Rado - Conway - No reserve price - 633.3008.4 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of 1970s Swiss design daring, offering a distinct aesthetic that sets it apart from typical vintage timepieces. The Rado Conway is a collector's favorite for its bold implementation of the vertical day-date complication, a signature design element of the era that provides wonderful symmetry to the dial. With its oversized 39mm case and striking gold-tone presence, this watch commands attention on the wrist while offering the reliability of high-grade Swiss engineering. Brand: Rado Model: Conway Reference Number: 633.3008.4 Serial Number: 3081652 Movement: Automatic ETA 2789-1 Dial: Vertical brushed gold-tone with vertical Day-Date Case Size: 39 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated stainless steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear consistent with its age, particularly on the bracelet, while the dial remains in beautiful condition. The movement has been serviced and is performing exceptionally well, running approximately between -1 and +1 seconds per day. Dial and Hands The dial is the highlight of this timepiece, featuring a vertically brushed gold-tone finish that plays beautifully with the light. It showcases a unique layout with the applied "RADO" logo at the 9 o'clock position and the "Conway" model name at 3 o'clock. At 12 o'clock sits the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo on a red background, a beloved feature of the brand's automatic watches. The most striking feature is the vertical day-date window at 6 o'clock, framed in gold, which adds perfect vertical symmetry. The baton indices and hands are finished in gold and black, ensuring excellent legibility against the radiant background. Case and Crystal The oversized 39mm tonneau-shaped case offers a substantial and modern presence on the wrist. It is gold-plated with a stainless steel caseback. The case shows normal vintage wear with some softening of the edges and plating wear, particularly on the sharp angles, which contributes to its authentic vintage character. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor symbol. The crystal is clear and presents well, allowing an unobstructed view of the detailed dial. Movement Powering this watch is the reliable Swiss ETA 2789-1 automatic movement, a workhorse caliber known for its durability. The movement is clean and features 17 jewels. It has been serviced, tested, and is currently running within incredible tolerances, showing -1 to +1 seconds per day on the timegrapher, which indicates a very healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch comes fitted with its original Rado integrated stainless steel bracelet with gold-plated center links. The clasp is signed with the Rado logo and features an extension mechanism. The bracelet shows significant fading to the gold plating, giving it a distinctive two-tone appearance that matches the vintage feel of the watch head. It is sized to fit a wrist of approximately 19cm. Condition This piece is in good vintage condition. While the case and bracelet show visible signs of wear and plating loss typical for a watch of this era, the dial remains crisp and attractive. The mechanics are the standout feature here, with the movement operating at near-chronometer accuracy levels. It is an honest, unpolished example that wears its history proudly. Dimensions The case measures 39 mm in width excluding the crown, making it a larger wearing watch for the vintage era. The integrated lug design creates a seamless flow from case to bracelet. Remarks The Rado Conway represents a specific moment in horological history when manufacturers were experimenting with dial layouts and case shapes. The vertical day-date configuration is becoming increasingly sought after by collectors for its retro-futuristic appeal. Combined with the rotating anchor logo and the oversized case, this watch is a fantastic conversation piece that offers genuine Swiss quality and standout style. History Rado has long been known as a pioneer in materials and design within the Swiss watch industry. Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., the company began selling watches under the Rado brand in the 1950s. By the 1970s, Rado was firmly established as an innovator, creating models like the Conway that pushed away from traditional round cases and standard dial layouts. This specific model utilizes the robust ETA platform but dresses it in Rado's unique design language, making it a durable and stylish artifact of the golden age of mechanical watch design. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RCX-0004