Rado - Alpineum - No reserve price - 11018 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage Presented for collectors is a striking example of 1970s Swiss horology, the Rado Alpineum. Characterized by its distinctive C-shape case and the brand's iconic rotating anchor emblem, this timepiece perfectly encapsulates the bold design language of its era. With a beautifully textured dial that has aged with unique character and a robust ETA-based automatic movement beating within, this Alpineum offers a compelling blend of vintage aesthetics and reliable mechanical performance, making it a fascinating addition to any vintage enthusiast's collection. Brand: Rado Model: Alpineum Reference Number: 11018 Serial Number: 39623902 Movement: Automatic ETA 2824, 25 Jewels Dial: Dark grey textured dial showing prominent oxidation on the applied brand logo Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and distinct localized dial aging Dial and Hands The dial presents a captivating dark grey surface characterized by a heavy, stardust-like texture that catches the light beautifully. At the 12 o'clock position sits the signature Rado rotating anchor, featuring a silver anchor motif against a red background. Below this, the applied metallic "RADO" script exhibits significant oxidation, surface degradation, and spotting, presenting a distinct wabi-sabi character that must be noted by collectors. The faceted baton hour markers feature white central inserts, coordinating perfectly with the straight baton hands, which show mild, age-consistent spotting. A framed date aperture at 3 o'clock displays striking red numerals, adding a welcome pop of color. The printed white "ALPINEUM" and "SWISS MADE" typography remain exceptionally crisp and fully intact against the textured backdrop. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case utilizes a classic 1970s cushion profile, retaining strong, well-defined architectural lines. The case showcases a handsome contrast between the radially brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished flanks. Honest signs of vintage wear, including superficial surface scratches and minor handling marks, are visible upon close inspection, consistent with regular use over the decades. The original crown is sharply signed with the Rado anchor emblem. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down caseback in excellent condition, featuring the deeply engraved Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion alongside crisp reference and serial numbers. The crystal remains clear, providing an unobstructed view of the textured dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust 25-jewel automatic movement, clearly identifiable by the ETA shield and 2824 caliber stamp visible beneath the balance wheel. The Rado-signed rotor features an attractive engine-turned grid pattern, while the movement components display a generally clean appearance with only minor age-related spotting on the rotor surface. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher results indicate a strong performance of +14s to +18s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. This combination perfectly complements the monochrome tones of the dial and the bright steel case, ensuring a comfortable and stylish presence on the wrist. Condition This Rado Alpineum is presented in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case remains robust with sharp factory lines and honest surface wear consistent with its age. The dial's textured surface is visually striking, though collectors should carefully note the heavy oxidation and aging present on the applied Rado logo. The hands and indices show appropriate mild aging. The caseback medallion remains exceptionally crisp, and the movement is running with impressive precision. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This timepiece offers a fantastic opportunity to acquire a distinctive piece of Rado's mid-century catalog. The Alpineum perfectly balances quirky 1970s design elements with highly reliable Swiss mechanics. The localized aging on the dial logo adds a unique, unrepeatable character to an otherwise strongly preserved and mechanically excellent vintage watch. History Rado has long been celebrated in the Swiss watchmaking industry for its avant-garde case designs and pioneering approach to aesthetics. Rising to prominence in the mid-20th century, the brand became synonymous with durable, water-sealed cases and the iconic rotating anchor logo, which signaled the presence of an automatic movement. The Alpineum model captures the essence of Rado's 1970s design philosophy, combining robust ETA-based mechanical calibers with distinctive, space-age styling cues that continue to captivate vintage watch collectors today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-AXX-0003