Rado - Lauberhorn - No reserve price - K334977 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Rado Lauberhorn is a striking testament to vintage avant-garde watchmaking, capturing the bold and experimental aesthetic of its era with a heavy, faceted tonneau case and a mesmerizing textured dial. Named after the legendary Swiss Alpine downhill ski race, this model embodies a sporty yet sophisticated character designed to stand out. The brilliant combination of a vibrant green stardust dial and a dynamically faceted crystal creates an incredible visual depth that is highly sought after by collectors of distinctive vintage Swiss timepieces. Brand: Rado Model: Lauberhorn Reference Number: K334977 Serial Number: K334977 Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2824 Dial: Vibrant green textured stardust dial, exceptionally clean with no visible spots or damage Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a pristine dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial of this Lauberhorn is an absolute visual triumph, featuring a vibrant green gradient finish with a distinct, sparkling stardust texture. At twelve o'clock, the dial proudly displays the classic applied Rado anchor logo, set against a deep ruby-colored jewel background. The applied block indices are sharply faceted and feature bright white central channels that harmonize perfectly with the handset. The distinctive "LAUBERHORN" typography is cleanly printed in an elegant serif font above the six o'clock position, while the Rado name is applied in polished metallic letters. A framed date aperture at three o'clock displays the date with a striking red numeral. Carefully assessing the dial reveals an exceptionally clean and well-preserved surface, entirely free of spots, stains, moisture marks, surface damage, or print loss. The steel baton hands remain sharp and brightly preserved, complementing the overall pristine visual state of the watch face. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel tonneau case commands attention with its robust, architectural lines and prominent faceted profile. The upper case surfaces retain a pronounced radial brushing, which transitions cleanly and sharply into the highly polished, steeply sloping flanks. Honest signs of wear, including superficial scratches and light handling marks, are present across the polished surfaces, but they do not detract from the sharp, well-defined appearance of the factory case geometry. The watch is fitted with a highly distinctive faceted crystal featuring strong vertical geometric cuts that refract light beautifully across the green dial. The crystal shows minor wear consistent with its vintage age but remains highly transparent and structurally sound. The original Rado-signed crown features the iconic anchor motif. Securing the movement is a screw-down caseback, crisply engraved with the signature Rado seahorse emblem, "Water Sealed" text, and the K334977 serial stamp. Movement Inside beats a reliable and robust Swiss automatic movement, based on the celebrated ETA Caliber 2824 architecture. The movement is proudly signed by Rado and features 25 jewels, highlighted by a beautifully decorated rotor with a crisp guilloché pattern and gold-filled text. The caliber markings 2824 and 306 are clearly visible on the mainplate, alongside bright ruby jewels and clean metallic surfaces. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +19s to +25s/day. Strap The watch is paired with a highly textured genuine leather strap in a striking red and black mottled pattern. The strap is finished with heavy contrast stitching and a classic stainless steel pin buckle, perfectly complementing the bold, colorful, and unconventional aesthetic of the timepiece. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The heavy steel case retains strong, well-defined geometry with an attractive contrast between its brushed and polished surfaces, displaying only normal vintage wear and light surface marks. The vibrant green dial is stunningly preserved, remaining entirely free of spotting, discoloration, or damage. The faceted crystal adds immense character and remains in highly presentable condition, while the Rado-signed movement is clean and visually excellent. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Lauberhorn is a fantastic representation of mid-century design audacity. Its combination of a uniquely faceted crystal, exceptional green stardust dial texture, and robust steel case makes it a standout piece for any collector who appreciates the bold, unapologetic styling of vintage Rado sports watches. History Rado has long been celebrated for its pioneering approach to watch design, unconventional materials, and robust engineering. During the height of the mid-century watchmaking boom, the brand released numerous highly distinctive models featuring bold case shapes, vibrant dials, and scratch-resistant innovations. The Lauberhorn, named in honor of the historic and grueling Swiss Alpine ski race, reflects the adventurous spirit of the era and Rado's commitment to producing visually arresting timepieces that performed flawlessly under pressure. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RLK-0008