Rado - Voyager - No reserve price - 11814 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Voyager reference 11814 is a distinctive example of 1970s watch design, characterized by its bold cushion case and the model's signature vertical day-date display at the six o'clock position. Combining a classic silver sunburst dial with Rado's iconic rotating anchor logo, this timepiece captures the funky yet functional aesthetic of the era in a robust stainless steel package. Brand: Rado Model: Voyager Reference Number: 11814 Movement: Automatic Caliber AS 1876 Dial: Silver sunburst with vertical day-date Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear consistent with its age, particularly on the case surfaces, while the dial remains well-preserved. Timegrapher results show a rate of +50 to +56 seconds per day, which indicates a decent movement running within vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the highlight of this timepiece, featuring a vertically brushed texture that catches the light beautifully. Thick applied block indices with black accents provide excellent legibility and depth. The signature Rado anchor logo sits on a purple background at the 12 o'clock position and rotates freely. At 6 o'clock, the unique vertical day and date window—a hallmark of the Voyager line—adds a distinct asymmetrical charm. The baton-style hands match the indices perfectly, showing minimal aging. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a tonneau or cushion shape typical of the period, with a mix of polished and brushed surfaces. The case shows visible surface scratches and scuffs throughout, consistent with honest vintage use, but retains its original architectural lines without signs of over-polishing. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor. The screw-down caseback features the famous Rado "Water-Sealed" three-seahorse emblem, which remains deep and crisp. The acrylic crystal shows some handling marks and light wear. Movement Powering the watch is the reliable Swiss automatic Caliber AS 1876, a robust movement often used by Rado during this era. The gold-toned rotor spins freely, and the movement appears clean. Timegrapher testing indicates a daily rate of approximately +50 to +56 seconds, offering reliable vintage performance for a mechanical watch of this age. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching, which complements the sporty nature of the steel case. The strap is in very good condition and is paired with a stainless steel pin buckle, making the watch ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the steel case exhibits scratches and contact marks typical of a watch that has been enjoyed over several decades, there are no major dents or structural issues. The dial is remarkably clean, contrasting well with the patina on the case. Dimensions With a case width of 36 mm excluding the crown, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, offering a classic mid-size presence that works well for various wrist sizes. The cushion shape gives it a slightly larger visual impact than a traditional round case of the same diameter. Remarks The Rado Voyager is a testament to the brand's willingness to experiment with layout and design. The vertical day-date alignment is a conversation starter and a feature rarely seen in modern horology. This specific reference 11814 combines that unique complication with a durable steel construction, making it a perfect entry point for collectors of quirky vintage Swiss watches. This watch is powered with automatic winding, and does not support manual wind. History Rado, originally founded as Schlup & Co. in 1917, began selling watches under the Rado brand name in the 1950s. While famous for their scratch-proof tungsten carbide DiaStar models, Rado also produced high-quality stainless steel models like the Voyager series. The Voyager line was designed for the active wearer, emphasizing water resistance and automatic winding, and became a staple of Rado's catalog throughout the 1960s and 1970s. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RVX-0002