Rado DiaStar Original R12408613, 35mm, Black Dial
Rado DiaStar Original, Black Dial
Swiss automatic dress watch with 80-hour power reserve, sapphire crystal, 35 mm hardmetal case, black dial and 30 m water resistance.
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About this item
- Silver hardmetal and stainless steel case, 11.9 mm thick
- Black dial with crystal indexes and date display at 6 o'clock
- Silver stainless steel bracelet with fold over clasp
- Swiss automatic movement with 80 hours power reserve
- Water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres)
Top Highlights
- Brand
- Rado
- Model Name
- DiaStar Original
- Model Number
- R12408613
- Department
- Men
- Item Type
- Dress Watch
- Manufacturer
- Rado
- Country of Origin
- Switzerland
- First Available
- 30 January 2007
Features & Specs
- Display
- Black Dial
- Movement Type
- Swiss automatic
- Power Source
- Mechanical (Automatic)
- Additional Features
- Date Display
- Complications
- Date
- Strap Type
- Bracelet
- Case Material
- Hardmetal
- Case Size
- 35.0 mm
- Case Thickness
- 11.9 mm
- Lug Width
- 14.0 mm
- Water Resistance
- 30 m
- Sport Type
- Walking
- Strap
- Stainless steel
- Clasp
- Push Button Deployment Clasp
- Closure Type
- Buckle
- Crystal
- Sapphire crystal
Style
- Style Name
- Quartz Movement
- Dial Shape
- Oval
- Dial Colour
- Black
- Band Color
- Black
- Theme
- Luxury, Classic, Timeless, Iconic
- Face Style
- Guilloche
- Collection
- DiaStar
- Dial Markers
- Crystal indexes
Description
The Rado DiaStar Original is a men's dress watch built around the brand's hardmetal case concept. At 35 mm across, it suits wearers who prefer a compact, classic proportion with a distinctive oval-leaning profile.
Inside sits a Swiss automatic movement with a power reserve of 80 hours. The case is made of hardmetal and stainless steel, with a sapphire crystal over a black dial and a stainless steel bracelet. Water resistance is rated at 30 m, which covers splashes and everyday handwashing.
The black dial uses crystals as hour indexes and carries a date window at 6 o'clock. The 80 hour reserve means the watch keeps running through a full weekend off the wrist, and the fold over clasp keeps the bracelet secure for daily office wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear the DiaStar Original in the shower or pool?
The Rado DiaStar Original is rated to 3 bar, or 30 m, which covers splashes and handwashing. It is not meant for showers, where hot steam can affect seals, or for swimming. Treat it as a daily dress watch for dry and light-wet conditions.
Will a 35 mm case fit a small wrist?
At 35 mm in diameter with a 14 mm lug width and 11.9 mm thickness, it sits neatly on small to medium wrists. It will look compact and classic, and suits wearers who find 40 mm watches too large on the wrist.
How long does it run if I take it off for the weekend?
The Swiss automatic movement in this Rado has an 80 hour power reserve. That usually means it keeps running from Friday evening through Monday morning without needing to be wound, so it is a practical daily option for office use.
How does it differ from a quartz dress watch?
Unlike a quartz model, the Rado DiaStar Original uses a mechanical automatic movement, so there is no battery to change and the watch is wound by wrist motion. In return, it generally needs periodic service and is less accurate than quartz.
Is the case scratch resistant for everyday sport or walking?
The case is made of hardmetal with a sapphire crystal over the dial, both chosen for scratch resistance. That suits daily walking and office wear. For heavy sport, a more water resistant watch than 30 m is a better alternative.
Who is this watch suitable for?
It suits men who want a slim, classic dress watch with a black dial, crystal indexes and a date at 6 o'clock. The steel bracelet with fold over clasp also makes it a considered gift for someone who prefers understated styling.
Editor's take
Rado's DiaStar line has been the brand's calling card for decades, built on the idea that a watch case can resist scratches far better than steel. This DiaStar Original, at 35 mm, sits firmly in the classic, compact end of men's dress watches and suits wrists that find modern 40 mm cases oversized.
The technical story starts with the hardmetal case, paired with a sapphire crystal, which together make for a watch that keeps its finish well under daily wear. Inside is a Swiss automatic movement with an 80 hour power reserve, a figure that lets you leave the watch on a desk from Friday evening to Monday morning and find it still running.
The limits are plain. At 30 m water resistance this is a watch for splashes, not swimming or showering, and the 35 mm size will look small to anyone used to larger sports watches. The fold over clasp is secure but offers no mention of micro adjustment, so bracelet fit is something to try before buying.
It is a sensible pick for anyone wanting a slim, scratch resistant dress watch with a black dial and crystal indexes. If a larger case or higher water resistance matters more, look at a sports oriented automatic from a Swiss brand in the same price range.
In categories
From the manufacturer
Rado DiaStar Original
In 1962, Rado released the world’s first scratchproof watch, the Rado DiaStar. The first scratch-resistant watch.
The Original Oval DiaStar
Today referred to as the Original, the oval DiaStar 1 gave birth to bold marketing statements, such as “the most important improvement of watch cases in 400 years”. The broad, unusually shaped bezel, which covers the fastening of the strap, was entirely new. The round, silver-coloured dial featured a red date on a white background and applied double indexes at 6, 9 and 12. Notably, it was touted not only as 'scratchproof' but also as 'super waterproof'.
Gold DiaStar Original
The Gold DiaStar was launched in 1972 and, unlike gold-plated watches, is scratchproof and loses none of its brilliance or colour.
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