Rado adds a splash of colour and summer fun to their popular DiaStar Original Skeleton collection with three new references.
Press Release information and our commentary in italics.
New: Rado DiaStar Original Skeleton Limited Editions for summer
The Rado DiaStar Original Skeleton Limited Editions retail at EUR 2,500/ SGD 3,300 (blue Ref. R12169209 or red Ref. R12169409) and EUR 2,750 / SGD 3,650 (green with gold-coloured PVD Ref. R12166309). Prices include tax. Each reference is limited to 555 pieces.
Commentary
The DiaStar collection is certainly one with very strong 70s vintage vibes. The entire design is very retro, and for good reason. The DiaStar is an iconic design. The huge, oval bezel and the faceted crystal on the front have become signatures not only for Rado, but of watches of the era.
The DiaStar Original Skeleton was re-released in 2023. The collection is still on the massive DiaStar catalog. The re-imagination of the Skeleton variant continues now with new bright colours. Rado describes the red, blue and green hues now adorning the DiaStar Original Skeleton as fresh and joyful. We certainly agree!
The colours are quite vibrant, and eye catching.
Other than the colour treatments given this novelty trio, all other specifications remain unchanged from the 2023 release. The case retains the huge curved bezel in ceramic which is radially brushed on the convex surface.
The movement is the exact same R808 (base ETA C07.901 which is built on the 2824-2 framework is also used in the Powermatic 80 ) with the same skeletonising treatment.
Pricing has increased slightly from the 2023 release of the Original Skeleton. In 2023, the Ref. R12162153 was SGD 2.95k, it is now listed at SGD 3k. And this novelty set, limited to 555 pieces each is listed at SGD 3.3k. The gold PVD green model has a slightly higher retail of SGD 3.65k.
Release details
Rado welcomes Summer with a trio of new, limited-edition versions of the popular DiaStar Original Skeleton.
Each of the three re-imagined models frames the skeletonised movement with fresh, joyful colours – perfectly suited to the season. The convex oval bezel in Rado’s signature CeramosTM joins high-contrast annular dials and rubber straps to bring vibrant summer energy to the iconic Rado timepiece.
The first DiaStar Original broke new ground with its unusual shape and distinctive design. That same innovative spirit finds expression today in three hypnotic new interpretations: each model in the new trilogy presents its own visual signature through bold juxtapositions of eye-catching colour, drawing attention to the intricate skeleton movement within.
A Trilogy of Bold Expression
First up is the new blue DiaStar Original Skeleton, which pairs the Ceramos™ bezel with a blue annular dial and printed silver minute track to form mesmerising rings around rhodium-coloured minute and hour hands and flying indices, all with yellow Super-LumiNova® accents. A black second hand and the bright blue rubber strap complete an enchanting visual dialogue.Rado’s reputation for convincing contemporary design is quickly confirmed by the new green edition. Contrasting green and gold-coloured elements combine to make a bold chromatic statement: the Ceramos™ bezel features a gold-coloured PVD surface, while yellow-golden minute and hour hands and flying indices flaunt bright red Super-LumiNova® accents that juxtapose the green annular dial and green rubber strap.
Powerful, high-contrast colours define the third interpretation as well. Framed by the Ceramos™ bezel with a radially-brushed finish and by a printed silver minute track, the red annular dial backs rhodium-coloured hour and minute hands and flying indices, all with luminous green highlights, and a black second hand. The bright red rubber strap underscores this joyful display of summertime colours
The Art of Skeletonisation
The new trio of DiaStar Original Skeleton models is powered by Rado’s own calibre R808, a 25-jewel, three- hand automatic movement with a Nivachron™ hairspring and an 80-hour power reserve. The artful skeletonisation offers fascinating views of the mechanics in motion, inviting an emotional connection to the heart of the watch. Finally, a special engraving on the stainless-steel case back guarantees exclusivity for discerning collectors: LIMITED EDITION, ONE OUT OF 555.
All three timepieces feature charismatic combinations of summer-friendly colours in this compelling new edition of the DiaStar Original Skeleton. All are worn with flexible rubber bracelets in colours matching the annular dials, and each model comes in special packaging with a Limited-Edition Certificate.
Rado DiaStar Original Skeleton Specifications
References Blue R12169209 / Red R12169409 / Yellow R12169309
Movement Rado calibre R808, automatic, 25 jewels, 3 hands * 80-hour power reserve, antimagnetic Nivachron™ hairspring, Exceeds standard test requirements from 3 to 5 positions for higher accuracy * Horizontal brushed decoration and yellow gold-coloured coating
Case Polished Ceramos™ bezel radially brushed on convex surface / Polished Ceramos™ bezel radially brushed on convex surface / Yellow gold-coloured PVD-coated Ceramos™ bezel radially brushed on convex surface * Facetted square sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on inner surface * Printed black Rado and DiaStar logos on sapphire crystal * Polished stainless steel / stainless steel / yellow gold-coloured PVD-coated stainless-steel case back with sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on inner surface and printed black lettering: LIMITED EDITION, ONE OUT OF 555
Dial Blue/ Red / Green annular dial with flying yellow gold-coloured indices with red Super-LumiNova® * Printed black minute track * Yellow / Green / Red Super-LumiNova® moving anchor on rhodium / rhodium / yellow gold-coloured background
Hands Rhodium coloured with yellow Super-Luminova® / Rhodium coloured with Green Super-Luminova® / Yellow gold-coloured with red Super-LumiNova® hour and minute hands * Black second hand
Strap EasyClip system * Blue / Red / Green rubber strap * Polished and brushed stainless-steel / stainless steel / yellow gold-coloured PVD-coated stainless-steel pin buckle
Dimensions 38.0 x 45.0 x 11.9 (W x L x H in mm)
