Rado The Original R12413573, 35mm, Gold Stainless Steel Bracelet
Rado The Original is a 35 mm Swiss automatic with an oval case, sapphire crystal, stainless steel bracelet and 30 m water resistance.
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About this item
- Swiss automatic movement with analogue display
- 35 mm case with sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel bracelet with deployment clasp
- Stainless steel / PVD case construction
- Water resistant to 30 metres
Top Highlights
- Brand
- Rado
- Model Name
- Original
- Model Number
- R12413573
- Department
- Unisex
- Item Type
- Automatic
- Manufacturer
- Rado
- Country of Origin
- Switzerland
- First Available
- 13 June 2019
Features & Specs
- Display
- Analog
- Movement Type
- Swiss automatic
- Additional Features
- Depth-measurement
- Strap Type
- Bracelet
- Case Material
- CVD-coated hardmetal Stainless Steel Stainless steel / PVD
- Case Size
- 35.0 mm
- Case Thickness
- 11.9 mm
- Lug Width
- 18.0 mm
- Water Resistance
- 30 m
- Sport Type
- Walking
- Strap
- Stainless steel
- Clasp
- Deployment Clasp
- Closure Type
- Buckle
- Crystal
- Sapphire crystal
Style
- Style Name
- Modern
- Dial Shape
- Oval
- Dial Colour
- Other
- Band Color
- Gold
- Collection
- The Original
Description
The Rado The Original is a unisex automatic watch with an oval dial shape and a modern look. Its 35 mm case suits smaller to medium wrists and works well for everyday wear.
The watch uses a Swiss automatic movement with an analogue display. The case combines stainless steel with a CVD-coated hardmetal and PVD finish, and the dial is protected by sapphire crystal. Water resistance is rated at 30 m, which covers splashes and light rain.
A stainless steel bracelet in gold tone with a deployment clasp carries the 18 mm lug width. The case is 11.9 mm thick and gives a compact, slim profile that sits comfortably under a cuff for daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear the Rado The Original in the shower or pool?
Not really. With 30 m water resistance, the Rado The Original handles splashes, hand washing and light rain. Swimming, showering and hot water can stress the gaskets, so it is best taken off for those activities and kept for dry daily wear.
Will a 35 mm case suit my wrist?
The Rado The Original measures 35 mm across and 11.9 mm thick, so it generally suits small to medium wrists well. Larger wrists will see it as a compact, vintage-leaning size. The oval shape and slim profile also help it sit neatly under a shirt cuff.
What movement does it use and does it need a battery?
It runs on a Swiss automatic movement, so there is no battery to replace. The watch winds from wrist motion, and wearing it daily usually keeps it running. If it sits unworn for a couple of days, it may need a few turns of the crown to restart.
Is the bracelet easy to swap for a strap?
The lug width is 18 mm, so a strap of that width can generally be fitted. Because the case is oval and integrated styling matters, check that a replacement sits flush against the case. A watchmaker can fit it quickly, though the original bracelet is the best match.
How does it compare with a classic round Swiss automatic?
The Rado The Original trades the traditional round dress look for an oval, sculpted case with sapphire crystal and a PVD finish. A round Swiss automatic from Tissot or Certina offers a more classic style, while this model suits those wanting something more distinctive.
How often does it need servicing?
A Swiss automatic like the Rado The Original generally benefits from servicing every four to six years, depending on use. A service typically covers cleaning, lubrication and a water resistance check, which matters here given the modest 30 m rating.
Editor's take
Rado's The Original sits in the brand's design-led corner, where the oval case and gold-tone finish matter as much as the movement. It is a unisex piece aimed at wearers who want a distinctive 35 mm profile rather than a conventional round dress watch, and the Swiss automatic movement keeps it in mechanical territory.
The finishing is the real story here. The case pairs stainless steel with CVD-coated hardmetal and a PVD layer, which is the sort of surface treatment that resists everyday scratching better than plain steel. A sapphire crystal over the dial adds to that scratch resistance, and the 11.9 mm case height keeps the watch slim.
The limitation is water resistance. At 30 m the watch handles splashes and rain but is not meant for swimming or showering, so it needs to come off for those. The gold-tone coating on the stainless steel bracelet will also wear over years of contact, so heavy daily use calls for some care.
It suits anyone with a small to medium wrist who prefers a sculpted, fashion-forward automatic over a classic dress watch. For a more traditional alternative at a similar level, a round-case Swiss automatic from Tissot or Certina would be a sensible comparison. The deployment clasp is a practical touch for a bracelet watch.
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