Rado Marco Polo 11837 (1970-1979)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Rado Marco Polo stands as a fascinating testament to the brand's mid-century design philosophy, blending unconventional dial layouts with robust mechanical performance. Characterized by its distinctive cushion case and the iconic free-spinning anchor logo, this timepiece captures the adventurous spirit of its namesake. Rado's commitment to striking aesthetics and enduring quality is on full display here, making the Marco Polo a highly compelling acquisition for collectors of unique 1970s Swiss horology. Brand: Rado Model: Marco Polo Reference Number: 11837 Serial Number: 34580798 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, showing light age-consistent spotting and a well-preserved texture Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial immediately draws the eye with its dynamic light play and unusual layout. The signature Rado rotating anchor logo is prominently set within a red jewel at the nine o'clock position, perfectly balancing the gold-framed date aperture at three o'clock, which displays striking red numerals. The dial features applied gold-tone faceted hour markers in a compelling mix of circular and block profiles. Time is indicated by gold-tone baton hands featuring a black central stripe for enhanced legibility. A close visual inspection reveals a beautifully preserved sunburst texture with minor, age-consistent surface spotting and light dust particles visible under macro photography, presenting an honest and highly attractive vintage character without any severe damage or moisture staining. Case and Crystal The 36 millimeter gold-plated cushion case features a compelling mix of brushed upper surfaces and polished flanks. The case exhibits normal vintage wear, including light surface scratches, micro-abrasions, and a slight softening of the edges, entirely consistent with its age and history of wear. A polished bezel rings the domed acrylic crystal, which remains largely clear while showing faint micro-scratches typical of vintage acrylic materials. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is a particular highlight, proudly displaying the deeply engraved Rado seahorses and stars medallion alongside crisp reference and serial number engravings. A precisely fluted crown completes the classic vintage profile. Movement Inside beats a robust Swiss automatic movement, beautifully finished with a gold-tone rotor signed Rado and denoting twenty-five jewels. The intricate mechanical architecture is well-preserved, showcasing clean plates and gears indicative of Rado's enduring manufacturing standards. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era, recording -55 to -61 seconds per day on the timegrapher. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct dark brown leather strap, featuring distinctive yellow contrast stitching that perfectly complements the gold tones of the case and dial. It is secured to the wrist by a classic gold-tone pin buckle. Condition The timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The dial retains its striking sunburst finish with only minor age-related spotting, while the case displays honest wear and light handling marks that do not detract from its strong wrist presence. The deeply engraved caseback remains exceptionally crisp and highly legible. Dimensions The case measures 36 millimeters in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic and comfortable vintage proportion perfectly suited for modern wear. Remarks This Rado Marco Polo is a remarkable example of the brand's daring design language from the 1970s. The asymmetrical dial layout, highlighted by the signature spinning anchor and bold red accents, makes it a standout piece that commands attention in any vintage collection. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado initially operated as the Schlup and Co. movement factory before launching its own brand of watches in the 1950s. The company quickly became renowned for its innovative use of materials and distinctive, forward-thinking designs. The Marco Polo model embodies this era of creative exploration, utilizing unique case shapes and dial configurations to set Rado apart from traditional Swiss manufacturers and establish a legacy of bold horological architecture. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMP-0011