Rado - Cape Horn - No reserve price - 11907/1 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage An exceptional example of vintage design language, this Rado Cape Horn perfectly encapsulates the bold and innovative spirit of its era. With its distinctive cushion case and captivating vertically brushed dial, this timepiece offers a masterclass in texture and geometry. Rado's dedication to unique aesthetic details is on full display here, from the iconic rotating anchor logo to the unusual vertical day-date aperture at six o'clock, making it a highly compelling acquisition for the discerning vintage enthusiast. Brand: Rado Model: Cape Horn Reference Number: 11907/1 Serial Number: 376088 Movement: Automatic Caliber 2798 Dial: Vertically brushed champagne dial with applied faceted indices, presenting in stunning, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial is a visual standout, featuring a striking vertically brushed champagne finish that catches the light beautifully. It presents in stunning, exceptionally clean condition, free from distracting spots, moisture marks, or discoloration. The applied gold-tone indices are intricately faceted and feature black central inserts, creating a strong contrast that enhances legibility. Matching gold-tone baton hands with black inserts sweep across the dial, maintaining excellent visual harmony. At twelve o'clock, the signature Rado rotating anchor logo sits over a vibrant red background, while the applied Rado typography rests proudly at nine o'clock. A distinctive vertical day-date aperture is positioned at six o'clock, perfectly balancing the dial's unique geometry. Case and Crystal The 37 mm cushion-shaped case is rendered in a warm gold tone, showcasing a robust and definitively retro silhouette. The case exhibits honest signs of wear, with surface scratches and minor handling marks visible along the polished bezel and brushed flanks, remaining entirely consistent with its vintage age and unpolished character. The signed crown, bearing the Rado anchor, operates smoothly. Turning the watch over reveals a stainless steel screw-down caseback, deeply engraved with the iconic Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion, reference number 11907/1, and serial number 376088. The dial is protected by a thick, domed acrylic crystal that remains clear and well-preserved, offering an undistorted view of the dial beneath. Movement Powering this Cape Horn is the Rado Caliber 2798, a 25-jewel automatic movement that presents beautifully in the macro photography. The gold-finished plates and brushed rotor are clean and well-maintained, bearing the proper Rado signatures and caliber stamps. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher records an impressive +7 to +10 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with a striking black textured leather strap, featuring a prominent diamond-scale pattern and heavy gold contrast stitching that perfectly complements the gold tones of the case and dial. Condition This timepiece is graded in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undisputed highlight, remaining crisp, clean, and remarkably preserved. The case shows moderate, honest vintage wear with superficial surface marks, but retains its structural integrity and bold shape. The caseback engravings remain sharp and highly legible. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a substantial yet incredibly comfortable presence on the wrist thanks to its lugless cushion profile. Remarks The Cape Horn is a fantastic representation of Rado's daring design philosophy. Finding an example with a dial in such pristine condition, paired with a strong-running movement, presents a wonderful opportunity for collectors of distinctive vintage Swiss watchmaking. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado initially operated as the Schlup and Co. clockwork factory before launching watches under the Rado name in the 1950s. The brand quickly gained a reputation for unconventional designs and an early focus on robust materials. The Cape Horn line emerged during a period when Rado was aggressively experimenting with case shapes and dial layouts, cementing the brand's legacy as a pioneer of bold, avant-garde horology that remains highly collectible today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-CHX-0002