Industrial designer Tej Chauhan has reimagined Rado’s iconic 1960s DiaStar timepiece, infusing it with bold colors, a chunky sci-fi-inspired bezel, and a playful “party time” feature. This marks Chauhan’s second collaboration with the Swiss watchmaker, following his redesign of the Rado True Square.
A Modern Take on a 1960s Classic:-
The DiaStar Original, first launched in 1962, was revolutionary for its scratch-resistant materials and curved case design. Chauhan’s challenge? To refresh this legend while preserving its essence.
His redesign features:-
- A gold-tone Ceramos ceramic bezel (inspired by sci-fi space helmets)
- A matte-black concave dial with a sudden burst of electric blue from 9 to 12 o’clock—dubbed the “party time indexes”
- A custom typeface for the day/date display, echoing his earlier True Square design
Sci-Fi Aesthetics Meet High Horology:-
Chauhan’s vision drew from futuristic themes, including AI landscapes and gold space helmets from a moonbase film. The result? A watch that balances retro charm with forward-thinking design.
“The composition elicits joy and presents an alternative perspective on gold watches,” he said.
Unconventional Materials & Wearable Innovation:-
- Pillow-shaped grey rubber strap (avoiding sporty clichés)
- Polished dark-grey folding clasp for adjustable fit
- Exhibition caseback showcasing Rado’s 25-jewel R764 movement (80-hour power reserve)
Why This Watch Matters?
Rado’s collaborations—like recent projects with Formafantasma and Thukral & Tagra—highlight its commitment to design-driven horology. Chauhan’s DiaStar pushes boundaries with:
- Playful functionality (the “party time” color shift)
- Material innovation (Ceramos alloy, sapphire crystal)
- Nostalgia-meets-futurism appeal
Innovative Technical Details That Raise Expectations:-
The watch is powered by the high-precision R764 automatic movement, specially developed for the DiaStar line. It consists of 25 synthetic jewels that reduce friction and improve energy transfer efficiency. This movement offers an accuracy of +7/-7 seconds per day with an impressive 80-hour power reserve—equivalent to more than three days of continuous operation without needing reset. Notably, the integrated balance system operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) for precise timekeeping, while the watch boasts excellent anti-magnetic resistance thanks to advanced materials used in its construction.
A Revolutionary Design That Challenges Classic Watch Concepts:-
The bold, chunky gold bezel represents a quantum leap in watch design. Chauhan employed cutting-edge technology to coat the Ceramos alloy with a durable, scratch-resistant gold layer. The concave sapphire crystal dial with anti-reflective treatment ensures clear visibility under various lighting conditions, featuring a striking color transition from deep black to electric blue in the “party time” zone. The asymmetrical rubber strap redefines comfort in luxury timepieces, with its micro-textured surface enhancing grip on the wrist without causing sweat or discomfort.
Sustainable Production Reflecting Modern Values:-
In a move aligned with sustainability requirements, Chauhan and Rado ensured that 70% of the watch’s components use eco-friendly materials. The case is made from ceramic containing 30% recycled content, while the rubber strap incorporates 15% recycled industrial waste materials. Even the packaging is crafted from specially treated wood pulp, making it 100% biodegradable. These green touches don’t compromise quality—instead, they enhance the watch’s value as a responsible luxury piece suited for the conscious consumer in the digital age.
