Rado - Conway ETA Caliber 2789-1 - No reserve price - 3008 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The 1970s was an era of bold experimentation in watchmaking, and Rado embraced this period with distinctive case shapes and unconventional dial layouts. The Conway model perfectly captures this design ethos, combining a robust cushion case with a highly unusual vertical day and date aperture. Complete with the brand's signature rotating anchor logo, this timepiece offers a fantastic blend of reliable Swiss mechanics and striking retro aesthetics, making it a highly compelling acquisition for vintage enthusiasts. Brand: Rado Model: Conway Reference Number: 3008 Serial Number: 3081281 Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2789-1 Dial: Silver sunburst dial with vertical day-date, applied indices, and crisp typography; exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 39 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial is a superb example of mid-century design, featuring a radiant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully from the center outward. It is adorned with applied, faceted baton indices that feature black central channels, providing excellent legibility and visual depth. At twelve o'clock sits the iconic applied Rado anchor logo, set within a crimson circle, while the applied Rado text and distinctive Conway typography flank the center. The most striking feature is the vertical day and date aperture positioned at six o'clock, framed by a stepped metallic window that adds architectural interest to the dial. The dial is in stunning vintage condition, remaining exceptionally clean with no visible moisture marks, spotting, surface damage, or print loss. The handset consists of matching baton hour and minute hands with black inserts, accompanied by a slender sweeping seconds hand, all showing light, even aging consistent with the era. Case and Crystal The 39 mm stainless steel cushion case exemplifies the robust and dynamic architecture of the 1970s. The case features brushed upper surfaces that contrast smoothly with the polished flanks, separated by distinct transitions. The watch exhibits honest signs of wear, including light surface scratches and handling marks, but retains strong geometry without heavy polishing. The original Rado crown, signed with the anchor emblem, is present and well-preserved. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the iconic Rado twin seahorse medallion, the reference number 3008, and the serial number 3081281. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, remaining clear and offering undistorted views of the vintage display beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust Swiss-made ETA Caliber 2789-1 automatic movement, customized by Rado. The movement presents cleanly, with the rotor handsomely engraved with Rado and 17 Jewels Swiss in gold typography. The caliber designation is clearly stamped beneath the balance wheel, confirming its mechanical pedigree. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher records a deviation of -20 to -25 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet. The folding clasp is prominently stamped with the Rado name and anchor logo, confirming its authenticity. The bracelet exhibits normal vintage stretch and surface wear consistent with its age, accommodating a wrist size of up to 19.5 cm comfortably. Condition This Rado Conway is in excellent vintage condition. The case remains structurally sharp with honest, superficial wear indicative of normal use over the decades. The dial is the absolute standout feature, exhibiting remarkable preservation without the spotting or degradation often found in watches of this age. The hands and applied dial furniture are crisp, and the mechanical components are well-preserved. Dimensions The case width measures 39 mm excluding the crown. The bracelet accommodates a wrist size of up to 19.5 cm. Remarks The Rado Conway stands out with its unusual vertical day-date layout and classic cushion case, offering genuine vintage charm and reliable daily wearability. The rotating anchor logo and the crisp silver sunburst dial remain delightful conversation pieces for collectors of unique 1970s horology. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland in 1917 as Schlup & Co., the company officially launched the Rado brand in the 1950s. Rado quickly became synonymous with innovative case designs, durable materials, and water-resistant architectures. During the 1970s, the brand released a plethora of distinctively shaped models. The Conway perfectly captured the bold, experimental aesthetic of the decade, utilizing dependable Swiss automatic calibers while pushing the boundaries of traditional dial layouts. Today, these vintage pieces are celebrated for their undeniable character and robust build quality. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RCX-0020