Rado Golden Sabre 11044 (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of 1970s design daringness, presenting a Rado Golden Sabre with a mesmerizing bronze sunburst dial. The watch stands out immediately due to its rich, warm dial tones which contrast beautifully against the cold, architectural lines of the stainless steel cushion case. A true collector's piece, this Golden Sabre features the quirky and desirable "crossed swords" logo and the brand's signature rotating anchor at the 12 o'clock position, making it a lively and engaging timepiece on the wrist. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Sabre Reference Number: 11044 Serial Number: 41750684 Movement: Automatic ETA 2783 Dial: Sunburst Bronze Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with timegrapher results showing reliable daily rate (+16 to +22s/day), indicating a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The dial is the absolute highlight of this timepiece, featuring a vertically brushed sunburst finish in a deep bronze or cognac hue that catches the light dynamically. It features thick, applied silver baton indices that add depth to the face. The signature Rado anchor logo on a red background rotates freely, a charming characteristic of the brand's automatic models. Above the 6 o'clock position, the "Golden Sabre" text is accompanied by the applied crossed swords emblem. Uniquely, the date window at 3 o'clock displays the date in striking red numerals against a white background, framed in silver, which provides a vivid pop of color. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case features a tonneau or cushion shape typical of the era, with a distinct hooded lug design. The case finishing is sophisticated, combining vertically brushed top surfaces with high-polished sides, creating a sharp transition that emphasizes the geometry of the watch. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor. The screw-down caseback is adorned with the deeply embossed Rado Seahorse medallion and "Water Sealed" text, retaining excellent definition. Movement Powering the watch is a gold-plated automatic movement, identified as the robust ETA caliber 2783. The rotor is signed "RADO 25 JEWELS." The movement is clean and visually impressive, offering reliable vintage performance. Timegrapher testing indicates the watch is running between +16 and +22 seconds per day, which is a very healthy amplitude for a vintage mechanism of this age. Strap The watch comes fitted on its original Rado signed stainless steel bracelet. The clasp features the embossed Seahorse logo, matching the caseback. The bracelet fits a wrist size of approximately 17.5cm. It complements the integrated look of the case perfectly, maintaining the seamless 1970s aesthetic. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved with no visible staining or damage. The case retains its original geometry with sharp lines between the brushed and polished sections, showing only minor surface wear consistent with careful usage. The acrylic crystal is clear. The movement is running strong and functioning correctly. Dimensions The case measures 36mm in width excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage presence that wears slightly larger due to the cushion case shape. The bracelet accommodates a wrist circumference of up to 17.5cm. Remarks The Rado Golden Sabre is a less common model than the Diastar or Voyager, making it a sought-after piece for Rado collectors. The combination of the bronze dial, the red date wheel, and the crossed swords logo makes this specific example particularly attractive. It represents a fantastic entry point into eccentric Swiss vintage design. History Rado has long been known as a pioneer in materials and design, often favoring unconventional case shapes and high-tech approach long before other Swiss brands caught up. The Golden Sabre was part of Rado's expansive lineup in the late 1960s and 1970s, an era where the brand solidified its reputation for creating "water sealed" watches with distinctive, futuristic aesthetics that have aged remarkably well. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGS-0002