Rado · DiaStar
DiaStar Original
Ref. R12161653 — “DiaStar Original Automatic”
Missing informationCore fields not yet documented for this reference: Production, Dial
Authentication Notes
Case
Do not apply the hardmetal checks to a modern steel-cased DiaStar
The material tests that authenticate a 1962 DiaStar will fail a genuine R12161653, because it is not made of the same thing. Establish the reference and its specified materials first. This is the most likely way for an examiner who knows the brand's reputation to reach a confidently wrong conclusion about a correct modern watch.
Movement
R764 is a C07 architecture and beats at 21,600 vph
Rado's R-prefixed caliber numbers are Rado designations for ETA movements; the R764 is the C07 family with a day-date. The slow beat and 80-hour reserve are the same signature as Tissot's Powermatic 80 and Hamilton's H-10, and are factory-correct.
Inspection points
No inspection checklist has been published for this reference.