The New Rado D-Star 200: A Return To The Sane Diver?

The New Rado D-Star 200: A Return To The Sane Diver?

Rado is a brand we haven’t paid attention to for… well, forever. They made their mark back in the 1960s with their DiaStar line of watches, which were distinguished by their virtually scratchproof cases, made from high-tech ceramics. Through the ‘60s and 1970s, Rado kept a distinctive look that gradually became dated – thin rectangular dress watches and bulbous helmet-shaped sports watches, many with pedestrian quartz movements. And while Rado has never really caught on in the USA, it was for a long time one of the bestselling watch brands in Europe. Now Rado has released a new line of dive watches that made us sit up and take notice: the D-Star 200.

Nowadays, dive watches with ridiculous depth ratings and obese case dimensions are a dime a dozen. While they may be great conversation starters for landlubbers, these overweight leviathans are uncomfortable to wear and unfriendly to shirtsleeves and door frames alike. We’re waiting for a backlash against this trend, and a return to more sane divers. And that’s what we like about the Rado D-Star 200. The watch channels a ‘60s diver vibe due to its slim profile, narrow bezel, cushion-shaped case and modest (read “realistic”) depth rating of 200 meters. The classic, clean dial with minimal text, subtle date magnifier, baton hands and applied markers make this a versatile piece that give it a dressed-up aesthetic.
The Rado D-Star 200 comes in two basic self-winding iterations – a three-hand automatic with date and a two-register chronograph. Both will be powered by modified ETA movements –a 2824-2 and an A05.H31 that is exclusive to Rado, with a 54-hour power reserve. Display casebacks show the decorated movements. Rado says there will be five versions of each model, differed presumably by strap and bracelet choices and dial colors. No word yet on pricing or availability but more information and photos can be found here