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The Rado The Original R12307304: the 1962 DiaStar silhouette in a 27.3 mm women's size, with a gold-tone dial and a two-tone bracelet.

Quick answer: The Rado The Original R12307304 is a women's Swiss quartz watch that carries forward the look and features of Rado's 1962 DiaStar, the watch Rado presented as the world's first scratch-resistant watch. It has a 27.3 mm oval case in hardmetal and stainless steel, only 9.1 mm thick and 67 g, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a yellow gold-tone dial with date, and a two-tone stainless steel bracelet with yellow-gold PVD. It runs on Rado's R079 quartz caliber and costs $950 at Lexor Miami, the same as Rado's official U.S. price, with a 5-year international warranty, free U.S. shipping and free returns.

• Price: $950 (Rado U.S. retail) · 5-year Rado warranty
• Case: 27.3 mm oval · hardmetal and stainless steel · 9.1 mm thick · 67 g
• Dial: Yellow gold tone with date
• Movement: Rado R079 Swiss quartz
• Availability: Limited stock at Lexor Miami

Shop The Original – $950

100% Authentic · 5-Year Rado Warranty · Free U.S. Shipping · Free Returns

Introduction: A Rado Legend for Every Day

Some watches are designed to follow trends. Others are designed to outlast them. In 1962, Rado introduced the DiaStar, a watch so different that it changed how people thought about durability. Its hardmetal case resisted scratches, its sapphire crystal stayed clear and its bold oval silhouette made it instantly recognizable. More than six decades later, that design lives on as The Original.

Rado describes The Original simply: it keeps the bold, timeless look and the features fans know from the first DiaStar. "It is, quite simply, a Rado legend." The R12307304 brings that legend to a refined women's size. At 27.3 mm and just 9.1 mm thick, it is slim, light and elegant, with a warm yellow gold-tone dial and a two-tone bracelet that mixes polished stainless steel with yellow-gold PVD.

It is the kind of watch you can wear every day for years: to the office, to dinner, on vacation. Its scratch-resistant materials keep it looking new, its quartz movement keeps it accurate with no winding, and its design never goes out of style.

At $950, Rado's official U.S. price, The Original is also one of the most accessible ways to own a genuine Rado icon with a 5-year warranty.

In this guide we cover everything a U.S. buyer should know: the DiaStar story, why hardmetal matters, verified specifications, how a 27 mm oval watch wears, who this watch suits, comparisons and care. If you are ready, order the Rado The Original R12307304 here.

The Rado Story: The Master of Materials

Swiss roots since 1917

Rado traces its history to a watch movement workshop founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland. The Rado name was adopted in the 1950s, and the young brand quickly earned a reputation for bold design and a focus on durability.

1962: The DiaStar changes everything

In 1962, Rado launched the DiaStar and presented it as the world's first scratch-resistant watch. Its case was made of hardmetal, a material based on tungsten carbide with a metallic binder that is far harder than ordinary steel, and its crystal was sapphire. In a world where watches scratched easily, it was a revolution.

From hardmetal to ceramic

The DiaStar set Rado on a path of materials innovation. In 1986 the brand introduced high-tech ceramic with the Integral, and it later developed Ceramos, a composite that combines ceramic with metal. Today Rado calls itself the "Master of Materials," a title rooted in the DiaStar.

The Original keeps the legend alive

While Rado has created many new collections, it has never let go of the DiaStar's design. The Original is the most faithful modern expression of that 1962 icon, offered in sizes for both women and men.

The DiaStar Design: What Makes It Iconic

The oval case

The DiaStar's oval case is its signature. Wider at the center and gently tapering, it follows the natural curve of the wrist. It was radical in 1962 and remains instantly recognizable today.

Hardmetal construction

Hardmetal gives the case a distinctive, high-polish sheen and much better scratch resistance than standard steel. It is the material that made the DiaStar famous, and The Original keeps it.

A scratch-resistant crystal

The Original uses a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, one of the hardest transparent materials used in watchmaking, so the dial stays clear and readable for years.

A design that never dates

Because it was never tied to a passing trend, the DiaStar design looks as fresh today as it did in the 1960s. That is why Rado still offers it more than sixty years later.

From DiaStar to The Original: Six Decades of a Design

1962: A watch that defied wear

When the DiaStar appeared, it was unlike anything else on the market. Its bold oval case and faceted crystal looked futuristic, and its promise of scratch resistance was revolutionary. It quickly became one of Rado's best-known designs.

