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Rado DiaStar Original: A little bit different, and unusually affordable.

19K views 16 replies 15 participants last post by  scottjc  
#1 ·
I had the opportunity to pick up a Rado DiaStar Original dive watch (model R12639023).

Before I get blasted on whether this qualifies as affordable, you can pick these up in the +/- $500 range if you hunt for a deal. That's about the same price as the WUS top-rated affordable for 2013 - so this has got to qualify, right?
:-d

This watch has very unique, love-it or hate-it looks. Like other Rado watches, the craftsmanship is excellent and materials are top quality from Swatchgroup.

I'm simply not sure how to classify Rado today. I suppose Swatchgroup purchased them because they developed excellent, highly scratch-resistant casings. Swatchgroup brands them at the same level as Longines, a step above Hamilton and a step below Omega. I would have a very difficult time paying the $1k+ asking price for this watch, but it can be found at a fairly decent price on the second hand market. I think that makes it (or any Rado) a good buy for an affordable.

Here's a picture!

Image
 
#13 ·
Thanks for the comments!

This watch is actually the "New Original" not the "Original" (an example of the Original is on page 1 of this thread with the vertical date marker).

I don't know what Rado was thinking with the names. Just like Samsung with cellphones (e.g., Samsung Galaxy SII Epic 4G Touch). Confusing!
 
#14 ·
I don't know what Rado was thinking with the names. Just like Samsung with cellphones (e.g., Samsung Galaxy SII Epic 4G Touch). Confusing!
Congratulations on a wonderful watch. It is extremely unlikely that you will meet anyone else wearing such a unique watch.

If you think that's confusing you should have a look at some of the vintage models such as the Alpine series. A whole collection if watches named after mountains and towns in the alps.
The old Diastars were numbered but the Balboas were named, I have a Breithorn and an Aster in my collection at the moment.

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