Rado has expanded its DiaStar Original Skeleton collection for autumn with two 38 mm gold-toned models pairing Ceramos bezels with 80-hour automatic movements. The yellow-gold and rose-gold variants launch with rubber straps and list at A$4,200 in Australia or USD 2,700 in the US.
The watchmaker introduced the new seasonal additions on October 16, building upon an openworked design language revisited in 2022 in Ceramos. While the original DiaStar debuted back in 1962 as a tungsten carbide pioneer, the modern skeletonised interpretations bring exposed mechanical watchmaking into a warmer, highly reflective autumn palette.
Ceramos Bezels Pair with Rubber Straps
The two autumn releases rely on Rado’s proprietary Ceramos material, combining the scratch resistance of high-tech ceramic with the toughness of metal. Both models feature convex, radially brushed bezels that receive distinct PVD treatments. The yellow-gold reference R12166159 pairs its bright metallic outline with a black annular dial surround and a matching black rubber strap. Meanwhile, the companion reference introduces a warm rose-gold finish and a brown rubber strap to the DiaStar Original Skeleton line for the first time.
Both watches share a helmet-shaped case architecture measuring 38 mm across, 45 mm in length, and 11.9 mm in thickness. The middle case, caseback, crown, and pin buckle consist of stainless steel with a matching gold-coloured PVD coating. Rado equips the straps with the EasyClip interchangeable system to allow swapping, while maintaining a water-resistance rating of 100 metres.
Calibre R808 Features Skeletonised Movement and Golden Hues
Beneath the hexagonally faceted sapphire crystal — which features sloping flanks forming a central square — sits the skeletonised automatic calibre R808. The movement bridges and wheels are coated in a golden hue to maintain a continuous palette, complemented by a horizontally brushed train bridge that matches the exterior bezel finish.
Golden hour markers are suspended over the exposed mechanism on the periphery’s dark annular ring. Legibility is assisted by white Super-LumiNova applied to the indices, hands, and the brand’s signature pivoting anchor symbol located at the 9 o’clock position. Through the transparent sapphire caseback, owners can view the decorated rotor shaped like an anchor with Geneva stripes.
| Specification | Yellow-Gold Reference (R12166159) | Rose-Gold Companion (R12159309) |
|---|---|---|
| Case Material | Stainless steel with PVD Ceramos bezel | Stainless steel with PVD Ceramos bezel |
| Case Dimensions | 38 mm x 45 mm x 11.9 mm | 38 mm x 45 mm x 11.9 mm |
| Movement | R808 skeletonised automatic | R808 skeletonised automatic |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours | 80 hours |
| Strap & Closure | Black rubber, pin buckle | Brown rubber, pin buckle |
| Australian Pricing | A$4,200 | A$4,200 |
Pricing Structure and Regional Availability
In terms of distribution, Rado’s Australian product page lists both references at A$4,200 each, offering an online reserve control for buyers. In the United States, the yellow-gold reference appears on the brand’s storefront priced at USD 2,700, while European listings position the watches at EUR 2,600.
라도 공계 지창욱 X Rado DiaStar Original Skeleton 새 광고 영상 업뎃💫Chang-wook needs nothing more than the DiaStar Original Skeleton to make a statement. Two icons. One unmistakable presence.#라도 #rado #지창욱 #jichangwookhttps://t.co/a5TTonsSE4👈🖤🖤 pic.twitter.com/V6XYyrSRB6
Technical redundancy is bolstered by the movement’s Nivachron hairspring, designed to protect against magnetic fields and temperature swings. Regulated across five positions, the automatic calibre delivers an 80-hour power reserve. Whether the dense, exposed dial layout sacrifices quick legibility in varying light conditions remains a subjective matter for individual buyers to test on the wrist.