The following decades: a family of icons

The DiaStar's success inspired generations of Rado watches. Its oval silhouette was refined, resized and reinterpreted, while the brand pushed further into scratch-resistant materials, culminating in high-tech ceramic in the 1980s.

Today: The Original and the DiaStar Original

Rado now keeps the 1962 spirit alive in two related lines. The Original offers the classic look in quartz, in women's and men's sizes, at an accessible price. The DiaStar Original offers larger automatic versions and special editions, such as the green mosaic R12161313 and the Skeleton Limited Edition. Together, they show how a design from 1962 continues to inspire.

Why women love the DiaStar shape

The oval case flatters the wrist, adding gentle curves where a round watch would sit flat. In a 27.3 mm size, it has the elegance of a piece of jewelry while remaining a practical everyday watch.

Key Features of the Rado The Original R12307304

• Authentic Swiss-made Rado with a 5-year international warranty.
• Iconic oval DiaStar silhouette, introduced in 1962.
• 27.3 mm case in hardmetal and stainless steel.
• Slim 9.1 mm profile.
• Lightweight at 67 g.
• Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
• Yellow gold-tone dial with faceted hour markers.
• Date window.
• Rado Caliber R079 Swiss quartz movement.
• Two-tone bracelet: stainless steel with polished yellow-gold PVD.
• Deployant clasp with push buttons.
• Water resistant to 30 m, for everyday splashes and rain.
• Bracelet adjustable for wrists from about 5 to 9.5 inches.

Benefits: Why The Original Works So Well

1. Built to stay beautiful

Hardmetal and sapphire resist the everyday scratches that quickly mark ordinary watches. The Original keeps its shine long after other watches have lost theirs.

2. Elegant, feminine proportions

At 27.3 mm and 9.1 mm thick, The Original sits delicately on the wrist. It feels refined without being too small, and the oval shape adds presence.

3. Warm gold tones

The yellow gold-tone dial and gold PVD bracelet links give the watch a luxurious warmth that coordinates beautifully with gold jewelry.

4. Grab-and-go quartz

The Swiss R079 quartz movement keeps accurate time without winding. Pick it up any morning and it is ready to wear.

5. Light and comfortable

At 67 g, The Original is comfortable for all-day wear, even in warm Miami weather.

6. Real value from a heritage brand

At $950 with a 5-year warranty, The Original is one of the most accessible ways to own an authentic Swiss Rado and a genuine piece of watch history.

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Technical Specifications

Brand	Rado
Collection	The Original (DiaStar heritage)
Reference	R12307304
Gender	Women's
Movement	Rado Caliber R079, Swiss quartz
Functions	Hours, minutes, date
Case material	Hardmetal and stainless steel
Case shape	Oval
Case size	27.3 mm
Thickness	9.1 mm
Weight	67 g
Bezel	Fixed
Crystal	Scratch-resistant sapphire
Dial	Yellow gold tone, date window
Bracelet	Two-tone stainless steel with yellow-gold PVD
Clasp	Deployant with push buttons
Wrist size	Adjustable, approx. 5 to 9.5 inches
Water resistance	30 m
Origin	Swiss Made
Warranty	5-year international warranty
Rado U.S. price	$950
Price at Lexor Miami	$950

How does a 27 mm oval watch wear?

Because it is oval, The Original covers more of the wrist than a round 27 mm watch, giving it a balanced presence on most women's wrists. It looks elegant on petite wrists and still feels proportioned on larger ones. At 9.1 mm thick, it slides easily under a blouse or jacket sleeve.

Is there a men's version?

Yes. The Original also comes in a larger 35.1 mm men's size with a day-date display. The R12307304 is the women's version, sized for elegance and comfort.

Hardmetal Explained

What is hardmetal?

Hardmetal is a material based on tungsten carbide combined with a metallic binder. It is much harder than stainless steel, which is why it was revolutionary in 1962. It also takes a brilliant polish that gives the DiaStar its distinctive shine.

Why it still matters

Scratches are the main reason watches look old. By using hardmetal, Rado made a watch that keeps its original appearance far longer. That is the promise The Original still delivers today.

Hardmetal, ceramic and Ceramos

Hardmetal was Rado's first step in materials innovation. It led to high-tech ceramic in the Integral (1986) and later to Ceramos, a ceramic-metal composite. All three share the same goal: watches that resist the wear of daily life.

Design: A Closer Look

The oval case, gold-tone dial and two-tone bracelet: the DiaStar's DNA in a refined women's size.

