Rado Manchester Sapphire 11006 (1975)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado Manchester Sapphire is a quintessential example of bold 1970s Swiss design, combining robust engineering with avant-garde aesthetics. Distinguished by its signature faceted sapphire crystal and the iconic rotating anchor logo, this timepiece offers a unique visual experience on the wrist that changes with every angle of light. It represents a fantastic opportunity for collectors to acquire a distinctive model that perfectly captures the "Space Age" era of watchmaking with a robust stainless steel construction and reliable automatic performance. Brand: Rado Model: Manchester Sapphire Reference Number: 11006 Serial Number: 38770656 Movement: Automatic ETA 2783 Dial: Silver vertical brushed with faceted indices Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1975 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a very well preserved dial and sharp case lines, running strong with healthy amplitude. Dial and Hands The silver dial features a sophisticated vertical brushed finish that interacts beautifully with the light. It is adorned with thick, faceted block indices that add depth and dimension to the face. The signature Rado anchor logo at 12 o'clock rotates freely against a red background, a beloved feature of the brand. A framed date window at 3 o'clock displays the date in distinctive red numerals, adding a vibrant pop of color. The hands are baton-style with luminous inserts, maintaining excellent legibility. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion shape typical of the era, with a brushed top surface and polished sides that emphasize its geometric lines. The defining feature of this model is the faceted sapphire crystal, which is in excellent condition and creates a captivating prismatic effect over the dial. The case edges remain sharp and defined. The screw-down caseback features the embossed Rado seahorse logo and "Water-Sealed" text, with the reference and serial numbers clearly visible. Movement Powering the watch is the reliable ETA 2783 automatic caliber, featuring 25 jewels and a gold-plated rotor signed by Rado. The movement is clean and presents well. It is currently running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher results showing an accuracy of +8 to +11 seconds per day and strong amplitude, indicating a healthy and reliable mechanism. Strap The watch is fitted with a stainless steel block-link bracelet that complements the case design perfectly. It features a fold-over clasp embossed with the Rado seahorse logo. The bracelet is comfortable and sturdy, fitting a wrist size of approximately 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is remarkably clean and free of significant aging or spotting. The case shows normal, light signs of wear consistent with age but retains its original finishing and sharp profile. The faceted crystal is clear and free from distracting chips or scratches. The movement is performing reliably with strong technical readings. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in width excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage fit that wears slightly larger due to the cushion case shape and bracelet integration. Remarks The Rado Manchester Sapphire stands out from the more common Diastar models with its unique case geometry and specific faceted crystal cut. This example is particularly attractive due to the red date wheel and the pristine condition of the dial, making it a highly wearable and collectible piece of Rado history. History Rado has long been a pioneer in the use of scratch-resistant materials, introducing the use of sapphire crystal and hardmetal long before they became industry standards. The Manchester line from the 1970s exemplifies this innovative spirit, combining durable materials with the funky, futuristic design language that defined the decade. These watches were built to last and remain stylish statement pieces nearly 50 years later. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMS-0006