Rado - Silver Sabre - No reserve price - 41690535 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Silver Sabre is a striking testament to 1970s avant-garde watchmaking, perfectly encapsulating an era of bold geometric experimentation. With its distinctive tonneau case, highly faceted crystal, and intricately textured crosshatch dial, this timepiece offers a dramatic and dynamic presence on the wrist. Powered by a robust ETA-based automatic movement and featuring Rado's signature rotating anchor logo, this Silver Sabre represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a highly characterful and well-preserved vintage Swiss watch. Brand: Rado Model: Silver Sabre Reference Number: 41690535 Movement: Automatic Caliber ETA 2797 Dial: Grey crosshatch textured dial with applied indices, showing excellent preservation with warm pumpkin lume patina and minor age-related micro-spotting Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a beautifully preserved textured dial Dial and Hands The dial is an absolute focal point, featuring a captivating grey crosshatch or linen-style texture that plays beautifully with the light. The typography is precise, with applied silver-tone "RADO" lettering and printed sans-serif "SILVER SABRE" and "T SWISS MADE T" text. The dial furniture is highly detailed, boasting faceted applied steel baton indices with black inserts, complemented by the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo set against a vibrant pinkish-red background. Below the center pinion rests an applied crossed sabres and shield emblem. The original tritium luminous pips at the outer edge of the indices and the fill within the baton hands have aged evenly to a highly attractive, warm pumpkin or mustard patina. Under macro inspection, the dial is in excellent vintage condition, showing only minor, scattered age-related micro-spotting that does not detract from its incredibly clean and attractive overall appearance. A striking red date wheel at the three o'clock position adds a final touch of contrast. Case and Crystal The 34 mm stainless steel tonneau case features a hooded lug design that creates a seamless integration with the bracelet. The case retains strong geometry, showcasing a horizontally brushed upper surface that transitions cleanly into polished case flanks. The lug profile remains well-defined, exhibiting normal, honest signs of wear including light surface scratches and handling marks consistent with a vintage timepiece of this decade. The crown is correctly signed with the Rado anchor emblem. The screw-down stainless steel caseback is clearly stamped with the Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion and the reference number 41690535. The watch is fitted with a highly distinctive faceted acrylic crystal. While the crystal shows some minor edge wear and light surface scratches upon close inspection, it remains clear and provides a mesmerizing optical distortion over the textured dial beneath it. Movement Powering this Silver Sabre is a beautifully finished, gold-plated automatic movement, based on the reliable ETA Caliber 2797. The movement is visibly stamped with "2797" and "305" under the balance wheel, and the rotor features an elegant engine-turned perlage pattern signed "RADO 25 JEWELS". The mechanism presents very cleanly in the provided images. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of -10 to -15 seconds per day, highlighting the outstanding health and exceptional precision of this caliber. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel flat-link bracelet, completing the integrated 1970s aesthetic. The folding clasp is prominently stamped with the Rado logo and brand name. The bracelet shows moderate stretch and surface wear typical of its age, remaining secure and comfortable. It is currently sized to accommodate a wrist up to 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case and bracelet display honest, age-consistent wear without any severe impacts or deep gouges. The faceted crystal retains its dramatic shape despite minor surface marks. The true highlight is the dial, which has been beautifully preserved, showcasing an intact texture and highly desirable, even lume patina alongside only the mildest signs of vintage aging. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 17.5 cm Remarks The Rado Silver Sabre is a quintessential example of 1970s design language, combining unconventional textures with robust Swiss mechanics. The interplay between the faceted crystal, the textured dial, and the vibrant red accents makes this a visually arresting piece. It is a highly collectible reference that offers immense vintage charm and daily wearability. History Rado has long been celebrated for its fearless approach to watch design and its pioneering use of unusual materials and case shapes. During the late 1960s and 1970s, the brand released a series of highly distinctive models that pushed the boundaries of traditional aesthetics. The Silver Sabre emerged during this creative peak, utilizing faceted crystals and textured dials to catch the eye, while relying on proven ETA automatic movements to ensure lasting reliability. The signature rotating anchor logo on the dial was introduced as a visual indicator of the automatic winding rotor within, a quirky and beloved feature that remains a cornerstone of Rado's heritage today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RSS-0006