Rado - Balboa - No reserve price - Caliber ETA 2797 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Balboa represents a captivating era of avant-garde horological design, defined by bold geometric forms and pioneering materials. Born from an age where watchmakers experimented with futuristic aesthetics, this piece perfectly encapsulates the space-age charm of the 1970s. With its highly reflective hardmetal case and dramatic faceted crystal, it offers a striking visual presence on the wrist, appealing to collectors who appreciate unconventional and historically significant design language. Brand: Rado Model: Balboa Movement: Automatic, Caliber ETA 2797 Dial: Vertically brushed silver with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Hardmetal (Tungsten Carbide) and Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably preserved case and pristine dial Dial and Hands The dial features a striking vertical brushed silver finish that interacts dynamically with the light, creating a sophisticated textured backdrop. It is adorned with applied, faceted gold-tone indices featuring contrasting black central inserts, perfectly matching the design of the faceted gold-tone baton hands. At the twelve o'clock position, the signature Rado rotating anchor logo provides a touch of kinetic visual interest, seated above the applied Rado typography. A framed date aperture at three o'clock displays the date in bold red numerals, while a crisp black outer minute track frames the display. The dial is exceptionally clean, showing no visible spots, stains, moisture marks, or print loss, presenting an immaculate and highly attractive vintage aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 34mm case exhibits the distinctive, shield-like oval profile characteristic of the Balboa line. Crafted from highly polished, scratch-resistant hardmetal, the upper case retains a flawless, mirror-like finish with razor-sharp architectural edges and no significant signs of wear. The watch is fitted with a dramatic faceted crystal, featuring steeply angled geometric edges that frame the dial and create captivating optical distortions characteristic of Rado's design ethos. The crystal is clear and well-preserved. The gold-tone crown is correctly signed with the Rado anchor emblem. The stainless steel caseback features a unique octagonal faceted design, securing the movement within. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made automatic caliber, clearly stamped 2797 under the balance wheel, corresponding to an ETA base movement. The gold-plated movement features 25 jewels and a rotor elegantly signed with the Rado name. The movement components, including the base plate stamped with the numbers 212, appear meticulously clean and well-maintained. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher results indicate a performance of -15 to -17 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on a period correct stainless steel folded link bracelet with two-tone gold-plated center elements, seamlessly complementing the dial furniture and overall case design. The bracelet accommodates a wrist size of up to 19cm. Condition This Rado is in excellent vintage condition. The hardmetal case is remarkably preserved, retaining its flawless mirror polish and sharp lines, a testament to the durability of the material. The dial is pristine, free from any visible aging or spotting. The faceted crystal is in excellent shape, and the movement is running strongly with impressive timegrapher metrics. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 19 cm Remarks The Rado Balboa is a quintessential example of 1970s watchmaking, combining virtually indestructible materials with a daring, highly faceted design. Its exceptional state of preservation and striking light-catching elements make it a standout piece for any collector of vintage avant-garde timepieces. History Rado revolutionized the watch industry in the mid-twentieth century by pioneering the use of ultra-durable, scratch-resistant materials like hardmetal. The Balboa line, alongside the famous DiaStar, showcased this innovative approach, pairing incredibly resilient cases with highly faceted crystals to create watches that looked perpetually new. These models embodied a futuristic vision of horology, securing Rado's legacy as the master of materials and unconventional design. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-BXX-0001