Rado Space Flight 702 11070 (1972)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Rado Space Flight 702 is a remarkable example of 1970s retro-futurism, combining avant-garde design with transitional horological technology. Representing the "Space Age" era of watchmaking, this timepiece features the highly collectible electronic balance wheel movement, distinct from later quartz technology, and showcases Rado's signature faceted crystal which catches the light in a unique prismatic fashion. It is a bold statement piece for collectors of eccentric vintage swiss manufacturing. Brand: Rado Model: Space Flight 702 Reference Number: 11070 Serial Number: 41250618 Movement: Rado Electronic (ESA Dynotron) Dial: Silver vertically brushed with faceted crystal Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear to the case and bracelet consistent with its age, while the dial remains clean and attractive. Dial and Hands The dial features a striking vertically brushed silver finish that interacts dynamically with the faceted crystal above it. The block markers are applied and provide a three-dimensional depth to the face. At the 12 o'clock position sits the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo in purple and silver, a signature of the brand's automatic and electronic lines. The hands are polished batons, but the standout feature is the distinctive "lightning bolt" seconds hand, a playful nod to the electronic movement within. A date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a sharp, angular integrated design typical of the early 1970s. The geometry is complex, with hooded lugs that flow directly into the bracelet. The watch is fitted with Rado's famous faceted mineral crystal, which remains in presentable condition, creating interesting optical distortions and reflections that define the character of the watch. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor. The caseback features the detailed Rado Seahorse medallion and clearly visible reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Rado-signed electronic movement, based on the reliable ESA Dynotron caliber 9154. This is a fascinatng hybrid technology that utilizes a battery to power a traditional balance wheel, operating at 28,800 beats per hour. It represents a short but significant era in horological history before the dominance of quartz. The movement appears clean and features 13 jewels, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch comes on its original integrated stainless steel link bracelet. The bracelet features a flat-link design that complements the angular case and includes a signed Rado clasp. It is sized to fit a wrist of approximately 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case and bracelet show visible surface scratches and marks commensurate with regular wear over the decades, preserving an honest and unpolished vintage character. The faceted crystal is clear with some minor wear to the edges. The dial is well-preserved with sharp text and distinct indices. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown. Due to the angular, integrated case design and the bracelet flare, the watch wears slightly larger than the dimensions suggest, offering a substantial presence on the wrist typical of 1970s sports watches. Remarks The Space Flight 702 is a testament to Rado's commitment to material innovation and futuristic design language. The combination of the prismatic glass, the lightning bolt hand, and the electromechanical heart makes this a conversation starter and a significant piece for collectors of the electronic watch era. History Rado has long been a pioneer in the use of scratch-resistant materials and unconventional designs. In the 1960s and 70s, the brand embraced the space race aesthetic more enthusiastically than almost any other Swiss manufacturer. The Space Flight series was part of this push, utilizing the newly developed electronic movements that promised higher accuracy than traditional automatics, packaged in cases that looked like they belonged on a spaceship control panel. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RSF-0001