Rado - Balboa Debut - No reserve price - K 740245 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This highly distinctive Rado Balboa Debut is a sought-after collector favourite, defined by its striking multi-faceted crystal and bold shield-shaped geometry. The scratch-resistant hard metal case and pristine vertically brushed gold-tone dial beautifully represent Rado's daring 1970s design language, offering a captivating presence on the wrist. Brand: Rado Model: Balboa Debut Reference Number: K 740245 Movement: ETA 2824 automatic, 25 jewels Dial: Gold-tone vertical brushed with red date Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Hard Metal / Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: +20+23s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The gold-tone dial features a pronounced vertical brushed finish that creates a dynamic and exceptionally clean backdrop. Applied faceted indices remain in excellent condition, complemented by striking red date numerals at the three o'clock position. Rado's signature rotating anchor logo is present and intact. There is no visible spotting, staining, or print loss on the dial surface. The gold-tone faceted baton hands are sharp and highly legible, with clean surfaces free from visible oxidation or corrosion. Case and Crystal The distinctive shield-shaped case profile showcases excellent preservation and bold 1970s geometry. Its highly polished top surface, characteristic of Rado's hard metal cases, shows minimal wear. The stainless steel caseback bears light surface scratches and clear engravings. A gold-tone crown, signed with the Rado anchor logo, displays some light tarnish and wear to the plating. The watch is fitted with a striking multi-faceted cut crystal that plays beautifully with the light, remaining clear with no major scratches, chips, or crazing visible. Movement Powering the watch is an ETA 2824 base caliber, featuring clear engravings that note the Rado signature, 25 jewels, and Swiss origin. The automatic movement maintains a generally clean appearance with no severe corrosion, though some light surface marks and minor spotting are visible on the rotor and plates. The timegrapher records +20+23s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap The watch is paired with a dark brown leather strap featuring contrast stitching. This casual vintage pairing shows moderate creasing and signs of normal wear. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The watch exhibits beautiful preservation across its major visual components, highlighting the durability of the hard metal case and the clarity of the faceted crystal. The dial and hands remain exceptionally clean, while the caseback, crown, and strap show normal, recorded wear. The movement is running strong and steady. Dimensions 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Balboa Debut offers a fantastic opportunity to acquire a highly distinctive design. The combination of the durable hard metal case, the pristine vertically brushed dial, and the signature multi-faceted crystal make this a compelling addition to any vintage collection. History Rado established a highly specific and successful design language during the 1970s, pioneering the use of unconventional, highly durable materials like hard metal. Models such as the Balboa embraced bold geometric cases and dramatic faceted crystals, setting the brand apart from traditional Swiss manufacturers. The inclusion of reliable automatic movements ensured that these avant-garde designs were backed by robust mechanical performance, making them enduring favorites among vintage enthusiasts today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-BKX-0004