Rado - Freiger - No reserve price - 633.3096.4 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Rado has long been celebrated for its avant-garde approach to watchmaking, consistently pushing the boundaries of case design and dial aesthetics during the mid-twentieth century. This striking Rado Freiger perfectly encapsulates the bold, expressive design language of its era. With its distinctive tonneau-shaped case, integrated bracelet aesthetic, and a highly contrasting two-tone dial, this timepiece offers a substantial presence on the wrist. The inclusion of Rado’s signature kinetic anchor logo at the twelve o'clock position adds a touch of mechanical charm to an already visually captivating vintage piece, making it an excellent addition for collectors of distinctive mid-century Swiss watchmaking. Brand: Rado Model: Freiger Reference Number: 633.3096.4 Serial Number: 42480147 Movement: Automatic ETA caliber 2824 Dial: Striking two-tone silver and dark blue dial, exceptionally clean with applied faceted indices and red date display Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with an outstandingly preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial of this Rado Freiger is a masterclass in contrasting textures and tones, remaining in incredibly well-preserved condition. The central section features a brilliant silver finish with pronounced horizontal brushing, which transitions sharply into a matte dark blue outer track. Applied faceted steel hour markers, detailed with white center stripes, bridge the two zones and provide excellent depth. The dial is remarkably clean, showing no visible moisture damage, heavy spotting, or surface degradation. A vibrant red date wheel sits within a framed aperture at three o'clock, perfectly balancing the iconic red background of the rotating Rado anchor logo at twelve o'clock. The applied Rado text at nine o'clock and the elegant blue cursive Freiger script at six o'clock remain crisp and fully intact. The polished steel baton hands feature black center inserts, accompanied by a sweeping steel seconds hand, all presenting beautifully with only faint signs of natural aging under close inspection. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel tonneau-style case exhibits a robust, architectural profile characteristic of the period. The upper surfaces of the case retain strong radial brushing, which contrasts handsomely against the polished flanks. The case shows honest signs of vintage wear, including light surface scratches, handling marks, and minor edge wear consistent with age and regular use, yet it retains its structural integrity without appearing overly polished. The watch is fitted with a signed crown bearing the Rado anchor motif. The screw-down caseback is well-preserved, proudly displaying the stamped Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion alongside the clearly legible reference and serial numbers. The crystal features a distinct sloped edge profile and remains clear, offering an unobstructed view of the vibrant dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is the reliable automatic ETA caliber 2824, a workhorse movement renowned for its durability. The movement features 25 jewels and is fitted with a signed Rado rotor finished with an attractive engine-turned geometric pattern. The caliber markings and jewel counts are clearly visible on the movement plates. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era, with timegrapher results showing +52 to +62 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on its original stainless steel flat-link bracelet, which seamlessly complements the case geometry. The bracelet exhibits a brushed finish with polished side elements and shows typical light surface scratches and desk-diving marks associated with normal wear. It is secured by a folding clasp that is deeply stamped with the Rado anchor logo and brand name, confirming its authenticity. The bracelet accommodates a wrist size of up to 18 cm. Condition This Rado Freiger is presented in good vintage condition. The absolute highlight of this piece is the dial, which remains exceptionally clean, vibrant, and free of the typical degradation often found in watches of this age. The stainless steel case and original bracelet display honest, age-appropriate wear, including superficial scratches and minor edge marks, but maintain a strong and cohesive vintage aesthetic. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The original bracelet is sized to accommodate a wrist of up to 18 cm. Remarks With its dynamic two-tone dial, red accents, and classic tonneau case, this Rado Freiger is a highly charismatic vintage timepiece. It offers a perfect blend of robust Swiss mechanics and daring 1970s design, making it a compelling choice for collectors who appreciate watches with strong visual identity and character. History During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado established itself as a pioneer of unconventional materials and futuristic designs. While famous for their scratch-resistant tungsten carbide cases, the brand also produced a wide array of fascinating stainless steel models that utilized bold geometry and vibrant dials to capture the spirit of the space age. The Freiger model is a testament to this creative era, utilizing contrasting finishes, the signature moving anchor, and reliable ETA ebauches to create a watch that was both fashionable and highly dependable. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RFX-0003