Rado Diastar New Conception (NC) 404 Ref. 636.0404.3
Dress Watch / Avant-Garde Luxury · Rado (part of Swatch Group). Known as the 'Master of Materials' and a premium tier brand specializing in ceramic and tungsten.
Period: Space Age / Neo-Vintage (Late 1970s style, likely 1980s or 1990s production). Defined by the asymmetrical TV-screen case and futuristic materials.
Type
Dress Watch / Avant-Garde Luxury
Brand
Rado (part of Swatch Group). Known as the 'Master of Materials' and a premium tier brand specializing in ceramic and tungsten.
Movement
Automatic, likely ETA 2836-2 (standard for day-date Rado models). 28,800 vph, approx. 38-40 hour power reserve, 25 jewels.
Dimensions
Case diameter approx 36mm-38mm, 12mm thickness, 42mm lug-to-lug, 18-20mm lug width. Wears larger due to the asymmetrical width.
Description
An avant-garde masterpiece, the Rado NC 404 combines unusual geometry with revolutionary materials. Its asymmetrical case design and faceted crystal create a 'Space Age' aesthetic that remains striking in the modern era.
Key Features
Tungsten carbide 'scratch-proof' construction, vertical day-date display, swinging anchor logo which indicates an automatic movement, and faceted sapphire crystal.
Dial Description
Sunburst brown/copper dial with vertical day-date window at 6 o'clock. Applied block indices, baton hands, and the signature Rado swinging anchor logo at 9 o'clock.
Case Material
Tungsten Carbide bezel/top case with stainless steel mid-case and back. Known for its high-polish, scratch-resistant mirror finish.
Crystal Type
Faceted Sapphire Crystal. Typically features vertical or geometric faceting across the surface to play with light.
Bezel Details
Fixed, integrated tungsten carbide bezel. Extremely hard material designed to remain scratch-free for decades.
Crown & Pushers
Small, recessed stainless steel push-pull crown located at 3 o'clock, often branded with the Rado anchor.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated H-link or 'Novavit' style stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp and spring-loaded extension.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down stainless steel caseback. Usually features the 'Seahorse' or 'Three Fish' emblem and the reference numbers.
Movement Type
Automatic, likely ETA 2836-2 (standard for day-date Rado models). 28,800 vph, approx. 38-40 hour power reserve, 25 jewels.
Water Resistance
Water Resistant (30m). Practical for splashes and rain, but not recommended for swimming or bathing due to vintage seals.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; Lengnau, Switzerland. In-house assembly with modified ETA/Swatch Group movements.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980s - early 1990s. The 'NC' (New Conception) line was a later iteration of the original 1962 Diastar.
Cultural Significance
Represented a shift toward 'Eternal' luxury where the watch looks as new 20 years later as it did on day one. Highly popular in Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Excellent. The tungsten case appears pristine (as expected). The dial shows no signs of aging. Bracelet shows minor surface scratches on the steel links.
Value Estimate
$400 - $800 USD. Value depends heavily on bracelet length and crystal condition, as faceted crystals are expensive to replace.
Care & Maintenance
Every 5-7 years for movement servicing. While scratch-proof, tungsten carbide is brittle and can shatter if dropped on a hard surface.
Similar Watches
Rado Diastar Original, Rado Balboa, Mido Commander, and various Seiko TV-dial models from the 1970s.
Interesting Facts
The Diastar was the world's first scratch-proof watch (1962). The anchor logo on the dial actually rotates as the wearer moves their wrist.