Rado - Balboa Great - No reserve price - K404896 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Rado Balboa Great is a captivating representation of the brand's pioneering approach to horological design during the 1970s. Renowned for their unconventional use of ultra-hard materials and avant-garde aesthetics, Rado created timepieces that were visually striking and built to endure. This specific example perfectly encapsulates that era, combining a mesmerizing stardust dial with a faceted crystal and a highly polished, scratch-resistant case. It is a bold, retro-futuristic statement piece that offers collectors a chance to own a highly distinctive and beautifully preserved slice of vintage Rado history. Brand: Rado Model: Balboa Great Reference Number: K404896 Serial Number: K404896 Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2824 Dial: Taupe stardust textured dial with applied faceted indices, presenting in exceptionally clean and well-preserved condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Tungsten carbide and stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a pristine dial and a sharp, brilliantly polished case Dial and Hands The dial of this Balboa Great is a visual delight, featuring a prominent taupe stardust texture that catches the light beautifully from every angle. It is adorned with applied, highly faceted silver-tone hour markers that complement the intricate geometry of the crystal above. At twelve o'clock sits the iconic free-spinning Rado anchor logo set against a purple background, a signature kinetic detail of the brand. The dial text features a printed Rado logo, with "BALBOA great" and an applied golden "V" emblem positioned above six o'clock. A framed date window at three o'clock displays a striking red numeral. The faceted baton hands are fitted with central luminous strips that show an even, mild vintage aging. Crucially, the dial is in outstanding condition, remaining exceptionally clean and entirely free of moisture marks, spotting, or surface degradation. Case and Crystal The 35 mm cushion-shaped case is defined by its dramatic, highly reflective tungsten carbide upper shroud. This ultra-hard material has done exactly what Rado intended, resisting the scratches of daily wear to maintain a mirror-like factory polish and incredibly sharp geometric drop-offs at the edges. The stainless steel screw-down caseback features the classic Rado seahorse medallion along with the "Water-Sealed" text and the K404896 reference stamping, showing honest, superficial wear consistent with its vintage age. A gold-tone crown is positioned at three o'clock. The watch is fitted with a prominent faceted crystal featuring steeply angled perimeter cuts and a flat center. The crystal remains remarkably clear and crisp, elevating the depth of the dial without any major chips or distracting scratches. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made automatic ETA caliber 2824, featuring 25 jewels and a Rado-signed decorated rotor. The movement presents beautifully in the macro photography, with the 2824 caliber stamp and ETA shield clearly visible beneath the balance wheel. The components appear clean, and the factory engravings remain sharp. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher result reads +70 to +72 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a vintage-style light beige leather strap featuring a unique textured finish and matching perimeter stitching. The strap displays visible signs of use, particularly showing wear along the edges and near the lug ends, but its earthy tone complements the stardust dial wonderfully. Condition This Rado is in excellent vintage condition, standing out due to the exceptional preservation of its dial and the brilliant luster of its tungsten case. The dial is pristine, showing no unwanted spotting or damage. The scratch-resistant upper case is incredibly sharp and reflective, shrugging off decades of handling, while the steel caseback exhibits only normal, age-appropriate surface marks. The faceted crystal is excellently preserved, completing a highly attractive vintage package. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm Remarks A fantastic and highly expressive example of 1970s Rado design. The combination of the scratch-proof case, the dramatic faceted crystal, and the sparkling textured dial creates a wearing experience that is entirely unique to this era of watchmaking. History During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado separated itself from traditional Swiss watchmakers by pioneering the use of unconventional, ultra-durable materials. Following the massive success of the DiaStar line, the brand expanded its use of hardmetal and tungsten carbide into other collections, including the Balboa. These watches were designed to look as pristine decades later as they did on the day they were purchased. By pairing these futuristic, scratch-resistant cases with bold faceted crystals and exotic dial materials, Rado cemented its reputation as a fearless innovator in watch design, leaving a legacy of highly collectible, retro-chic timepieces. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-BKX-0002