Rado White Colt 625.3139.4 (1970-1979)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado White Colt is a quintessential example of 1970s watch design, combining robust engineering with the eccentric flair that defined the era. Distinguished by its vertical day-date aperture at the six o'clock position, this timepiece offers a unique visual balance that separates it from standard vintage dress watches. With its signature rotating anchor logo and sharp cushion case, this White Colt represents a fantastic opportunity for collectors to acquire a distinctive piece of Swiss horological history that remains stylish and wearable today. Brand: Rado Model: White Colt Reference Number: 625.3139.4 Serial Number: 2541889 Movement: ETA 2789-1 Automatic Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1975 Condition: Excellent vintage condition showing minimal signs of wear with a pristine dial and sharp case lines. Timegrapher results indicate the movement is running within acceptable vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is preserved in remarkable condition, radiating a clean and metallic sheen that catches the light beautifully. The defining feature is the vertical day-date window positioned at six o'clock, a stylistic choice that provides excellent symmetry to the face. The dial features substantial applied baton indices with black inlays, perfectly matching the stick hands. The iconic Rado anchor logo at the 12 o'clock position rotates freely, a beloved quirk of vintage Rado automatics. The lume plots have aged to a warm, creamy tone, consistent with the "T SWISS MADE T" signature at the bottom. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case features a distinctive cushion shape with integrated lugs, typical of the mid-1970s design language. The case geometry remains strong with well-defined edges, showing only light surface scratches commensurate with careful usage. The signed crown features the Rado anchor logo and sits flush against the case. The screw-down caseback is adorned with the intricate Rado tri-seahorse medallion and "Water-Sealed" engraving, with all reference and serial numbers clearly legible. The acrylic crystal is clear and presents well. Movement Powering this timepiece is the reliable ETA 2789-1 automatic caliber, a robust 17-jewel movement that was a workhorse of the Swiss industry during this period. The rotor is signed by Rado, and the movement appears clean and free of oxidation. Based on timegrapher testing, the watch is currently running between +19 and +25 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct stainless steel link bracelet that integrates smoothly with the case design. It features a signed Rado folding clasp with the anchor symbol embossed on the buckle. The bracelet is currently sized to fit a wrist of approximately 19cm comfortably. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is flawless to the naked eye, free from staining or oxidation. The case retains its original finishing with only minor handling marks and hairline scratches that do not detract from the overall aesthetic. The movement winds smoothly, and the quick-set functions for the calendar operate correctly. Dimensions The case measures 36mm in width excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage fit that wears slightly larger due to the cushion case shape. Remarks The Rado White Colt is a conversation starter, primarily due to the vertical calendar layout which was a daring design choice of the 1970s. It combines the durability Rado is known for with an elegant, almost architectural aesthetic. This specific example stands out for its clarity and preservation, making it a superb entry point for collectors looking for a vintage Swiss daily wearer with character. History Rado, founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., began selling watches under the Rado brand in the 1950s and quickly became known for their innovative use of materials and water-resistant designs like the "Horse" collection. The White Colt belongs to this golden era of experimentation where Rado moved away from traditional round cases to embrace the bold, geometric shapes of the 1970s. The brand's use of the rotating anchor logo was intended to indicate when the watch needed service (if the anchor stopped spinning), but today it serves as a charming trademark of their vintage mechanical heritage. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RWC-0001