Rado taps Tej Chauhan for a new evolution of its 1970s-inspired ceramic wristwatch in the second collaboration between the watch brand and the British industrial designer. Featuring ceramic-metal composite bezel in a yellow gold PVD-coating, the DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan Special Edition retains the signature helmet-shaped case, but sports a radial pattern also found on Mr Chauhan’s preceding Rado collaboration. And the day-date display utilises the designer’s own font in bold colours.

Initial thoughts

Rado is a pioneer in materials innovation for watch cases, having introduced the first “scratch-proof” watch in 1962 thanks to the use of a metal composite. The new edition continues that with the use of Ceramos, a tungsten carbide-ceramic composite, but adds flavour to the 1970s design with Tej Chauhan’s touch on the dial and hands. His additions to the design set it apart, but still remain coherently 1970s in style. The look is not for every, but it does well in being a 1970s-style design with a twist.

As is typical for Rado, the new DiaStar is priced reasonably. It costs US$2,250, which is value considering the materials. Most of the competition’s watches with such features cost more. Arguably the only shortcoming is the Powermatic 80 movement. Though reliable and offering an 80-hour power reserve, it is also widely used in less expensive watches from Rado’s sister companies like Tissot.

Helmet-shaped case

Water-resistant to 100 m, the new DiaStar retains the helmet-shaped case that defines the design, which was launched in 1962. This edition has been facelifted by Tej Chauhan, a designer who spent several years at Nokia when it was the world’s biggest mobile phone maker.

Measuring 38 mm by 45 mm and standing 11.7 mm high, the front of the new DiaStar is a Ceramos bezel finish in yellow gold coating. Ceramos is Rado’s proprietary ceramic composite composed of approximately 90% titanium carbide, combining the hardness of ceramic with the durability and sheen of metal.

The steel case middle and crown are similarly plated in gold, while the polished dark grey PVD-coated steel case back is fitted with a sapphire crystal.

The matte black dial is enhanced by a printed silver and blue minute track arranged in a radial pattern, complemented by applied indexes for the hours. The skeletonised hour and minute hands are treated with white Super-LumiNova, while the seconds hand is highlighted in neon-yellow. The day and date are rendered in Tej Chauhan’s typeface, with the date numerals presented in neon red.

Powering the watch is the self-winding Rado R764, which is based on the Powermatic 80, the workhorse, no-frills automatic of Swatch Group, Rado’s parent. Equipped with a Nivachron hairspring that is paramagnetic, the movement beats at 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz) and offers 80 hours of power reserve.

Key facts and price

Rado DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan Special Edition
Ref. R12165155

Diameter: 38.0 mm by 45.0 mm
Thickness: 11.7 mm
Material: PVD steel and Ceramos
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Cal. R764 (Powermatic 80)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date and day of the week
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 80 hours

Strap: Grey pillow shaped rubber strap

Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at Rado boutiques and retailers
Price: US$2,250

For more, visit Rado.com.