Rado Ticino 702 K366772 (1973)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Rado Ticino 702 is a remarkable example of 1970s watch design, featuring a mesmerizing dial that immediately captures the eye. The combination of a vibrant green gradient finish with a unique stippled texture creates a visual depth rarely seen in vintage timepieces. Housed in a robust architectural stainless steel case with sharp facets, this watch embodies the bold creativity that Rado is celebrated for. It is a piece that balances vintage charm with a distinct, avant-garde aesthetic, making it a compelling choice for collectors seeking character and quality. Brand: Rado Model: Ticino 702 Reference Number: K366772 Movement: Automatic ETA 2824 Dial: Green textured gradient Case Size: 37 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition Dial and Hands The dial is the standout feature of this timepiece, presenting a stunning green gradient effect that transitions from a vibrant center to a darker periphery. The surface features a unique hammered or stippled texture that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied silver baton indices and matching hands with luminous inserts. The signature Rado anchor logo at 12 o'clock sits on a red background, while a date window is symmetrically positioned at the 6 o'clock mark, maintaining the dial's perfect balance. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinctive tonneau shape with hooded lugs, typical of the era's space-age design language. The case retains its sharp architectural lines and original factory facets, showing only minimal signs of wear consistent with careful handling. It is fitted with a faceted crystal that adds an extra layer of dimension to the dial view. The original crown is signed with the Rado anchor symbol, and the screw-down caseback features the brand's iconic seahorse embossing. Movement Powering the watch is a reliable Swiss-made ETA 2824 automatic movement, modified and signed by Rado. The movement features 25 jewels and a signed rotor with Côtes de Genève finishing. It is currently running at +42 to +44 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement beat and reliable operation for a vintage piece of this age. Strap The watch comes fitted on its original Rado stainless steel flat-link bracelet. The bracelet is integrated smoothly into the case design and features a signed folding clasp with the Rado logo. It is sized to fit a wrist circumference of approximately 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is pristine with no visible spotting or degradation. The case preserves its original geometry with sharp edges and only faint surface hairlines. The faceted crystal is clear and free of major chips. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a substantial vintage presence on the wrist due to the cushion case design. Remarks The Rado Ticino 702 is a testament to the brand's mastery of materials and texture. The specific green textured dial variant is less common than standard models and offers a dynamic visual experience that changes with the lighting. History Rado, originally founded as Schlup & Co. in 1917, began selling watches under the Rado brand in the 1950s. By the 1970s, the company had established itself as a pioneer in materials science and futuristic design. The Ticino line represents this golden era of experimentation, utilizing robust Swiss movements inside cases that defied traditional round shapes, setting the stage for Rado's later dominance in scratch-resistant ceramics. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RTK-0002