Rado - McKinley - No reserve price - 244604 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A striking example of Rado's adventurous 1970s design language, the McKinley features a robust cushion case and distinctive red accents that capture the era's bold aesthetic. This timepiece combines the brand's signature rotating anchor with a legible, mountaineering-inspired layout, making it a standout collectible for vintage enthusiasts. Brand: Rado Model: McKinley Serial Number: 244604 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with red accents Case Size: 39 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents very well with a sharp case and a pristine dial, showing only minor evidence of age and handling consistent with a well-preserved piece. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in exceptional condition, preserving a bright and reflective finish. It features substantial applied faceted block indices that catch the light beautifully. A signature Rado rotating anchor logo sits below the 12 o'clock position on a ruby-red background, adding a dynamic element to the face. The baton-style hands are uniquely detailed with bold red stripes running through their centers, matching the red date numerals displayed in the framed window at 3 o'clock. The "McKINLEY" text is crisp and distinct above the 6 o'clock position. Case and Crystal The generous 39mm stainless steel case features a distinctive cushion or TV-screen shape typical of the 1970s. The case lines remain strong, with the brushed top surfaces and polished beveled edges providing excellent contrast. There are visible surface handling marks and light scratches on the polished bezel areas, but no signs of heavy abuse. The screw-down caseback features the iconic Rado three-seahorse "Water-Sealed" medallion and engravings which remain deep and legible. The crystal is a high-dome acrylic that is clear and presents well. Movement Powered by a reliable Swiss automatic movement with 25 jewels, the mechanism features a gold-toned rotor signed by Rado. The movement appears clean and free of oxidation. Timegrapher readings show approximately +50 to +57 seconds per day, indicating a functioning mechanical movement that is running actively. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel flat-link bracelet, which complements the case design perfectly. It features a Rado-signed folding clasp with an embossed anchor logo. The bracelet is in good condition with moderate stretch and surface wear consistent with the case. It fits a wrist circumference of approximately 18.5 cm. Condition This vintage Rado McKinley is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is nearly flawless, which is rare for watches of this age. The case shows honest wear with superficial scratches but retains its original geometry and finishing. The movement is running strong. Overall, it is a very attractive example of Rado's mid-century creativity. Dimensions The case measures 39 mm in width excluding the crown, offering a substantial presence on the wrist due to the square cushion geometry. The bracelet is sized to fit a wrist up to approximately 18.5 cm. Remarks The Rado McKinley is a less common model in the Rado vintage lineup, named to evoke the rugged spirit of mountain exploration. Its combination of the oversized cushion case, the specific red-striped handset, and the red date wheel gives it a sporty yet sophisticated character. This specific reference 244604 stands out for its cohesive design and excellent preservation, representing a fantastic entry point into the world of funky 1970s horology. History Rado, founded as Schlup & Co. in 1917, began selling watches under the Rado brand in the 1950s. They quickly established themselves as pioneers in materials and design, most famously with the scratch-proof Diastar in 1962. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Rado experimented with unconventional case shapes and bold dial designs, often incorporating the fun, rotating anchor logo which was meant to signal when the movement might need service (if the anchor stopped spinning). The McKinley sits within this golden era of experimentation, showcasing the brand's commitment to distinctive style and Swiss engineering. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0039