| Brand: | Rado |
| Model: | Diamaster 10 (a.k.a. Diastar 10) |
| Ref.: | 587.0010.3 |
| Issued: | 1969-72 |
| Case: | Tungsten-carbide bezel with stainless steel screw-back |
| Crystal: | Synthetic sapphire |
| Bracelet: | Stainless steel "fish-tail," reference unknown |
| Movement: | A. Schild automatic Cal. 1876, 25 Jewels, gilt, day-date with quick-set date by depressing crown |
Description:This is a massive scratch-proof Diamaster 10 from the early 1970s. This model has many noteworthy features among Rado watches. The most obvious is the enormous square tungsten-carbide bezel with rounded edges. The Diamaster 10 is a member of the Rado Diastar line, which was introduced in 1962. Featuring scratch-proof bezels and stainless screw-on backs, as does the present watch, the early Diastars were exclusively round or oval watches. The Diamaster's shape represents one of the first diversions from that theme. According to data supplied by Rado, 2000 units of this watch were produced between 1969 and 1972; the retail price at that time was 750 CHF. Water-resistance was claimed by Rado to be 22 ATM (~715 feet).
Another unusual feature of this model is the use of separate windows for the day and date; the colors are different as well, perhaps to draw attention to this unusual design feature. The wide bezel overhangs the dial and markers somewhat, making the dial seem very tiny, but it is still easily read.
The third unusual element of this watch is the movement. The majority of Rado watches produced during the 1960s were powered by A. Schild movements; quite a variety of calibers were used. My observation of many dozens of vintage Rados suggests that the caliber 1876 found in this watch was not frequently employed. Interesting features of this movement include the unsigned winding rotor (the only type of automatic Rado movement I've ever encountered without the Rado name or logo present on the rotor) and the ability to quickly set the date of the calendar by pushing the crown.
The case of this Diamaster shows very little wear; the dial is original and exhibits no defects with the exception of patina (due to age). The movement's prior service history is unknown but it is working perfectly and, along with the rest of the watch, remains in nearly unworn condition. The unusually thick crown (particular to the AS 1876 movement, presumably) is signed with the anchor logo. A period-correct "Years Ahead" Rado box is present with this watch.
Photos: Click for larger images
This watch has been sold.
Text and images © C. Bradley Jacobs< WatchCarefully.com
