Rado DiaStar Original R12161653, 38mm, Gold Dial
Rado DiaStar Original, Gold Dial
The Rado DiaStar Original is a 38mm Swiss automatic with a gold dial, sapphire crystal, Ceramos bezel and 100m water resistance.
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About this item
- Swiss automatic movement with an 80-hour power reserve
- Antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring
- Yellow gold coloured PVD coated Ceramos bezel
- PVD stainless steel bracelet with Easy Clip System and 3-fold clasp
- Dial set with 11 red cubic zirconia stones and diamond powder decoration
- Water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres)
Top Highlights
- Brand
- Rado
- Model Name
- Diastar
- Model Number
- R12161653
- 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
- Foldover Clasp
- Crystal
- Sapphire crystal
- Bezel
- Ceramos
Style
- Style Name
- Modern
- Dial Shape
- Oval
- Dial Colour
- Gold
- Band Color
- Gold
- Face Style
- Crosshair
- Collection
- DiaStar
- Dial Markers
- Cubic zirconia
Description
The Rado DiaStar Original is a unisex Swiss automatic watch built around the brand's scratch-resistant design language. It suits anyone who wants a polished gold-toned piece with a distinctive oval profile and a dressy, modern presence.
The 38mm stainless steel case carries a yellow gold coloured PVD finish and a Ceramos bezel, with a sapphire crystal over the gold dial. The automatic movement is paired with an antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring, and water resistance is rated at 10 bar, or 100 metres. The case is 12.1mm thick with a 20mm lug width.
The dial is the focal point, set with 11 red cubic zirconia stones over a harmonic pattern with diamond powder decoration. With an 80-hour power reserve, the watch can sit unworn over a weekend and still be running on Monday. The Easy Clip System on the bracelet and its 3-fold clasp make daily wear straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim with the Rado DiaStar Original?
The Rado DiaStar Original is rated to 10 bar, or 100 m, so it handles showers, pool swimming and shallow water activity. Keep the crown pushed in fully, and avoid hot water or steam, which can stress the gaskets over time. It is not built for diving.
Will it fit a small wrist?
At 38mm across and 12.1mm thick with a 20mm lug width, the watch sits comfortably on most average wrists. The oval shape and bracelet with Easy Clip System let you fine-tune the fit. Smaller wrists usually handle this diameter well.
How long does it run if I do not wear it?
The automatic movement has an 80-hour power reserve, so it keeps running for more than three days off the wrist. That means a watch left over a weekend is usually still ticking on Monday morning. Winding it by hand or a few minutes of wear gets it going again.
Is the gold finish solid gold?
No, the gold tone is a yellow gold coloured PVD coating over stainless steel. It looks rich and resists daily wear well, but heavy contact on edges can thin it over years. Avoid abrasive cleaners and wipe it with a soft cloth.
How is the DiaStar different from a standard Swiss automatic dress watch?
The DiaStar emphasises scratch resistance with a Ceramos bezel and sapphire crystal, and the Nivachron hairspring adds antimagnetic protection. Its oval case and gem-set dial are also more distinctive than a typical round dress watch. A plain steel automatic is the alternative if you want understated.
How often should it be serviced?
Mechanical watches like this one are generally serviced every five to seven years, including cleaning, lubrication and a water resistance test. If you swim often, have the seals checked yearly. Use an authorised service centre to keep the 100 m rating.
Editor's take
Rado's DiaStar goes back to 1962 as one of the first scratch-resistant watches, and this Original keeps that idea alive in a 38mm oval case aimed at wearers who prefer something distinctive over a standard round dress watch. The gold-toned finish and red stone accents make it a statement piece rather than a quiet one.
The headline feature is the Nivachron hairspring, an antimagnetic component that helps the Swiss automatic movement keep time near everyday magnetic sources. Combined with an 80-hour power reserve, it gives a practical weekend buffer. The Ceramos bezel and sapphire crystal back up the scratch-resistant concept.
The trade-off is the finish. The gold colour comes from a PVD coating on stainless steel, and PVD can wear at edges over years of contact, unlike solid gold. At 100 m water resistance it handles swimming, but the 12.1mm thickness and the polished surfaces mean it suits dressier use more than rough sport.
It is a good fit for someone who wants a gold-look automatic with real mechanical credentials and a bold dial. If you prefer a plainer look, a steel-finish three-hand automatic in a similar price range is the natural alternative.
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