The gold-tone dial

The yellow gold-tone dial gives the watch warmth and a classic luxury feel. Faceted hour markers catch the light, while silver-tone hands keep the time easy to read.

The date window

A discreet date window adds everyday practicality without cluttering the dial.

The two-tone bracelet

The bracelet combines polished stainless steel with links coated in yellow-gold PVD. Two-tone bracelets are timeless: they coordinate with both silver and gold jewelry, so the watch goes with everything in your jewelry box.

The deployant clasp

A deployant clasp with push buttons opens easily and closes securely, keeping the bracelet's line smooth on the wrist.

The case finish

The polished hardmetal and steel case catches the light with every movement, giving The Original its signature glow.

The R079 Swiss Quartz Movement

Why quartz?

Quartz movements are slim, highly accurate and maintenance-free. That allows The Original to be just 9.1 mm thick and always ready to wear.

Swiss made

The R079 is a Swiss quartz caliber, built to Rado's quality standards and covered by the 5-year warranty.

Easy ownership

Your Original will need an occasional battery change. Have it done at an authorized Rado service center to keep the case properly sealed. Between services, there is nothing to do but wear it: no winding, no resetting after a weekend and no watch winder needed. It is the perfect watch for a busy life.

Quartz or Automatic? Choosing the Right Rado

Choose quartz for slimness and simplicity

Quartz movements are powered by a battery and regulated by a quartz crystal. They are thinner, more accurate and need no winding. That is why The Original can be just 9.1 mm thick and ready to wear every morning.

Choose automatic for mechanical craftsmanship

Automatic watches are powered by the movement of your wrist and contain hundreds of tiny mechanical parts. They appeal to people who love traditional watchmaking. Rado's automatics, such as the DiaStar Original, offer up to 80 hours of power reserve.

The bottom line

If you want a slim, elegant, low-maintenance watch for daily wear, quartz is ideal, and The Original is a beautiful example. If you want to feel a mechanical heartbeat on your wrist, consider a Rado automatic.

Two-Tone Watches: Why They Never Go Out of Style

Two-tone watches, combining steel and gold, have been a symbol of understated luxury for decades. They offer the warmth of gold without looking too formal, and the brightness of steel without looking too plain. Most importantly, they match everything: silver rings, gold bracelets, mixed-metal stacks and both casual and formal outfits.

The Original R12307304 takes this classic formula and adds Rado's DiaStar heritage, creating a watch that feels both familiar and distinctive. It is an easy choice if you want one elegant watch that works with your entire wardrobe and jewelry collection.

What Reviewers Appreciate About the DiaStar Family

Independent reviews of Rado's DiaStar-inspired watches consistently highlight the same strengths: a scratch-resistant case, a sapphire crystal, a design versatile enough for both formal and casual settings, and comfortable bracelets. Gnomon Watches, in its review of the collection, also noted that Rado offers the line in sizes for both men and women, a point that makes The Original R12307304 especially appealing for women who want the authentic DiaStar look in a proportion made for them.

Owners add something reviews can't measure: the DiaStar shape gets noticed. Its oval silhouette is recognizable across a room, and people who know watches immediately see its 1960s pedigree.

How to Choose a Women's Luxury Watch

1. Size and shape

Women's watches between 26 and 32 mm are the most versatile. Oval and rectangular shapes, like The Original, add elegance and visual length to the wrist.

2. Durability

A sapphire crystal and a scratch-resistant case keep a daily watch looking new. Rado has specialized in this since 1962.

3. Movement

Quartz offers slimness and convenience; automatic offers mechanical charm. For a slim everyday watch, quartz is usually the better choice.

4. Bracelet

Two-tone bracelets offer maximum versatility with jewelry and clothing.

5. Brand and warranty

A Swiss brand with real heritage and a long warranty protects your investment. Rado offers 5 years.

How to Measure Your Wrist

Step 1: Use a soft tape or a strip of paper

Wrap a soft measuring tape, or a strip of paper, around your wrist just below the wrist bone, where you would normally wear a watch.

Step 2: Read the measurement

If you used paper, mark where it overlaps and measure it against a ruler. Most women's wrists measure between about 5.5 and 7 inches.

Step 3: Add a little comfort room

For a bracelet watch, add about a quarter to half an inch so it moves slightly without sliding too far.

Step 4: Let us size it

The Original's bracelet adjusts for wrists from about 5 to 9.5 inches. Lexor Miami can size it in the showroom, or you can have a local jeweler adjust it for you.

