or sea use should look at a dedicated diver with 100 m or more.
It suits buyers with smaller wrists who want a distinctive Swiss automatic with a stainless steel and PVD bracelet on an 18 mm lug width. For similar money, a conventional steel-cased Swiss dress automatic is the alternative, though it will not match the scratch-resistance focus here.
In categories
From the manufacturer
The Master of Materials
Discover the merrier of collections that Rado has to offer, from our Rado DiaStar Original Scratchproof resistant, to our newly relaunched nautical inspired Rado Captain Cook for all the explorers out there looking for a high quality yet fashionable Diver's Watch.
Hardmetal Case, 35mm Scale
The D-Original R12408633 uses a 35.0mm hardmetal case, a material Rado has worked with for decades because it resists scratches far better than conventional steel. A sapphire crystal sits above the dial, and Super-LumiNova® on the hands and markers keeps the time legible in low light.
Rado Switzerland
Our timepieces are conceived, designed and manufactured in Switzerland with the highest quality materials. We pride ourselves on mastering groundbreaking materials like High-tech ceramic, plasma and ceramos.
Our DNA Collections
Rado builds its collections around a small set of recognisable design codes and a long record in scratch-resistant materials. The D-Original carries that thinking into a 35.0mm automatic with a Swiss movement, a stainless steel and PVD bracelet, and 30m water resistance for daily wear.
Welcome to the Rado Universe
Created for modern wearers with timeless design and those with an eye for beauty and a taste for the finer things in life.
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