Unless you were born around the time that this timepiece was originally launched on the market you are probably not too familiar with it and RadoРІР‚Вs ads are usually much more focused on the Hyperchrome, which is definitely its leading collection. The Rado Diastar OriginalР’В is the new edition, which is virtually identical to the original one, of the Rado Diastar RadoРІР‚Вs milestone but, strangely enough, one of the brandРІР‚в„ўs least famous timepieces. TheР’В Rado DiastarР’В Original in its modern edition If compared to the most traditional surface anti-scratch coatings, the production process used for the Rado DiastarР’В OriginalРІР‚Вs case is a completely different concept: DLC and PVD coatings are surface treatments aimed at improving a watchРІР‚в„ўs scratch-resistance, but they are traditionally applied to a standard steel core, whereas Hardmetal, despite looking like a classic steel watch, is not a coating, but rather a mass in itself. Only five years after its foundation in 1957, Rado patented a new type of alloy called РІР‚Сљ HardmetalРІР‚Сњ, this alloy is created from Tungsten carbide powder that is initially injected into a high temperature oven and then transformed into a new mass through a sintering process. Introducing Hardmetal in watchmaking, in 1957

Back in those days RadoРІР‚Вs billboards sported ads claiming that its watches were РІР‚Сљ Extraordinary Watches for Extraordinary MenРІР‚Сњ and it advertized different watch models, among which was the Rado Captain Cook (the scuba diverРІР‚в„ўs watch par excellence) and the Rado Diastar, the very first scratch-resistant timepiece in history.

My father introduced me to this brand when I was only 10 a time when my passion for watches was growing bigger and bigger by the day. My relationship with Rado started when I was young and it is linked to my father, who still wears a Rado Captain Cook, also known as Rado TicinР’В (from the name of the importer of Rado watches in Italy). RadoРІР‚Вs ideas are still so fresh and vibrant that it makes you wonder whether the company only appeared on the market a few years ago, so it is strange to think that the Rado Diastar, the very first scratch resistant timepiece ever created and the very first timepiece featuring a sapphire glass to guard the dial, only came to life in 1962. Rado was the first manufacturer to ever create its own metallurgy department and today, this department, is still in charge of producing different ceramic compounds a reality that some of the most famous brands and RadoРІР‚Вs competitors only started to discover 10 or 20 years ago. When back in the 60s all watchmakers were still producing steel timepieces, Rado had already started to craft the very first scratch-resistant watches a smart move that most brands wouldnРІР‚в„ўt even take into consideration at that time and a move that became one of the trademarks of the company from Legnau.

TheР’В Rado DiastarР’В Original РІР‚вЂњ opinions and price.

TheР’В Rado DiastarР’В Original in its modern edition.

Introducing Hardmetal in watchmaking, in 1957.

A bitР’В about RadoРІР‚в„ўs roots in watchmaking.

Vintage rado diastar model 150