Gift Guide: The Original for Every Occasion

Birthdays and milestone years

A Swiss watch with a 1962 story makes a memorable gift for a 30th, 40th or 50th birthday, a present she will wear long after the celebration.

Graduations and first jobs

For a graduate starting her career, The Original offers polished, professional style and a reliable quartz movement for busy days.

Anniversaries

Gold tones and timeless design make it a romantic choice for an anniversary. Its durability means it will still look beautiful years from now.

Mother's Day and holidays

Elegant and easy to wear, The Original is a thoughtful gift for a mother, grandmother or sister who appreciates classic style.

Retirement

A timeless watch is a traditional way to celebrate a career. The Original adds the prestige of a Swiss heritage brand.

Who Should Buy the Rado The Original R12307304?

Women who want a timeless everyday watch

Elegant, durable and maintenance-free, The Original is designed to be worn every day for years.

Lovers of vintage design

Its 1962 DiaStar silhouette brings authentic mid-century style.

First-time Swiss watch buyers

At $950 with a 5-year warranty, it is an excellent introduction to Swiss luxury watches.

Women with petite to medium wrists

The 27.3 mm oval case is perfectly proportioned for smaller and medium wrists.

Gift buyers

For a birthday, graduation, Mother's Day, anniversary or retirement, The Original is a meaningful, lasting gift with a real story.

Who might prefer another model

If you want a larger watch with an automatic movement, consider the Rado DiaStar Original R12161313. If you want a slim rectangular watch with ceramic and diamonds, look at the Rado Integral Limited Edition.

See The Original at Lexor Miami

Why Buy The Original at Lexor Miami?

Authentic, brand new, 5-year Rado warranty

Every watch from Lexor Miami is 100% authentic and brand new, with original packaging and Rado's 5-year international warranty.

Official U.S. price

The R12307304 is $950 at Lexor Miami, exactly Rado's U.S. retail price, with the full manufacturer warranty that unauthorized sellers cannot always guarantee.

Free shipping and free returns

Products priced at $150 or more ship free within the 48 contiguous United States. Approved returns within 30 days of delivery come with a prepaid return label; items must be unused and in original condition and packaging. Lexor Miami does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, APO/FPO/DPO addresses, freight forwarders or international destinations.

Bracelet sizing in our Miami showroom

Visit Lexor Miami at 2371 NW 20th St, Miami, FL 33142, Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with free parking and on-site security. Try The Original and have the bracelet sized on the spot.

Trusted by thousands

Lexor Miami is a women-owned family business with more than 20 years in luxury retail and over 3,100 five-star Google reviews.

Safe, flexible payment

Pay securely with major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Shop Pay and other trusted payment methods.

Expert help

Ask about sizing or gifting on WhatsApp, call +1 (305) 633-0950, use the contact page or read the store FAQs.

The Original R12307304 vs. Similar Watches

Here is how The Original compares with other watches at Lexor Miami. Prices reflect Lexor Miami's listings at the time of writing.

Model	Shape / size	Movement	Character	Price
Rado The Original R12307304	Oval, 27.3 mm, two-tone	R079 quartz	Timeless DiaStar heritage	$950
Rado DiaStar Original R12161313	Oval, 38 mm, gold PVD Ceramos	R764 automatic	Larger, unisex, day-date	$2,200
Rado Integral Limited Edition R20254702	Rectangular, 28 mm, gold + ceramic	R279 quartz	Limited 1,986, black diamonds	$3,850
Hamilton Jazzmaster Quartz 32mm H32301171	Round, 32 mm, steel	Quartz	Classic dress	$1,125
Citizen Corso EW2291-51L	Round, steel	Eco-Drive	Everyday, light-powered	$265

The Original vs. DiaStar Original

Both share the 1962 DiaStar design. The DiaStar Original R12161313 is a larger 38 mm automatic with a green mosaic dial and day-date. The R12307304 is a slimmer 27.3 mm quartz watch, sized for women and priced more accessibly.

The Original vs. Integral

The Integral Limited Edition is a rectangular, ceramic, diamond-set limited edition. The Original offers Rado's other great icon, the oval DiaStar, at less than a third of the price.

The Original vs. Hamilton Jazzmaster

The Hamilton Jazzmaster Quartz 32mm is a classic round dress watch. The Original offers a more distinctive oval shape, scratch-resistant hardmetal and a 5-year warranty at a lower price.

