The journey of a timeless classic reimagined with bold design and futuristic craftsmanship

Rado, an emblem of creativity in the world of watchmaking, reaffirms its spirit of innovation with the reimagination of one of its hallmark timepieces. Enter the DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan, a bold new iteration of the world’s first fully scratch-resistant watch, originally launched in 1962. Featuring a smooth Ceramos bezel shrouded in a horological favourite, yellow-gold PVD coating, surrounds a matt black dial with the minute track printed in silver or blue—a testament to Rado truly being the master of materials. “After 60 years, it was time to keep the inspiration of this iconic design while pioneering another revolution in material innovation and technology,” says Adrian Bosshard, CEO, Rado. 

British industrial designer Tej Chauhan, the master behind the new rendition, has successfully merged Rado’s legacy with his futuristic aesthetic. “The watch feels familiar yet entirely new. Every element, aside from the main case, has been redesigned. It’s a fascinating challenge—to make something 60-years-old feel completely fresh,” he reflects. Close on the heels of DiaStar Original’s 2022 iteration, which replaced the hard metal with Ceramos—a lighter yet harder material—the 2025 model continues to upend the Swiss watch industry by reflecting Rado’s DNA through cutting-edge technology.

Emblematic of durability and ingenuity, the watch is paired with a light grey, pillow-shaped rubber strap that juxtaposes the elegance of the watch with a contemporary edge. Underneath, Rado’s calibre R764 automatic movement offers an 80-hour power reserve with water resistance of up to 10 bar (100 meters). True to the brand’s identity, the iconic anchor symbol—a favourite among Rado fans—is set against a sleek black background. “DiaStar was futuristic when it premiered in 1962, the DiaStar was futuristic when we relaunched in 2022, and it will still be futuristic with the model we are presenting in 2025. This is the competence of Rado and our pioneering spirit,” boasts Bosshard.

Known for his emotive industrial design language, Chauhan’s signature in the watch can be found in the engraving on the cover of the folding clasp and the day/date displayed in his own typeface with phosphorescent hues. On being asked his favourite element, he remarks, “The final composition! The many carefully calibrated details which then come together to make the whole picture pop! For example, the blue indexes amplify the gold, and vice versa. The same for the strap—in isolation, it’s a lovely thing, but assembled next to the golden case, both elements become truly compelling.”

Honouring its identity while embracing contemporary boldness, the Rado DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan boats a sporty edge with its enduring ‘wow factor’. The 9-12 quarter creates a contrast with the gold, highlighting the time frame when things happen—either a productive part of the day, or the time at which the party gets going, according to the designer. Upholding the DiaStar’s legacy, the newest rendition attests to why Rado remains the vanguard of horological innovation.

Designed for the aesthetically attuned, Rado’s clientele is passionate about art and have an affinity for edgy designs. “Our vision is to transfer the values of Rado all over the world with an appropriate, premium distribution network. While maintaining high customer experience through every retail touch point, our goal is to keep the pioneering spirit alive. We will not stay on our achievements, rather, we stay hungry for our ambitions,” Bosshard concludes.

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