Rado DiaStar Original R12416633, 27mm, Gold Dial
Rado DiaStar Original, Gold Dial
Gold-dial Swiss automatic with a 27.3mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, date display and 30m water resistance.
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About this item
- Scratch-resistant DiaStar in gold, a new take on the original Rado DiaStar from 1962
- Colored gold dial with date display and a 27.3 mm case
- Stainless steel case and bracelet with a gold PVD finish
- Water resistant to 30 meters
- Swiss automatic movement
Top Highlights
- Brand
- Rado
- Model Name
- Original
- Model Number
- R12416633
- Department
- Men
- Item Type
- Watch
- Manufacturer
- Rado
- Country of Origin
- Switzerland
- First Available
- November 12, 2003
Features & Specs
- Display
- Analog
- Movement Type
- Swiss automatic
- Additional Features
- Automatic Watch, Date Display, Water-resistant
- Complications
- Date
- Strap Type
- Bracelet
- Case Material
- Stainless steel
- Case Size
- 27.3 mm
- Case Thickness
- 10.7 mm
- Lug Width
- 21.0 mm
- Weight
- 739 g
- Water Resistance
- 30 m
- Sport Type
- Walking
- Strap
- Stainless steel
- Clasp
- 3 Clasp Closure
- Closure Type
- Buckle
- Embellishment
- Diamond
- Crystal
- Sapphire crystal
- Dimensions
- 5 x 5 x 5 inches; 1.63 pounds
Style
- Style Name
- Dress
- Dial Shape
- Oval
- Dial Color
- Gold
- Band Color
- Gold
- Theme
- Vintage
- Face Style
- DiaStar Original
- Collection
- DiaStar
Description
The Rado DiaStar Original Automatic revisits the scratch-resistant DiaStar first introduced by Rado in 1962. It pairs a gold-toned dial with a compact oval presentation, suited to wearers who like a vintage-leaning dress watch with a distinctive profile.
The watch is powered by a Swiss automatic movement and shows the date. The 27.3mm case and the bracelet are stainless steel with a gold PVD finish, and the dial is covered by sapphire crystal. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, so it handles splashes but is not meant for swimming.
The standout trait is the DiaStar's scratch-resistant heritage, which keeps the gold finish looking sharp in daily wear. Its slim case and matching bracelet make it an easy fit for office and evening use, where a dressy look matters more than sporty durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear the DiaStar Original in the shower or pool?
It is rated to 30 meters, which in practice covers rain and hand washing only. The Rado DiaStar Original Automatic should stay out of showers, pools and the sea, since heat and pressure changes can compromise the seals. Treat it as a dress watch rather than a sports one.
Will a 27.3 mm case look too small on my wrist?
The Rado DiaStar Original has a 27.3 mm oval case with a lug width of 21 mm and a thickness of 10.7 mm. The case is compact and sits neatly on slimmer wrists, while larger wrists will see a distinctly small, vintage-style watch. Trying it on first is wise.
Does it need a battery or winding?
This is a Swiss automatic, so the movement is wound by the motion of your wrist and no battery is needed. If it sits unworn for a while, give the crown a few turns to restart it. Service by a qualified watchmaker is typically recommended every few years.
How is it different from a regular gold dress watch?
The DiaStar line is built around scratch resistance, and this Rado combines it with sapphire crystal and a Swiss automatic movement. Many fashion gold watches use quartz and mineral glass, so this offers more durable materials. Alternatives with similar looks may cost less but wear faster.
Is it suitable for daily office wear?
Yes for most desk-based days. The Rado DiaStar Original Automatic has a gold PVD stainless steel bracelet, a date window and a slim profile that slides under a cuff. It is less suited to heavy manual work or sport, where knocks may mark the PVD finish.
Who is this watch suitable for as a gift?
It suits someone who appreciates Swiss design history and a vintage look, and who prefers a smaller, dressy watch. It will not please recipients who want a large sports watch. Check the wrist size first, since the 27.3 mm case is quite compact.
Editor's take
Rado's DiaStar goes back to 1962, and this Original Automatic is a deliberate nod to that scratch-resistant debut. It suits someone who wants a vintage-flavored dress piece with an oval profile rather than another round three-hander.
The Swiss automatic movement means no battery to replace, and the sapphire crystal protects the gold dial from everyday knocks. The stainless steel case and bracelet carry a PVD gold finish that matches the dial color, giving the watch a unified look.
The limits are plain. At 30 m water resistance it only tolerates splashes, so swimming and showering are off the table. The 27.3 mm case is also small by current standards, and PVD plating can wear at contact points over years of use.
It makes sense for collectors drawn to Rado's design heritage and for anyone wanting a compact dressy automatic. If you prefer something larger or more robust, a round steel dress automatic from another Swiss brand in a similar range is the alternative to look at.
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