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Rado Centrix Diamonds 39.5mm
Ref. R30022712
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Stepping up in the same colour and case shape
The Centrix has been through a considered redesign rather than a simple refresh: the sapphire crystal now curves to meet the case edge rather than sitting proud of it, and the lugs have been redrawn to follow that same line, so the whole profile reads as a single continuous arc from the crown of the crystal to the bracelet. It is not a subtle change — at 9.8mm the case sits closer to the wrist than the geometry of a two-tone dress watch might suggest, and the rounded top surface catches light in a way a flat crystal simply does not. The four diamonds used as hour markers are small in carat weight but well chosen in placement: the black lacquered dial is clean enough that they draw the eye without competing with the gold-toned hands. The bracelet alternates polished ceramic and gold PVD steel, and at 126 grams it has enough presence to register on the wrist without feeling like a burden. The R073 movement runs PreciDrive regulation alongside HeavyDrive shock resistance — both are Rado's own technology and together they address the two practical weaknesses of dress-quartz: drift and fragility.
- Reference
- R30022712
- Brand
- Rado
- Collection
- Centrix
- Case size
- 39.5mm
- Case thickness
- 9.8mm
- Case material
- Gold PVD
- Case shape
- Round
- Dial
- Black
- Crystal
- Sapphire
- Movement
- Quartz
- Calibre
- R073
- Functions
- Date
- Water resistance
- 50m
- Bracelet / strap
- Ceramic bracelet
- Strap colour
- Black
- Clasp
- Deployant clasp
- Retailer
- Goldsmiths
Additional specifications
- Weight
- 126g
Learn more about Rado
Rado began as Schlup & Co, a movement manufacturer founded by the Schlup brothers in Lengnau in 1917. It became one of the largest movement producers in the world before releasing watches under the Rado name in 1957.
The brand's entire identity rests on a single question: how do you stop a watch from looking worn? The DiaStar of 1962 was marketed as the world's first scratchproof watch, using hardmetal — tungsten carbide — and a sapphire crystal at a time when both were exotic in watchmaking.
Rado then spent decades pushing further into materials most watchmakers avoided because they are difficult to machine and impossible to correct. High-tech ceramic arrived in 1986 with the Integral, and the Ceramica of 1990 was made almost entirely from it. The company developed plasma high-tech ceramic, which is heated to 20,000 degrees to acquire a metallic sheen without any metal content, and Ceramos, a ceramic-metal composite.
The V10K of 2002 used high-tech diamond and reached 10,000 on the Vickers scale — the hardness of diamond itself, and a Guinness record.
Rado's design language is correspondingly clean and monolithic, with the True and Captain Cook lines carrying the modern collection. The company has been part of the Swatch Group since 1983.
- 1917
- Founded as Schlup & Co in Lengnau.
- 1957
- The first watches carry the Rado name.
- 1962
- The DiaStar introduces a scratchproof hardmetal case.
- 1986
- High-tech ceramic enters production.
- 2002
- The V10K reaches diamond-level surface hardness.
Also in 3 collections
This watch appears in the Rado Centrix range (17), Gold Watches (487) and Diamond Watches (100).
Best of 2 retailers
What the specifications mean
Strengths
- 39.5mm suits most wrists
- Sapphire crystal, which resists scratching
- Sits in the lower half of Rado's range as we list it
Worth knowing
- 50m suits rain and handwashing, not swimming
Rado Centrix Diamonds alternatives
Watches from other brands at a similar price, style and size, so you can see what else your budget can buy.
| Specification | R30022712 | BMM0A10845 | YA163405 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,800 | £1,650 | £1,750 |
| Case size | 39.5mm | 39mm | 38mm |
| Water resistance | 50m | 50m | 30m |
| Movement | Quartz | Quartz | Quartz |
| Strap | Ceramic bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
| This watch | Closely matched |
|
Your new watch
Frequently asked questions, and things you should know about this watch
Can I swim with it?
Showering yes, swimming no. 50m covers splashes and brief immersion, but a swimming stroke generates well above the pressure that figure describes.
Water resistance explainedWill the glass scratch?
Unlikely. Sapphire is second only to diamond in hardness and shrugs off everyday marking.
Sapphire, mineral and acrylic comparedDoes it need a battery?
Yes. It is quartz, so expect a battery change every two to three years at a jeweller.
Quartz, automatic and solar comparedCheapest place to buy
Both Mappin & Webb and Goldsmiths list it at £1,800, so choose on delivery and warranty rather than price.
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