Rado Balboa 74116555 (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A classic example of Rado's innovative material use and bold 1970s design, this Balboa distinguishes itself with a highly scratch-resistant hardmetal case and a striking faceted crystal. The beautiful brown gradient dial provides a distinct visual character that anchors this well-preserved vintage timepiece. Brand: Rado Model: Balboa Reference Number: 74116555 Movement: Automatic ETA caliber 2824 Dial: Brown gradient with vertical brushed texture Case Size: 36mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Hardmetal / Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -1-5s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The striking brown gradient dial features a vertical brushed texture and remains very clean, displaying excellent preservation. Its applied faceted indices are bright and intact, complementing the crisp printed text that shows no visible loss. The signature rotating anchor logo is present on the dial. The original hands display honest age-related oxidation, with visible spotting on the surface of the hour and minute hands, while the seconds hand shows minor aging. Case and Crystal Characterized by its highly scratch-resistant hardmetal construction, the unibody upper case is exceptionally well-preserved with no significant scratches. The case geometry remains sharp and distinct, integrated without a separate bezel. The stainless steel caseback shows minor surface wear and faint engravings. The watch is fitted with a distinctive faceted crystal featuring a flat top and angled sides, remaining very clean with no significant scratches, chips, or cracks visible. The crown is signed with the Rado anchor logo and exhibits well-defined knurling with minor handling wear. Movement Powering the watch is a 25-jewel automatic ETA caliber 2824, clearly stamped near the balance wheel and engraved with Rado and Swiss markings. The movement is generally clean, though some spotting and surface wear are visible on the rotor. The timegrapher records a rate of -1-5s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with its original signed stainless steel multi-link bracelet. The clasp is clearly signed with Rado text and the anchor logo. The bracelet shows moderate surface scratches and normal wear consistent with age, accommodating a maximum wrist fit of 17.5cm. Condition Good vintage condition. The hardmetal upper case and faceted crystal are exceptionally well-preserved, while the textured gradient dial remains beautifully clean. The original hands show visible oxidation and spotting, and the stainless steel caseback and original signed bracelet display moderate surface wear expected from age. The movement exhibits some surface spotting on the rotor but delivers strong performance on the timegrapher. Dimensions 36mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Balboa offers excellent visual appeal through its bold 1970s styling and innovative material construction. The combination of a pristine hardmetal case, an intricate faceted crystal, and strong mechanical performance makes this a compelling addition for collectors of mid-century design. History During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado pioneered the use of unconventional, highly durable materials in watchmaking. The Balboa line perfectly represents this era of innovation, utilizing scratch-resistant hardmetal to maintain a brilliant finish over decades of wear. Paired with the reliable ETA 2824 automatic caliber, a movement celebrated for its durability and precision, this model reflects Rado's commitment to creating distinctive, forward-thinking timepieces that challenged traditional aesthetic norms. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-BXX-0003