The new Rado DiaStar Original x Tej Chauhan is not only a striking reinterpretation of a watch that has captivated enthusiasts for more than six decades, but also a bold statement on how heritage and futurism can coexist on the wrist.
The DiaStar Original first appeared in the early 1960s, immediately establishing itself as a disruptive force with its unconventional form and innovative use of materials. Today, British industrial designer Tej Chauhan — known for his Emotive Industrial Design approach and visionary aesthetics — has put his unmistakable stamp on the legend by refreshing an icon without diluting its DNA. The result is an object that bridges past and future with daring originality.
At first glance, the watch is instantly recognisable thanks to its trademark DiaStar bezel, here realised in Ceramos with a yellow-gold PVD coating that radiates presence. It is paired with a light grey, pillow-shaped rubber strap — tactile and contemporary, yet worlds away from traditional sports styling. On the dial, a deep matte black surface sets the stage for a vivid silver-and-blue minute track and Tej’s bespoke typeface for the day/date display. Every detail feels considered, playful, and yet resolutely sophisticated.
This is the second partnership between Tej Chauhan and Rado, following the Rado True Square x Tej Chauhan of 2021. While that first creation was steeped in pop-cultural futurism, this new edition draws inspiration from both space-age fantasy and the brand’s own golden age of design.
One-to-one with Tej Chauhan
“Time is a rare technology, as it will never become obsolete. I’ve designed this precision instrument for telling time to serve and bring joy far into the future. But there is also only ever one time: the beauty of the present.”
YLA: What inspired you to become a designer, and how has that inspiration evolved over time?
Tej: As a child, I was always drawing. Always “designing” things, mainly machines and cars; creating brought satisfaction and a sense of well-being. For as long as I can remember, whenever someone asked me what I wanted to be, I would answer with “designer”, although it took many years before I understood what that actually meant.
YLA: What’s your favourite part of designing a new product?
Tej: In the first moments, a brief is discussed, and my mind goes into automatic overdrive. It’s those first few moments that shape the final design, or at least the general direction.
YLA: Can you share an instance where a personal experience or life event influenced a specific design?
Tej: Many, actually, because much of what I design has an element of personal experience informing the process. For example, our Nest Oven Dishes’ simple innovation came about when I kept dipping the oven glove into the lasagne while trying to remove a dish. Or the Hudl2 tablet, where I wanted to alleviate my own anxiety when handling slippery tech objects. Or the Colombo Two telephone, which I simply wanted in my own home to bring me joy. Even my first visit to Lengnau inspired me to tell the Rado story of materials and craft through the True Square TC.
YLA: What are some of your favourite memories from your journey as a designer?
Tej: I loved my university days. I loved my first design jobs. I loved my time at Nokia. I loved starting my own practice. I have particularly special memories of our first exhibition in Milan in 2008. Most of all, I love meeting those special clients with whom you have an instant connection. There’s a mutual trust that leads to a sense of relaxation and productivity. With them, you go on to create the best and most rewarding works.
YLA: What is your design philosophy, and how does it influence your work?
Tej: My work is about creating connection in broad audiences, regardless of brand position. My philosophy… goes beyond designing something beautiful. I’m more interested in finding the triggers of engagement.
YLA: What are your favourite materials to work with and why?
Tej: My Pentel Q1000 pencil. I’ve had the same one for almost 30 years and have used it on every design I’ve created. These days, I also use my iPad and Pencil. I don’t go anywhere without them.
YLA: What inspired you for the new DiaStar Original design?
Tej: My form language is about the “near future”. Not so futuristic that it’s polarising or intangible, but like a future just within reach, and imaginable for the end user. For DiaStar, I was looking at AI futurescapes, and I also happened to see a film featuring a moonbase and some gold space helmets. That became the final inspiration.
YLA: Can you describe the design process of the new Rado watch?
Tej: As soon as I receive the brief, my first questions are: “How do I make it different?” “How do I make it stand out?” “How do I create excitement for as many people as possible, and how do I tell an exciting, tangible and authentic story for Rado?” So far, I have been given free rein; in this instance, the only additional request from Rado was for it to have a rubber strap. My mind goes to work thinking of ways to make the strap compelling. Once the foundation work is done, I start sketching almost immediately — many iterations until the feeling is right. We then discuss the themes and sketches with the Rado team before moving into 3D development.
YLA: It’s your second watch with Rado. How do you like working with the Rado team?
Tej: When you find partners who share your values and there is mutual appreciation of each other’s skills, it’s a very exciting, natural process. I think each party brings out the best in the other.
YLA: Where would you wear the new DiaStar Original with your design?
Tej: Everywhere. Like my present one.
YLA: Were there any obstacles during the design process?
Tej: Yes. The first concept proposed atypical colours, including a very specific green. To develop it would have delayed the project, so we began exploring gold instead. That green turned out to be a fortuitous obstacle.
YLA: Describe your feelings when you saw the final product for the first time.
Tej: We had developed the watch so it could work with two potential case colours: silver and gold, in case the gold felt too polarising. The silver looked great, but the gold just popped. It’s not for everyone, but I couldn’t stop looking at it. I know when a design is ready because I get goosebumps — and when I saw the gold composition for the first time, I knew it was right. For me, it gives a totally new, progressive perspective on a gold watch.
