D-Star

Rado D-Star Watches

Since its debut in the watchmaking industry, Rado Watch Company has been a firm believer that every vision can be turned into a concrete reality. The Swiss watchmaker began its journey as a maker of movements and didn’t introduce its first watch until in the 1950s. In the year 1962, the Rado designers created the DiaStar 1 watch which went on becoming the world’s first scratchproof watch. The new piece truly scaled the luxury Rado watches to new heights and changed the entire watchmaking real big.

At Baselworld 2013, Rado released the D-Star Rattrapante edition which became a hit instantly with its rare movement and design. In fact, the Rado D-Star set a record of the first Ceramic watch to have the split seconds complication.

New Rado D-Star Watches

History of Rado D-Star

Although most watch enthusiasts came to know Rado Company around the mid-20th Century, the luxury watches manufacturer dates its origin from the 1910s. Three brothers- Fritz, Ernst, and Werner Schlup developed some interests in watchmaking and established a watch movements manufacturing factory at their home in Lengnau town.

By the mid-Century, Schlup & Co movements were amongst the widely used pieces all over the world. At the time, the Company decided to provide more in the industry and released its first watch which sold under the brand name Rado.

By the 1960s, Rado watches were already a hit on the market, though under a real tough environment. To distinguish the models from the other Swiss brands, the watchmaker introduced the DiaStar 1 with an exclusive scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a hardmetal case. Thinking that its idea was just for the new watch, the scratchproof design became a game changer in the entire watchmaking industry. Other Swiss watch manufacturers like the iconic Rolex began using the material as well, making Rado designers to further their creativeness.

By 2010, numerous exclusive Rado watches comprised of both the contemporary avant-garde technology and the vintage series were already on the market. Leaving most of the new watch enthusiasts without the knowledge of the glorious DiaStar 1 which was truly a hit in the ‘60s.

In 2011, the Rado Company prepared a surprising package for the Baselworld audience which encompassed a modern version of the renowned DiaStar 1. The new update borrows a lot from the original watch- including the oval bezel, though in a contemporary style so as not to appear old-fashioned. Additionally, the Swiss watchmaker shortened its name to the “D-Star” watch and in two different versions. In one, the Rado D-Star watch is a simple-but-modish design which has a classic-inspired dial and matte black Ceramic casing.

For the fans of complicated watches, Rado also introduced the 2011 D-Star with a chronograph movement to ensure optimum precision. On the inner bezel, the ultra-modern watch has a tachymetric scale which ensures all the car enthusiasts can calculate the speed with ease as well. For a distinctive sport-looking appearance though, the racing D-star watch has the high-tech elliptical Ceramic case set with a stunning rubber strap.

Despite the brilliant makeup with a clear and simple layout, the Rado D-star Chronograph came as a special, yet limited edition of only 1111 pieces. Therefore, you’ll have to step harder on your gas pedal if you really want that Ceramic touch in your cockpit.

In the year 2012, Rado presented another DiaStar upgrade which features a combination of the original model and the iconic Captain Cook diver’s watch. Under the Reference Rado D-Star 200, the new watch features an elliptical steel case with a round rotatable bezel which has a calibrated ceramic insert.

The diver’s Rado D-Star borrows its “200” initials from the set 200-meter waterproofness. The prestigious timepiece has two different versions, with the 42mm three-hand model in blue and an anchored-shaped Swiss Made ETA movement. The black 44mm model, on the other hand, has a modern ETA chronograph movement to support its multiple functions, including the 30-minute and 60-second counters.

For an additional splendor, both of the two Rado D-Star 200 has a sapphire crystal on both the front display and rear caseback. Thus, presenting you with a nice view of the precious movement.

Still, for the lovers of complicated timepieces, 2013 was another year that Rado Watch Company gleamed Baselworld with a rare Chronograph in the D-Star Series. The extraordinary Rado D-Star Chronograph Rattrapante watch features a matte black high-tech Ceramic case which now has become a definitive signature of the watchmaker.

Distinctive from the other Rado watches with a chronograph function, the D-Star Rattrapante watch has a rare movement which can time two different events simultaneously. This is enhanced by the second Rattrapante hand at the dial center and which operates with the extra pushbutton at the 10 o’clock side.

Anyhow, despite the fascinating design and functionality, the Swiss luxury watches manufacturer created the Rado D-Star Rattrapante for just some few hands. The wristwatch has only 250 pieces, thereby making the rare movement even rarer to access.

Well, essentially, it’s pretty clear the Rado DiaStar watch was not just the first innovative timepiece for the Lengnau-based watchmaker. But also a model that the brand has progressively focused on, just as it has done with other of its top series like the Esenza collection.

Originally, Rado Esenza marked its first appearance at the beginning of the 21st Century with an oval case and straight strap. In the year 2013, the brand’s ingenious mind and long-lived craftsmanship led to the reissue of the ladies series with the latest avant-garde Touch technology.

Check out the selections provided for more details on the legendary DiaStar series, as well as other Rado watches.

   
           
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