Rado - Meilen - No reserve price - 42921173 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A striking example of 1970s avant-garde design, this Rado Meilen captures the essence of the era with its bold faceted case and mesmerizing gradient dial. Rado is renowned for its unconventional approach to watchmaking during this period, and this piece perfectly illustrates their mastery of light, color, and geometry. The combination of the dynamic spinning anchor logo, the faceted crystal, and the rich green-to-gold dial makes this a highly collectible and visually captivating vintage timepiece. Brand: Rado Model: Meilen Serial Number: 42921173 Movement: Automatic ETA 2824 Dial: Gradient green and gold sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a beautifully preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Meilen is a visual standout, featuring a brilliant sunburst finish that transitions from a rich golden hue at the center to a deep forest green at the outer edges. It remains in exceptionally clean condition, free from notable spots, moisture damage, or discoloration. The dial is adorned with applied, faceted silver-tone indices that catch the light beautifully, alongside the signature free-spinning Rado anchor logo positioned within a red circle at twelve o'clock. A framed date aperture at three o'clock displays the date in striking red typography. The original baton hands feature a central black stripe and white outer sections; they exhibit noticeable age-consistent patina and surface oxidation upon close inspection, adding authentic vintage character without detracting from the overall legibility. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case showcases a highly distinctive, angular design characteristic of Rado's 1970s catalog. It features a brushed top surface that contrasts sharply with the broad, polished sloping facets along the flanks and lug areas. The case remains thick and well-defined, though it displays honest signs of wear, including surface scratches and scuffs on the polished sections, consistent with regular use over the decades. The watch is fitted with a faceted crystal that perfectly complements the geometry of the case; the crystal presents clearly, allowing an unobstructed view of the dynamic dial beneath. The screw-down caseback bears the iconic Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion and the deeply engraved serial number 42921173. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust Swiss automatic movement, clearly marked with the ETA shield and caliber number 2824 beneath the balance wheel. The movement features 25 jewels and is fitted with a Rado-signed rotor decorated with an engine-turned pattern. The movement presents cleanly in the macro photographs. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -9s-12s/day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is paired with a black leather strap, detailed with contrasting brown stitching that complements the warm tones of the dial. It is secured with a standard stainless steel tang buckle. Condition This Rado Meilen is presented in good vintage condition. The case retains its bold architectural lines and factory finishes, showing moderate scratches and handling marks commensurate with its age. The gradient dial is outstandingly preserved, remaining vibrant and clean, while the hands show expected surface aging. The faceted crystal and distinctive case shape make this a highly attractive and wearable piece of 1970s horology. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks With its mesmerizing dial and architectural case, this Rado Meilen is a fantastic representation of the brand's daring design language. The interplay of the faceted crystal and the gradient sunburst finish ensures that the watch looks different from every angle. It is a superb acquisition for collectors of unique 1970s timepieces. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., Rado evolved into a brand celebrated for its innovative use of materials and boundary-pushing designs. During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado embraced the space-age aesthetic, producing watches with unconventional case shapes, vibrant dials, and scratch-resistant materials. The Meilen model reflects this era of experimentation, combining reliable Swiss mechanics with a bold, futuristic exterior that remains highly distinctive today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0055