Rado - DiaStar - No reserve price - 4023463 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This bold Rado DiaStar is a brilliant representation of the brand's mid-century futuristic design language. Featuring a striking tonneau case and an incredibly vibrant gradient dial, this timepiece captures the experimental and highly expressive styling of its era. With its signature rotating anchor and highly legible vertical calendar display, it remains a uniquely captivating vintage piece that offers tremendous wrist presence and a genuine, untouched patina. Brand: Rado Model: DiaStar Reference Number: 4023463 Serial Number: 4023463 Movement: Rado Signed 17-Jewel Automatic Dial: Sunburst golden to deep brown gradient fumé dial, exhibiting scattered age-related freckling and patina, with oxidized hands Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear and character-rich dial aging Dial and Hands The dial is an exceptional example of vintage fumé finishing, transitioning from a radiant golden mustard yellow at the center to a deep, inky brown toward the outer edges. The surface is adorned with a rich sunburst texture that catches the light beautifully. Applied faceted silver-tone indices with white painted inserts provide excellent depth, complemented by the raised Rado text and DiaStar logo. At twelve o'clock, Rado's signature rotating anchor logo sits within a red circular recess, while a distinct vertical day-date aperture at six o'clock is framed in a stepped silver-tone window. Under close inspection, the dial exhibits a noticeable, even distribution of age-related spotting and micro-freckling across the lighter central section, adding distinct vintage character. The silver-tone baton hands feature white central stripes and show visible oxidation, minor darkening, and age-commensurate surface wear. The dial is correctly signed Swiss Made at the very bottom edge. Case and Crystal The highly polished stainless steel case features the classic tonneau shape that made the DiaStar lineage famous, seamlessly integrating the lugs into a smooth, sweeping profile. The polished flanks showcase honest vintage wear, with scattered surface scratches, light scuffs, and minor handling marks consistent with decades of use. The fluted crown is unsigned but appropriately sized for the case proportions. Turning the watch over, the stainless steel screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado twin seahorse emblem, brand typography, and the serial number, displaying typical surface scratches from previous wear and resting. The watch is fitted with a pronounced domed crystal that protects the dial but exhibits multiple fine surface scratches and light scuffs visible under direct lighting. Movement Inside the case beats a Rado-signed 17-jewel automatic caliber. The movement presents very cleanly in the macro photography, featuring a brightly polished rotor engraved with Rado 17 Jewels Swiss in gold-tone lettering. The mainplates and bridges display a neat industrial finish, and the ruby jewels are bright and intact. Running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance (see timegrapher). Timegrapher testing indicates a performance of +10 to +18 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black textured leather strap. The strap features matching black top-stitching, contrasting blue stitching on the underside, and is fastened by a simple polished stainless steel pin buckle. It shows light signs of handling but remains in excellent, highly wearable condition. Condition This Rado is presented in good vintage condition. It is a highly original example that wears its history honestly. The polished steel case shows moderate surface scratches and minor wear marks but retains its distinctive architectural shape. The dial displays visually interesting and noticeable freckling across the sunburst center, while the hands show clear signs of age-related oxidation. The domed crystal has visible surface scratches that do not severely impede the legibility of the vibrant dial beneath. Overall, it is a well-preserved survivor with genuine character. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The DiaStar stands as a defining model for Rado, breaking traditional watchmaking molds with its forward-thinking silhouette. This specific example, characterized by its mesmerizing golden gradient dial and the unusual vertical orientation of its day-date complication, represents a fantastic opportunity for collectors seeking a distinctly seventies aesthetic. Its honest aging makes it a compelling, conversation-starting vintage timepiece. History Introduced in the early 1960s, the Rado DiaStar was famously marketed as the world's first scratchproof watch, initially utilizing ultra-hard tungsten carbide for its unmistakable oval cases. It quickly became Rado's flagship line, revered for its robust build quality and entirely unconventional styling. Over the following decades, the DiaStar collection expanded rapidly, experimenting with vibrant, colorful dials, faceted sapphire crystals, and unique calendar layouts. This relentless pursuit of innovation cemented Rado's lasting reputation as a true pioneer in avant-garde horological design and material science, a legacy that continues to influence the brand today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RDX-0007