Brand: Rado

Model: Diastar 8/1

Ref.: 8/1

Issued 1973

Case: Tungsten-Carbide bezel, stainless steel back

Crystal: Sapphire with longitudinal facets

Bracelet: Stainless steel NSA with expandable clasp

Movement: Rado Cal. 2798 (ETA 2789) 25j, gilt

Description: This is an uncommon Diastar 8/1 model with tungsten-carbide case and a dial made of black goldstone. It is similar to most Diastars of the 1970s, with a faceted sapphire crystal, day/date display at 6:00 and an NSA bracelet, but the dial sets this model apart from most. With a printed anchor logo (as opposed to the in-set rotating anchor found on most Rado automatics) and the white printing and marker elements setting off the stone dial material, this is a very distinctive piece. Highly reflective silvery specks are scattered throughout the material giving the impression of stars in a night sky. Click the links for information about aDiastar 13G with Tiger-Eye dial and a Balboa V with similar black stone dial. A 1972 Abercrombie & Fitch advertisement for a stone-dial watch, with pricing information, can be viewed by clicking here.

This watch exhibits two sets of markings which are possibly explained by theories proposed on the Rado Forum at EOT. First, the model name includes the /1 which is believed to indicate it is an ETA-powered continuation of the Diastar 8, which originally was powered by a movement from A. Schild. Second, the movement is marked with the 3-digit number 310, suggesting it was built in the 10th month of 1973. Such movement markings have been seen between the years of 1969 and 1974, or thereabouts.

The case shows almost no wear and the back has minor scratches. The movement is running smoothly but its service history is unknown. Bracelet is also in very good original condition. Overall condition of this watch is 80% or better.

Photos: Click for larger images

This watch has been sold.

Text and images © C. Bradley Jacobs, WatchCarefully.com