Rado DiaStar Original R12162153, 38mm, Silver Dial
Rado DiaStar Original, Silver Dial
The Rado DiaStar Original is an automatic skeleton watch with a silver dial, 38 mm stainless steel and Ceramos case, sapphire crystal and 100 m water resistance.
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About this item
- Case material: stainless steel and Ceramos
- Automatic movement with open-heart skeleton dial
- 38 mm case, 11.9 mm thick
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel bracelet with foldover clasp
- Water resistant to 100 metres
Top Highlights
- Brand
- Rado
- Model Name
- DiaStar Original
- Model Number
- R12162153
- Department
- Unisex
- Item Type
- Automatic Watch
- Manufacturer
- Rado
- Country of Origin
- Switzerland
- First Available
- 26 August 2024
Features & Specs
- Display
- Analog
- Movement Type
- Automatic
- Power Source
- Automatic
- Additional Features
- Open Heart, Scratch-Resistant
- Strap Type
- Bracelet
- Case Material
- Stainless steel
- Case Size
- 38.0 mm
- Case Thickness
- 11.9 mm
- Lug Width
- 20.0 mm
- Weight
- 70 g
- Water Resistance
- 100 m
- Sport Type
- Walking
- Strap
- Stainless steel
- Clasp
- Foldover Clasp
- Closure Type
- Buckle
- Crystal
- Sapphire crystal
Style
- Style Name
- Modern
- Dial Shape
- Oval
- Dial Colour
- Silver
- Band Color
- Silver
- Face Style
- Skeleton
- Collection
- DiaStar
Description
Rado's DiaStar Original is a unisex automatic watch for anyone who likes to see the movement at work. The silver skeleton dial with an open-heart view gives the piece a technical character, while the oval styling keeps it distinctive on the wrist.
The case is built from stainless steel and Ceramos and measures 38 mm across and 11.9 mm thick. A sapphire crystal protects the dial and resists scratches, and the movement is automatic, so it needs no battery. Water resistance is rated at 100 m.
The stainless steel bracelet closes with a foldover clasp and carries a 20 mm lug width, which suits a range of wrist sizes. It is a practical choice for daily wear, whether in the office or on weekend outings, where the skeleton dial adds interest without being loud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear the DiaStar Original for swimming?
The Rado DiaStar Original is rated to 100 m, so it handles swimming in a pool or shallow sea and daily showers. Hot water and steam are harder on seals, so a shower is fine occasionally but not ideal as a habit. For deep or technical diving, choose a dedicated dive watch instead.
Is it comfortable for daily wear at the office?
At 38 mm across and 11.9 mm thick, the DiaStar Original is moderate in diameter but not slim. It usually fits under most cuffs without trouble, though a very tight cuff may catch. The steel bracelet adds a little weight at about 70 g, which many people find reassuring on the wrist.
How is it different from a solid-dial automatic?
Compared with a solid-dial automatic, this Rado shows the movement through an open-heart skeleton dial, which adds visual interest but reduces contrast for quick reading. The sapphire crystal and Ceramos case also point to scratch resistance. If you want maximum legibility, a plain dial is the alternative.
Does it need a battery or winding?
It uses an automatic movement, so it winds from the motion of your wrist and needs no battery. If you leave it unworn for a few days it may stop, and you can restart it by wearing it or giving the crown a few turns. Service by a watchmaker every several years is typical.
What wrist size suits the DiaStar Original?
The 38 mm case with 20 mm lugs generally suits average wrists and works for both men and women, as it is listed as unisex. The bracelet is stainless steel with a foldover clasp, so you can usually adjust it by link removal at a jeweller or watchmaker.
Is the glass likely to scratch?
The dial is covered by sapphire crystal, which resists everyday scratches far better than mineral glass. The Ceramos element in the case adds to the scratch-resistant theme. Steel parts can still pick up marks, so avoid rubbing against rough surfaces.
Editor's take
Rado's DiaStar Original has long been the brand's calling card for scratch-resistant materials, and this skeleton version brings that heritage to a unisex 38 mm format. It is aimed at buyers who want a visible movement without moving to a large case. The open-heart dial is the focus of the design.
The case combines stainless steel with Ceramos, a hard material that fits the scratch-resistance theme, and the dial is covered by a sapphire crystal. Inside sits an automatic movement, so the watch winds from wrist motion and needs no battery. A 100 m water resistance rating covers swimming in shallow water and everyday splashes.
The main trade-off is thickness. At 11.9 mm the case is not slim, so it will sit more prominently under a fitted cuff than a classic dress watch would. The skeleton dial also trades some legibility for the view of the movement, which matters if you read the time quickly in low light.
It suits someone who wants a distinctive everyday automatic with a foldover clasp on a steel bracelet. If you prefer a quieter dial, a solid-dial automatic of similar size is the alternative to consider, while serious divers should look at models with a rotating bezel.
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