Rado - Manchester Sapphire - No reserve price - 658134 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Rado is celebrated for its avant-garde designs and innovative use of materials during the mid-century era, and the Manchester Sapphire stands as a striking testament to that legacy. Characterized by its dramatic faceted crystal and distinctive tonneau case, this model captures the bold aesthetic of 1970s watchmaking. The dynamic sunburst dial, coupled with the iconic rotating anchor logo, offers a captivating visual experience that remains highly sought after by vintage enthusiasts today. Brand: Rado Model: Manchester Sapphire Reference Number: 658134 Serial Number: 658134 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 2798, 25 Jewels Dial: Gray sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition with minimal signs of aging Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a beautifully preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Manchester Sapphire is a visual delight, featuring a prominent gray sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light. The dial presents in exceptionally clean condition, free from notable moisture marks, spotting, or significant degradation. It is adorned with applied, highly faceted silver-tone indices featuring white central channels, which perfectly complement the applied Rado text and the signature rotating anchor logo set against a vibrant red background. The elegant white typography for the Manchester Sapphire designation remains crisp and fully intact, as does the distinctive red-numbered date wheel at the three o'clock position. The faceted baton hands are well-preserved, housing original luminous material that has aged to a deep, consistent dark tone. Case and Crystal The stainless steel tonneau case exhibits the bold architectural lines characteristic of the era. The case features a pleasing contrast between the horizontally brushed upper surfaces and the polished case flanks. It remains in good vintage condition, displaying honest signs of wear including light surface scratches and scuffs across the bezel and mid-case, though the overall lug profile and geometry remain strong and unpolished in appearance. The watch retains its original Rado-signed crown, featuring the distinct anchor motif. A defining feature of this model is its dramatic faceted crystal, which presents with multiple angled planes that create captivating optical distortions over the dial. The crystal shows some minor surface wear but remains highly legible and structurally sound. The screw-down caseback clearly displays the Rado seahorse emblem, Water-Sealed text, and deep reference engravings. Movement Inside beats the Rado caliber 2798, a robust 25-jewel Swiss automatic movement. The movement is handsomely finished in a rich gold tone, with clear RADO and 25 JEWELS engravings proudly displayed on the winding rotor. Close inspection reveals the caliber 2798 marking stamped near the balance wheel, confirming its mechanical pedigree. The movement presents cleanly with its components in proper visual order. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +55 to +63 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct style black leather strap, featuring distinctive beige cross-stitching near the lugs and buckle. The strap is supple and complements the robust vintage aesthetic of the stainless steel case, secured by a standard steel pin buckle. Condition Graded as Good vintage condition. The watch exhibits normal, honest wear consistent with its age, including moderate surface scratches on the case and caseback. The dial stands out as exceptionally well-preserved, boasting a clean and vibrant sunburst texture without visible damage. The faceted crystal retains its striking geometry despite light handling marks, and the movement operates faithfully. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Manchester Sapphire represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a mechanically sound and visually striking vintage timepiece. The combination of the faceted crystal, dynamic dial texture, and the iconic rotating anchor makes it a standout addition to any collection focused on unique mid-century designs. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. and later transitioning to the Rado brand in the 1950s, the company quickly built a reputation for pioneering unconventional designs and scratch-resistant materials. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Rado released a series of highly distinctive models that challenged traditional watchmaking aesthetics. The Manchester Sapphire is a prime example of this innovative era, utilizing complex faceted crystals and bold case shapes to create a futuristic and highly durable timepiece that perfectly captured the spirit of its time. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMS-0003