Vintage Rado DiaStar 636.0304.3 Automatic Watch Black Dial Day Date Hardmetal

About this watch

A vintage Rado DiaStar automatic, reference 636.0304.3, from the 1980s. The broad polished tungsten-carbide case front frames a black brushed dial with eleven faceted stone hour markers, the red Rado anchor emblem and an unusual vertical day-date display at 6 o'clock.

The oval case measures approximately 36mm wide and 11mm thick, with a stainless steel caseback signed Rado and stamped with the reference. It comes on a stainless steel bracelet, approximately 18mm wide, with a Rado-signed folding clasp, and with the Rado presentation box and paperwork shown.

Brand heritage

Rado grew out of the Schlup & Co. movement workshop founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, in 1917, and began selling watches under the Rado name in the 1950s. The brand became known as the "Master of Materials" for pioneering hardmetal, sapphire crystal and, later, high-tech ceramic in watchmaking. The DiaStar, introduced in 1962, was the first scratch-resistant watch, with a case top of tungsten-carbide hardmetal and a sapphire crystal. Its shield-shaped case became the signature of the brand, and the moving anchor emblem on the dial, which rotates freely on a jewel, was Rado's mark for its automatic watches.

Why this one is special

• The iconic DiaStar, the world's first scratch-resistant watch design
• Black dial with faceted stone markers and vertical day-date
• Rotating red anchor emblem marking a Rado automatic
• Supplied with Rado box and papers

Specifications

• Brand / Model: Rado DiaStar
• Reference: 636.0304.3
• Era: circa 1980s
• Case: tungsten-carbide hardmetal front, stainless steel caseback, approx. 36 mm wide, approx. 11 mm thick
• Movement: Swiss mechanical automatic
• Functions: hours, minutes, central seconds, day and date at 6
• Dial: black with faceted stone hour markers
• Bracelet: stainless steel, approx. 18 mm, Rado-signed folding clasp

Condition

Pre-owned vintage condition, with visible surface scratches and wear to the bracelet, clasp and caseback. The presentation box shows age-related discoloration and surface wear. As with any vintage watch, it is sold as a collectible, is not guaranteed water resistant, and its timekeeping may differ from a modern watch. Please examine all photos carefully, as they form part of the description.

What's included

Rado presentation box and the paperwork shown in the photos.

Shipping & Returns

Ships from Cairo, Egypt. Please see the shipping and returns details in this listing.