Rado DiaStar G.903998 (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This classic vintage Rado DiaStar immediately commands attention with its signature faceted crystal and highly recognizable shield-shaped hardmetal case. Designed to resist scratches and maintain a brilliant polish, the integrated case frames a vertically brushed silver-tone dial with an unusual vertical day and date display at six o'clock, creating a highly compelling and uniquely 1970s aesthetic. Brand: Rado Model: DiaStar Reference Number: G.903998 Movement: Automatic Dial: Vertically brushed silver-tone with stone-set indices and vertical day/date Case Size: 40mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Hardmetal top, stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -12-15s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The vertically brushed silver-tone dial features a distinctive vertical layout with sparkling applied stone-set indices that remain intact and bright. All printed text is crisp and complete, and the vertical day and date window at six o'clock is clean. Providing strong contrast, the black painted hands show some surface scratches and minor wear visible under magnification. The luminous material is present and evenly aged. Case and Crystal The iconic shield-shaped hardmetal upper case is highly polished, scratch-resistant, and remains in excellent condition. The case top functions as a single integrated piece without a distinct bezel. The stainless steel caseback shows minor surface scratches while retaining crisp engravings. The watch features a signed Rado anchor logo crown in good condition with defined fluting. Covering the dial is a distinctive multi-faceted cut crystal; under close inspection, several minor edge chips and flea bites are visible along the facet ridges. Movement Powering the watch is a self-winding automatic movement featuring clean gold-tone plates and a rotor engraved with "25 JEWELS SWISS" and "RADO". There is no visible corrosion or significant scratching, and the screws and jewels appear in good condition. -12-15s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with its original signed Rado stainless steel bracelet in a period-correct flat link design, complete with a signed clasp. The bracelet shows moderate wear and some stretch, with minor dirt and light rust residue visible between some of the links. It accommodates a maximum wrist fit of 19cm. Condition Good vintage condition. The scratch-resistant hardmetal upper case remains in excellent condition, while the stainless steel caseback shows minor surface scratches. The dial is remarkably clean, complemented by bright stone indices. The black painted hands exhibit minor wear and surface scratches under magnification. The faceted crystal displays several minor edge chips and flea bites along the ridges. The original signed bracelet shows moderate wear, stretch, and some dirt and light rust residue between links. Dimensions Case Size: 40mm (excluding the crown) Remarks A fantastic example of 1970s design, this DiaStar delivers an unmistakable presence on the wrist. The combination of the scratch-resistant hardmetal case, striking faceted crystal, and unusual vertical day and date display makes this a highly engaging vintage timepiece. History Introduced in the 1960s, the Rado DiaStar revolutionized watchmaking as the world's first scratch-proof watch. By utilizing an ultra-hard tungsten carbide alloy, Rado created a case that could maintain its high-polish finish through decades of wear. The distinctive shield shape and thick faceted crystals became defining hallmarks of the DiaStar line, firmly establishing Rado's reputation for innovative materials and avant-garde design during the 1970s. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-DGX-0002