Rado DiaStar 158258 (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A classic example of Rado's innovative material design, this 1970s DiaStar features a distinctive faceted sapphire crystal and highly scratch-resistant tungsten carbide case. The vertically brushed silver dial, complete with the brand's signature rotating anchor logo, offers a striking visual presence. Brand: Rado Model: DiaStar Reference Number: 158258 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 2783, 25 jewels Dial: Vertically brushed silver finish with applied faceted indices and rotating anchor logo Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Tungsten carbide, stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -7-11s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The dial features an attractive vertically brushed silver finish accented by applied faceted indices and the characteristic rotating Rado anchor logo. The day and date display utilizes distinctive red numerals. Under magnification, minor spotting and surface dirt are visible, particularly near the edges, reflecting honest signs of aging. The hands show noticeable wear, including significant chipping and loss to the black painted finish. Surface oxidation is present on the exposed metal, and the luminous material has degraded and darkened over time. Case and Crystal The distinctive oval case features an integrated tungsten carbide bezel and upper section that remains highly preserved, retaining sharp geometry with minimal wear. The stainless steel caseback shows normal surface scratches and wear consistent with age. The watch retains its signed crown bearing the Rado anchor logo, showing normal handling wear. Above the dial sits a distinctive faceted sapphire crystal, which appears clear with no major scratches or chips visible. Movement Inside is the gold-tone automatic caliber 2783, featuring a signed rotor and engravings noting 25 jewels and Swiss production. The movement presents a generally clean appearance, with some surface scratches visible on the rotor and plates. The timegrapher records a rate of -7-11s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct stainless steel mesh and link style bracelet. The bracelet shows normal surface wear and some dirt accumulation between the links, accommodating a maximum wrist fit of up to 20 cm. Condition Good vintage condition. The tungsten carbide upper case is highly preserved, while the steel caseback and period correct bracelet display normal wear and age-related marks. The dial retains an attractive texture with minor edge spotting, though the hands exhibit noticeable paint loss, oxidation, and degraded luminous material. Supported by the recorded timegrapher result, the movement is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks This DiaStar offers a compelling combination of mid-century design and advanced materials. The striking faceted crystal and durable tungsten carbide case make it an excellent choice for enthusiasts of distinctive 1970s styling. History Introduced in 1962, the Rado DiaStar was marketed as the world's first scratch-proof watch. By combining a tungsten carbide case with a sapphire crystal, Rado created a timepiece designed to retain its original finish for decades. This 1970s example highlights the futuristic oval geometry and faceted crystal design that became the hallmark of the DiaStar line. Powered by the reliable caliber 2783, it reflects the evolution of unconventional watchmaking materials. 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-DXX-0002