Rado Alpineum 11018 (1970-1979)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Alpineum is a striking example of the brand's mid-century design philosophy, blending robust architecture with elegant dial execution. During an era when Rado was pushing the boundaries of case design and durability, the Alpineum emerged as a versatile, everyday timepiece that retained the brand's signature flair. With its classic tonneau case and the iconic rotating anchor logo, this watch offers a compelling mix of vintage charm and reliable mechanical performance, making it an excellent addition to any thoughtful collection. Brand: Rado Model: Alpineum Reference Number: 11018 Serial Number: 39623678 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 2824, 25 Jewels Dial: Deep grey-blue dial with applied faceted indices and rotating anchor logo, exceptionally clean presentation Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with well-preserved case lines and a highly attractive dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Alpineum is a captivating deep grey-blue, exhibiting a subtle matte texture that plays beautifully in the light. It is in exceptionally clean condition, showing no significant spotting, moisture marks, or print loss. The applied silver-tone faceted baton indices provide excellent depth and contrast, complemented by small, evenly aged lume plots at their outer edges. At twelve o'clock sits Rado's iconic rotating anchor logo against a vibrant red background, a hallmark of their automatic timepieces. The framed date aperture at three o'clock features clean red numerals. The original baton hands retain their luminous material, which has aged to a warm, consistent tone that perfectly matches the dial plots, while the sweep second hand glides smoothly across the crisp, fully intact white typography. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel tonneau case embodies the bold geometric styling of the 1970s. The case architecture is well-preserved, showcasing a distinct transition between the brushed upper surfaces and the polished flanks. The watch displays honest signs of wear consistent with its age, including superficial micro-scratches and light handling marks, but remains free of deep gouges, retaining its sharp factory lines and strong lug profile. The polished bezel ring frames the dial handsomely. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado twin seahorse "Water Sealed" emblem, along with the reference and serial numbers, indicating it has not been subjected to heavy polishing. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that remains clear and free of major distracting defects, allowing an unobstructed view of the pristine dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust automatic ETA caliber 2824, featuring 25 jewels and a Rado-signed rotor. The movement presents beautifully under inspection, with clean plates, well-preserved screw heads, and a vibrant hairspring. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show a highly impressive performance of -4s to 10s/day with strong amplitude, confirming the excellent mechanical health of this classic Rado. Strap The watch is paired with a striking black leather strap, featuring heavy contrast stitching in white and copper tones that complement the vintage aesthetic of the dial. It is secured with a classic stainless steel pin buckle, offering a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. Condition This Rado Alpineum is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the clear standout, remaining remarkably well-preserved with no notable flaws or distracting patina. The stainless steel case shows normal, honest vintage wear while retaining its original shape and sharp transitions. The caseback engravings are crisp and legible. The movement is exceptionally clean and running with impressive precision, making this a highly wearable and attractive vintage piece. Dimensions Case width: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The Alpineum perfectly captures the essence of Rado's golden era of design. It is a watch that feels substantial on the wrist thanks to its tonneau shape, yet remains incredibly refined due to its clean dial layout and faceted details. The combination of the deep blue-grey dial, the kinetic anchor logo, and the reliable ETA-based movement makes this a highly desirable configuration for collectors seeking a character-rich daily wearer. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., Rado initially produced movements for other watchmakers before launching its own brand in the 1950s. By the 1960s and 1970s, Rado had established a global reputation for producing highly durable and visually distinct timepieces. The introduction of the rotating anchor logo became a brilliant visual indicator of a self-winding movement, adding a dynamic element to the dial. The Alpineum was born during this period of innovation, designed for the active individual who required a sturdy, water-resistant watch without sacrificing elegant, modern aesthetics. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RAX-0002