Rado - Mannheim - No reserve price - 742183942A - Men - 1970-1979

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado Mannheim perfectly captures the bold and experimental spirit of 1970s horology, blending a substantial cushion case with a deeply captivating gradient dial. Rado has long been celebrated for its distinctive design language and kinetic dial elements, and this piece stands as a striking testament to that era. With its vibrant green tones, signature rotating anchor, and robust construction, it offers collectors a highly wearable and visually arresting slice of vintage Swiss watchmaking. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim Reference Number: 742183942A Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2824 Dial: Striking green gradient sunburst dial, exceptionally clean with no visible spotting or damage Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and an outstandingly preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial is a visual standout, featuring a rich green sunburst finish that transitions into a darker vignette toward the outer edges. It is in magnificent condition, presenting an exceptionally clean surface free from moisture marks, spotting, or print loss. The dial furniture includes tall, applied faceted indices detailed with black and luminous inserts, adding excellent depth. At the top, the applied serif Rado logo sits beside the brand's signature kinetic anchor, which rotates freely against a red background. The lower half features the "Mannheim" text with a distinctive, oversized gold "M" and the "702" designation printed in crisp white. A neatly framed date window at three o'clock displays the date in a vibrant red typography. The faceted baton hands are well-preserved, retaining their luminous strips and complementing the bold geometry of the dial. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel cushion case embodies the quintessential 1970s aesthetic. The case architecture features a broad, polished upper surface that curves down into vertically brushed case flanks. The watch exhibits honest signs of wear, with visible surface scratches and handling marks across the polished sections, fully consistent with its vintage age and unpolished nature. The original crown is correctly signed with the Rado anchor emblem. The domed crystal remains clear, offering an unobstructed and distortion-free view of the vibrant dial beneath. Turning the watch over, the screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado twin seahorse logo, stars, and "Water-Sealed" text, alongside the reference number. The caseback shows typical surface scratches from wear and previous openings, but the engravings remain highly legible and crisp. Movement Powering this Mannheim is an automatic ETA Caliber 2824, a highly reliable and widely respected Swiss movement. Visual inspection of the clean movement reveals the ETA shield, the "2824" caliber stamp, and the "402" designation clearly marked under the balance wheel. The rotor features a refined brushed finish and sweeps smoothly. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher records a deviation of -40 to -48 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original period-correct stainless steel bracelet, characterized by a fine, horizontal flat-link structure that drapes comfortably on the wrist. The outer clasp features a deeply stamped Rado logo, while the inner folding blade is clearly engraved with "RADO STAINLESS STEEL." The bracelet shows light surface wear consistent with the case and accommodates a wrist size of up to 19 cm. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable highlight, remaining incredibly fresh, vibrant, and free of any notable flaws or degradation. The stainless steel case and original bracelet display honest, age-appropriate surface scratches and micro-swirls throughout, indicating regular wear over the decades without compromising the structural integrity or the original case lines. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 19 cm Remarks With its mesmerizing green fumé dial and iconic cushion case, this Rado Mannheim is a fantastic representative of the brand's golden era of design. The combination of the rotating anchor, the unique typography, and the integrated-style bracelet makes it a highly charismatic addition to any vintage collection. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado established itself as a pioneer of unconventional materials and avant-garde designs, particularly during the mid-twentieth century. The 1970s marked a period of immense creativity for the brand, resulting in watches that broke away from traditional round cases and conservative dials. Models like the Mannheim showcased Rado's willingness to experiment with color gradients, faceted components, and bold case geometries. The signature rotating anchor, initially introduced to indicate when an automatic movement required servicing, quickly became a beloved hallmark of the brand's mechanical ingenuity and playful design philosophy. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMA-0008