Explore Michele women's watches, our limited edition watches and all luxury watches at Lexor Miami.

The Luxury Lifestyle: Timeless Style, Miami Light

From office to evening

Wear The Original with a crisp shirt and tailored trousers at the office in Brickell, a sundress for brunch in Coral Gables or a little black dress at dinner on Ocean Drive. The gold-tone dial and two-tone bracelet adapt to every setting.

Stacking with jewelry

Because the bracelet combines steel and gold, The Original stacks beautifully with gold bangles, silver cuffs or delicate chain bracelets. Its slim case sits flat, so it never overwhelms a stack.

Mid-century Miami

Miami's MiMo (Miami Modern) architecture, with its curves and bold optimism, was born in the same era as the DiaStar. Wear The Original along Biscayne Boulevard or in North Beach and it feels right at home.

Pair it with gold-accented eyewear

Complete your look with Cartier women's sunglasses or a pair of elegant Cartier optical frames such as the soft pink Cartier CT0526O-004.

A gift she will wear every day

The best gifts are the ones that get used. Slim, light and versatile, The Original is a watch she can wear daily, and its 1962 story gives it meaning beyond the box. Add a handwritten note about the DiaStar's history, and the gift becomes a story she can share every time someone compliments her watch.

Caring for The Original

• Wipe the case, crystal and bracelet with a soft microfiber cloth.
• With 30 m water resistance, it handles rain and handwashing; remove it before swimming or showering.
• Avoid perfume and lotion directly on the bracelet to protect the PVD finish.
• Have the battery replaced at an authorized Rado service center.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Rado The Original R12307304?

It is $950 at Lexor Miami, the same as Rado's U.S. price, with free shipping within the 48 contiguous states and a 5-year warranty.

Is The Original a women's watch?

Yes. The R12307304 is Rado's women's size, at 27.3 mm. A larger 35.1 mm men's version also exists.

What size is the Rado The Original R12307304?

27.3 mm, 9.1 mm thick, weighing 67 g, with an oval case.

What movement does it use?

Rado's Caliber R079 Swiss quartz movement with date.

What is the case made of?

Hardmetal and stainless steel, the scratch-resistant combination that made the 1962 DiaStar famous.

Is the bracelet gold?

It is a two-tone stainless steel bracelet with yellow-gold PVD coated links.

Is The Original water resistant?

Yes, to 30 m, suitable for rain and handwashing but not for swimming.

Does it have a sapphire crystal?

Yes, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

What is the connection to the DiaStar?

The Original carries forward the look and features of the 1962 DiaStar, which Rado presented as the world's first scratch-resistant watch.

Can the bracelet be resized?

Yes. It adjusts for wrists from about 5 to 9.5 inches, and Lexor Miami can size it in the showroom.

What is the warranty?

Rado provides a 5-year international warranty.

Does it need winding?

No. It is a quartz watch powered by a battery, so it is always ready to wear.

Is it a good gift?

Yes. Its timeless design, durability and accessible price make it one of the best Swiss watch gifts for women.

Can I return it if it doesn't suit me?

Yes. Unused items in original condition and packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery with a prepaid label. Email info@lexormiami.com first to request a return authorization.

Can I see it in person?

Yes. Visit Lexor Miami at 2371 NW 20th St, Miami, FL 33142, Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Is the Rado The Original worth it?

If you want an elegant, durable Swiss watch with real heritage, a 5-year warranty and a design that will never go out of style, The Original R12307304 is outstanding value at $950.

Ready to Wear a Rado Legend?

The Rado The Original R12307304 is available at Lexor Miami in limited quantities. Order today for free U.S. shipping, free returns and Rado's 5-year warranty.

Buy The Original – $950

Free U.S. Shipping · 30-Day Free Returns · 5-Year Rado Warranty · 100% Authentic

Conclusion: A Legend, Made to Last

The Rado The Original R12307304 brings the 1962 DiaStar, the watch that introduced scratch resistance to the world, to a refined women's size. Its 27.3 mm oval case in hardmetal and stainless steel, sapphire crystal, yellow gold-tone dial and two-tone bracelet create a watch that is elegant, durable and easy to wear every day. Swiss quartz precision and a slim 9.1 mm profile make it effortless.

At Lexor Miami, you get it at Rado's official U.S. price of $950, with a 5-year warranty, free shipping across the contiguous states, free returns and in-store bracelet sizing.

Explore all luxury watches and the Lexor Miami blog. When you are ready, the Rado The Original R12307304 is waiting for you.

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