Tej Chauhan Tackles His Second Rado Timepiece, the DiaStar Original
The British Industrial Designer brings his graphic touch to Ceramos, casting it in brilliant yellow gold.
If you’re familiar with the Rado True Square X Tej Chauhan watch from 2020, you’d know what to expect from this second collaboration with the acclaimed British industrial designer. The Rado DiaStar Original X Tej Chauhan watch builds on the graphic design language of its predecessor, this time introducing new materiality such as the Ceramos bezel and puffy rubber strap. Eye-catching details like the proprietary studio font and 9-to-12 quarter remain to bridge the two watches. We speak with Chauhan about this playfully futuristic sequel.
This is the second Rado timepiece you’ve designed. How is your approach with the DiaStar Original different from the True Square?
Actually, the approach was similar: my objective was to connect with audiences, and to tell the story of Rado's material innovation through the design. The difference was the materials I was working with. My focus for the True Square was on the high-tech ceramic and leather contrast, and with DiaStar Original it was the Ceramos alloy and rubber. With both, I wanted to highlight Rado's combination of high-tech material innovation and their traditional Swiss craftsmanship.
How do you like working with Ceramos?
I’m fascinated by the fact that it's incredibly resilient, and that it will look just as incredible in 30 years!
As the pioneer of Emotive Industrial Design, what feelings or sensations are you trying to evoke with the DiaStar Original X Tej Chauhan watch?
Above all, my work is about connection, and connecting with broad audiences. I want to create iconic experiences which elicit feelings of surprise, joy and delight. With the DiaStar Original X Tej Chauhan watch, I wanted to create an object which people just couldn't resist picking up. It's a combination of visual and material tactility.
The DiaStar Original X Tej Chauhan watch contains a wealth of design details. Which would you say is your favourite element?
I think there are many details which come together to make one compelling composition. The rubber strap for example has been a key feature, because not only does it present a new interpretation of a rubber bracelet, but also delivers an interesting contrast with the bezel which has never been seen before.
We love the highlighted 9-to-12 quarter, because it is our most productive part of the day. What does your 9-to-12 look like on a daily basis?
For me 9-to-12 in the morning is a time of thought and preparation for the day. I clear my desk of pressing tasks, emails, admin and so forth, often so I can focus on pure creative work in the afternoon. In the evenings, 9-to-12 is "me time" — relaxation, cooking, sports. I think it's important to switch off from thinking about design for a while, because often ideas and solutions come when you're not focussing on them. I'm also often socialising at that time.
You’ve designed plenty of objects, from mobile phones to tyres and of course timepieces. Is there a dream object that you’re still hoping to put your mark on?
Yes, I want to work on transport.
Do you believe that good design has to appeal to a broad audience?
Personally, I like to create work which resonates with broad audiences. I think it's a bigger and more complex challenge than just making something that looks beautiful. Trying to create a "connection" is a very particular endeavour, and it’s something I love to do. They can be simple, affordable everyday objects which feel incredible or offer premium experiences — that’s how you reach out to new and unexpected audiences.
"With the DiaStar Original X Tej Chauhan watch, I wanted to create an object which people just couldn't resist picking up."
