Rado - Simplon - No reserve price - 760341 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Here is a striking vintage Rado Simplon, a timepiece that perfectly captures the minimalist yet avant-garde design language of the 1970s. With its rich blue dial and distinctive cushion case, this manual-wind model offers a sophisticated aesthetic that stands out from the typical dress watches of the era. It represents a wonderful opportunity to own a piece of Rado's creative history, combining Swiss engineering with a bold visual style. Brand: Rado Model: Simplon Reference Number: 760341 Movement: Manual Wind, Caliber AS 1525/1526 Dial: Deep matte blue with white radial indices Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear to the case consistent with age, while the dial shows a gentle patina and is nicely preserved overall. Timegrapher results show the movement is running at +18 to +22 seconds per day, indicating a healthy mechanism. Dial and Hands The dial features a deep matte navy blue finish that provides high contrast against the white printed radial lines serving as hour markers. The layout is distinctively minimalist, devoid of traditional numerals, which enhances the clean and modern look. The dial does show some gentle patina, complementing its vintage appeal while preserving clear legibility. The silver-tone baton hands are slender and elegant. The dial is signed with the applied Rado anchor logo at 12 o'clock and the "Simplon" model name in script at 6 o'clock. Case and Crystal The watch is housed in a stainless steel cushion-shaped case, a hallmark design of the period that offers a seamless, lug-less appearance on the wrist. The case retains its original polished finish but shows visible surface scratches and contact marks throughout, typical for a vintage piece that has been enjoyed. The original winding crown is signed with the Rado anchor logo. The caseback features the iconic Rado triple seahorse medallion and reference numbers, showing some opening marks but remaining clearly legible. The acrylic crystal is generally clear with minor signs of age. Movement Inside beats a reliable Swiss-made manual wind movement, signed Rado 17 Jewels. The movement is based on the durable AS 1525/1526 caliber. It is visually clean and features gold-filled engravings on the bridges. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern and matching stitching, which complements the blue dial warmly. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case shows evident wear with scratches and dings visible on the bezel and sides, preserving its honest vintage character. The dial displays a light, attractive patina that contributes to its charm and authenticity. The movement is functioning well, with timegrapher readings indicating an accuracy of approximately +18 to +22 seconds per day. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in diameter excluding the crown. Due to the cushion shape and lug-less design, it wears comfortably and offers a notable presence on the wrist suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Rado Simplon is a testament to the brand's ability to create watches that are both elegant and unconventional. The combination of the deep blue dial and the architectural steel case makes this a versatile accessory for both casual and formal occasions. History Rado, founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, established itself as a pioneer in materials and design in the mid-20th century. While famous for their scratch-proof tungsten carbide watches like the Diastar, their steel dress watches from the Simplon line showcased the brand's aptitude for sleek, modernist aesthetics. The Simplon series is appreciated by collectors today for its clean lines and distinct 1970s charm. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RFX-0002