Rado Mannheim 943256 (1970-1979)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado Mannheim is a striking example of 1970s design language, featuring a distinctive block-textured dial and the robust build quality for which the brand is celebrated. With its rotating anchor logo and bold applied indices, this timepiece offers a unique aesthetic that stands out from typical dress watches of the era, combining avant-garde styling with reliable Swiss engineering. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim Reference Number: 943256 Serial Number: 943256 Movement: Automatic Caliber ETA 2783 Dial: Silver vertical block texture Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition, featuring a pristine dial and a well-preserved case running with good amplitude. Dial and Hands The silver dial is the highlight of this piece, featuring a subtle vertical block pattern that creates a shimmering two-tone effect depending on the angle of light. It is adorned with chunky, high-profile applied hour markers featuring black inlays for sharp contrast. The signature Rado anchor logo at the 12 o'clock position sits on a red background. An applied gold-tone "M" logo sits prominently above the printed "Mannheim" script at 6 o'clock, while a framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The baton-style hands match the indices perfectly, creating a cohesive and legible design. The dial surface is exceptionally clean with no visible staining or aging. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinctive 1970s cushion shape with broad, polished surfaces and substantial presence. The case lines remain distinct, while the polished surfaces show normal signs of vintage wear such as light scratches and hairline marks consistent with age and careful use. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor logo. The screw-down caseback features the iconic Rado seahorse medallion and water-sealed engraving, with the reference number clearly visible. The crystal is clear and presents well. Movement Powering the watch is a gold-plated Rado signed automatic movement, based on the reliable ETA 2783 caliber with 25 jewels. The movement appears clean and visually well-maintained, featuring a quickset date function. Timegrapher readings indicate the watch is running between +9 and +15 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching, which complements the sporty yet elegant nature of the cushion case. The strap is in good condition, soft and ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The most notable feature is the dial, which has been preserved in stunning condition with crisp printing and bright indices. The case shows honest wear typical of a watch from this era but retains its original geometry. The movement is functioning reliably within vintage tolerances. Dimensions Case width: 36 mm Remarks The Rado Mannheim is a distinct model that showcases the brand's experimental approach to dial textures and case shapes during the 1970s. The vertical block finishing on the dial gives this watch a depth and character that changes on the wrist, making it a conversation piece for collectors who appreciate the unique design ethos of the period. History Rado, founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., began selling watches under the Rado brand in the 1950s. By the 1970s, the brand had established itself as a pioneer in materials and avant-garde design. Models like the Mannheim represent the brand's extensive catalog of high-quality stainless steel automatics that sat alongside their scratch-proof tungsten carbide models, offering reliable Swiss engineering in stylish, era-defining packages. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0017