Rado Manchester Sapphire 659655 (1970-1979)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Rado Manchester Sapphire perfectly captures the daring and innovative design language of the 1970s, showcasing the brand's mastery of unconventional shapes and durable materials. With its signature faceted crystal and beautifully textured dial, this timepiece offers a highly dynamic visual experience that changes with every angle of light, making it a captivating addition to any vintage collection. Brand: Rado Model: Manchester Sapphire Reference Number: 659655 Movement: Automatic Caliber 2793 Dial: Silver vertical brushed dial with applied faceted indices, red date display, and rotating anchor logo; remarkably clean condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with crisp case lines and a remarkably preserved dial Dial and Hands The watch features a striking silver dial characterized by a pronounced vertical brushed finish that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied, faceted baton indices featuring black central inserts, perfectly matched by the baton hands which also bear black striping. A vibrant blue minute track encircles the outer edge, providing a subtle pop of color alongside the distinctive red date numerals positioned in the framed window at three o'clock. Rado's iconic rotating anchor logo sits prominently below the twelve o'clock position against a red background. The typography is elegantly executed, combining a bold serif font for the Rado name and Manchester text with a sweeping script for Sapphire. Upon close visual inspection, the dial remains in near-mint condition, presenting an exceptionally clean surface free from spotting, moisture damage, staining, or significant aging, retaining a brilliantly fresh vintage aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case showcases a distinctive tonneau silhouette, a true hallmark of 1970s Rado design. The upper case surfaces feature a heavy, factory-style horizontal brushing that transitions sharply into highly polished case flanks, demonstrating excellent preservation of its original geometry and factory chamfers. The original Rado-signed crown is securely fitted at the three o'clock position. Flipping the watch reveals a stainless steel screw-down caseback, proudly bearing the deeply embossed Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion alongside the reference number 659655. Protecting the dial is the model's namesake faceted sapphire crystal, featuring a flat top with aggressively angled facets around its perimeter. This architectural crystal remains in stunning condition with no deep scratches or chips visible, providing wonderful optical distortion at its edges. Movement Powering this timepiece is a beautifully preserved gilt-finished automatic movement, clearly stamped with caliber 2793 beneath the balance wheel. The rotor is signed with Rado 25 Jewels, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality mechanical calibers during this era. The movement components present cleanly with bright surfaces and intact screw heads throughout the architecture. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era, with timegrapher results showing -35 to -41 s/d. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring an embossed texture and contrasting white perimeter stitching, secured by a polished stainless steel tang buckle. Condition This Rado Manchester Sapphire is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the standout feature, remaining remarkably clean and free of the spotting or patination often found on watches of this age. The stainless steel case retains thick proportions, sharp lines, and clear transitions between the brushed and polished surfaces, exhibiting only honest, superficial micro-scratches consistent with careful handling over the decades. The intricate faceted crystal is exceptionally well-preserved, and the caseback engravings remain deep and crisp, indicating the watch has not been over-polished. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks With its mesmerizing faceted crystal, dynamic vertical brushed dial, and robust tonneau case, this Rado Manchester Sapphire offers a tremendous amount of vintage character and wrist presence. It is a superb example of the brand's daring mid-century design philosophy, offering both durability and undeniable style. History During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado established itself as an industry maverick, pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking through the use of unconventional case shapes and highly scratch-resistant materials. The Manchester Sapphire is a perfect encapsulation of this innovative spirit, utilizing a complex faceted sapphire crystal long before such materials became industry standards. Combined with the brand's signature kinetic anchor logo, this model represents a fascinating and highly collectible chapter in Rado's rich horological history, celebrated by enthusiasts who appreciate avant-garde mid-century design. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMS-0005