Rado DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan

Rado, a name synonymous with innovation and avant-garde design in the world of watchmaking, has once again pushed the boundaries of horological artistry with their latest creation: The DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan Special Edition. This isn't just another watch; it's a wearable piece of art, a testament to the harmonious blend of Rado's pioneering spirit and the distinctive design language of the internationally acclaimed industrial designer, Tej Chauhan. This collaboration results in a timepiece that's both a nod to the past and a bold leap into the future.



The story of Rado is one of relentless pursuit of the extraordinary. From its inception in 1917, in the small Swiss town of Lengnau, the company, then known as Schlup & Co., embarked on a journey that would redefine the limits of watchmaking materials. It wasn't until 1957 that the Rado brand was officially launched, marking the beginning of an era defined by material innovation. The 1962 launch of the original DiaStar 1 was a pivotal moment. It was the world's first scratch-resistant watch, a revolutionary concept at the time, showcasing Rado's commitment to durability and cutting-edge design. The DiaStar, with its distinctive oval case and pioneering use of hardmetal, became an icon, symbolizing Rado's unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of what a watch could be.



Tej Chauhan, an award-winning industrial designer, brings his unique vision to this collaboration. His design philosophy, often described as "emotive industrial design," focuses on creating objects that are not only functional but also emotionally engaging. Chauhan's work is characterized by bold colors, unexpected forms, and a playful yet sophisticated aesthetic. He has a knack for transforming everyday objects into extraordinary experiences, and the DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan is a perfect embodiment of this approach. His designs aren't just about looking good; they're about evoking feelings and creating a connection between the object and the user.



The DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan immediately grabs attention with its striking color palette and unconventional design. The 38mm case is a masterful blend of materials. The polished yellow gold-colored PVD coated Ceramos™ bezel, a signature Rado material, sits atop a polished yellow gold-colored PVD coated stainless-steel middle case. Ceramos™ is a revolutionary composite material that combines the scratch-resistance of high-tech ceramic with the luster and strength of a metal alloy. This fusion of materials not only provides exceptional durability but also creates a unique visual appeal. The result is a watch that's both robust and refined, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily wear while maintaining its pristine appearance.



The case's smooth, rounded contours are reminiscent of the original DiaStar, but with a decidedly modern twist. The polished surfaces reflect light in a captivating way, creating a dynamic interplay of shadows and highlights. The watch sits comfortably on the wrist, its 11.7mm thickness giving it a substantial presence without feeling overly bulky. The water resistance of 10 bar (100 meters) adds to its practicality, making it suitable for a variety of activities, a watch truly made for everyday life.



The dial of the DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan is a captivating display of intricate details and bold design choices. The matt black concave surface serves as a backdrop for a symphony of colors and textures. Printed silver and blue minute tracks intersect with applied indexes, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality. The iconic Rado moving anchor symbol, rendered in sandblasted black gold-color, sits proudly at 12 o'clock, a subtle nod to the brand's heritage. At 6 o'clock, the applied Rado logo adds another touch of sophistication.



The day and date display, positioned at 3 o'clock, is a standout feature, showcasing Tej Chauhan's proprietary font in a vibrant and colorful palette. The use of neon paint adds a touch of playfulness and modernity, while the varying colors for each day of the week inject a sense of whimsy into the design. The polished black and gold-colored hour and minute hands are filled with white Super-LumiNova®, ensuring excellent legibility in low-light conditions. A neon yellow-accented second hand sweeps across the dial, adding a final touch of vibrant color.



Protecting this captivating dial is a radial-faceted sapphire crystal, a hallmark of Rado's commitment to quality and durability. Sapphire crystal is exceptionally scratch-resistant, ensuring that the watch's face remains pristine for years to come. The anti-reflective coating on the inner surface of the crystal further enhances legibility by reducing glare. This attention to detail demonstrates Rado's dedication to both form and function.



The DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan is powered by the automatic R764 calibre, a sophisticated movement that embodies Swiss watchmaking excellence. This movement, finely regulated in five positions, boasts an impressive 80-hour power reserve, meaning the watch will continue to run accurately even after several days of not being worn. The Nivachron™ hairspring, a key component of the movement, provides exceptional resistance to magnetic fields, ensuring consistent accuracy in a world increasingly filled with electronic devices. The R764 calibre is a testament to Rado's commitment to precision and reliability. The movement works hard to keep its accuracy within amazing parameters.



The strap of the DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan is as unconventional and thoughtfully designed as the rest of the watch. The radical grey, pillow-shaped rubber strap is a bold departure from traditional watch straps. Its unique texture and form create a tactile experience that's both comfortable and visually striking. The strap is secured by a dark grey PVD-coated stainless steel extendable folding clasp, topped with a yellow gold-colored cover and pushers engraved with Rado x TC inscriptions, a subtle yet elegant detail that highlights the collaborative nature of this timepiece. The pillow shape is super soft and will provide long lasting comfort.



The attention to detail extends to every aspect of the watch, from the carefully selected materials to the intricate finishing of the movement. The combination of Ceramos™, stainless steel, and sapphire crystal creates a watch that's not only visually stunning but also incredibly durable. The vibrant colors and playful design elements add a touch of personality and make this watch a true conversation starter.



The Rado DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan is available for purchase at a price of $2,250.00. It is a special edition, meaning that production is limited, making it a potentially sought-after piece for collectors. Given its unique design, innovative materials, and the reputation of both Rado and Tej Chauhan, this watch represents a compelling offering in the luxury watch market. Availability may vary depending on location and retailer, so interested buyers are encouraged to inquire with authorized Rado dealers.



Case: 38.0 mm diameter, 11.7 mm thickness. Polished yellow gold-colored PVD coated Ceramos™ bezel. Polished yellow gold-colored PVD coated stainless-steel middle case. Water resistant up to 10 bar (100 m). Radial-faceted sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface.

Movement: Automatic Rado calibre R764. 80-hour power reserve. Regulated in five positions. Nivachron™ hairspring for antimagnetic properties. Movement Reference: 03.764.857.

Dial: Matt black concave. Printed silver and blue minute tracks. Applied indexes in relief at five-minute intervals. Sandblasted black gold-colored moving anchor at 12 o'clock. Applied Rado logo at 6 o’clock. Day and date guichet at 3 o’clock with Tej Chauhan’s proprietary font, neon paint, colorful palette. Polished black and gold-colored hour and minute hands with white Super-LumiNova®. Neon yellow-accented second hand.

Strap: Radical grey, pillow-shaped rubber strap. Dark grey PVD-coated stainless steel extendable folding clasp. Yellow gold-colored cover and pushers engraved with Rado x TC inscriptions.

Price: $2,250.00

Reference Number: R12165155

Notes: Special Edition designed in collaboration with industrial designer Tej Chauhan. Features a unique color palette and design elements inspired by Chauhan's "emotive industrial design" philosophy.