Rado - Manhattan - No reserve price - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Discover this iconic piece of late 1960s design, the Rado Manhattan. Renowned for its bold, architectural lines and innovative engineering, the Manhattan is a definitive statement of the era's funkier aesthetic combined with serious Swiss watchmaking. This example features the classic "TV screen" case shape, a wide and substantial profile that wears impressively on the wrist. The silver brushed dial, complete with Rado's signature rotating anchor logo and distinctive day-date display, remains a striking focal point. A true collector's favorite, this timepiece embodies the daring spirit of vintage Rado. Brand: Rado Model: Manhattan Movement: Automatic Dial: Silver brushed with day-date complication Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher testing indicates the movement is running between +25 and +31 seconds per day, which is an acceptable range for a vintage mechanism of this age. Dial and Hands The silver dial features a subtle horizontal brushed finish that plays beautifully with the light, preserved in excellent condition with minimal signs of aging. It is adorned with tall, applied block indices that add depth to the face. The signature Rado anchor at 9 o'clock rotates freely against a red background, a beloved quirk of the brand's automatic models. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The baton-style hands are fitted with black inlays for contrast, remaining clean and legible. Case and Crystal The substantial stainless steel case measures 38 mm in width, a size that offers significant wrist presence due to its square "TV" shape. The case is in honest vintage condition, showing visible scratches and surface marks throughout the bezel and case sides consistent with age and use. The caseback features the detailed "Water Sealed" seahorse medallion, a testament to the Manhattan's innovative snap-back waterproof design of the period. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor. The acrylic crystal has a high profile and shows some light surface marks. Movement Powered by a Swiss automatic movement, this watch offers the convenience of self-winding technology. The day and date functions add practical utility to the vintage charm. The watch is functioning and running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching, which complements the sporty yet dressy nature of the square case. The strap is in good condition and ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case shows evident signs of cosmetic wear, including scratches and scuffs typical of a watch that has been enjoyed over the decades, the structural integrity remains strong. The dial is the highlight, remaining crisp and attractive. Dimensions With a width of 38 mm excluding the crown, the square geometry makes this watch wear larger than a traditional round case of the same diameter, offering a bold and modern stance on the wrist. Remarks The Rado Manhattan is a cult classic among vintage enthusiasts, celebrated for its unique case construction and unmistakable design language. This example, with its clean dial and honest case character, represents a wonderful opportunity to own a piece of Rado's golden era. History Introduced in the mid-1960s, the Rado Manhattan was a significant technical achievement. It was one of the first square watches to offer substantial water resistance, utilizing a complex "super sealed" snap-back case design. This model helped cement Rado's reputation for challenging conventional shapes and focusing on durability, paving the way for the brand's future innovations in materials and design. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0019