Rado Cape Horn 11908 (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A classic 1970s Rado Cape Horn featuring a striking vertically brushed silver dial and its original signed mesh bracelet. This timepiece pairs distinctive cushion-case geometry with Rado's signature rotating anchor logo and a vibrant red date display, offering a highly recognizable and well-preserved vintage aesthetic. Brand: Rado Model: Cape Horn Reference Number: 11908 Serial Number: 4521916 Movement: Automatic caliber 200, 25 jewels Dial: Silver vertically brushed with applied faceted indices, rotating anchor logo, and red date display Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +19+22s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The dial is striking and well-preserved, showcasing a beautiful silver vertically brushed finish free from any significant spotting or damage. It features applied chunky faceted indices detailed with black accents, perfectly complementing the steel baton hands which also carry black central inserts. The hands are original and matching, showing only light oxidation and aging visible under magnification. A vibrant red date display sits at the three o'clock position, while Rado's signature rotating anchor logo, set against a red background, provides a distinctive focal point. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a polished cushion-style design with an integrated bezel that flows naturally into the main architecture. It exhibits honest vintage wear, with light surface scratches and scuffs consistent with normal use, though the edges remain generally well-defined. The watch is fitted with its correct crown, which displays defined knurling and is signed with the Rado anchor logo. Covering the dial is a domed acrylic crystal, remaining clear while showing some light surface scratches visible in reflections. Movement Inside the case is a gold-plated automatic movement, identified by engravings as a 25-jewel caliber 200. The mechanism presents a clean overall appearance with an intact, signed rotor and no obvious corrosion. The timegrapher records a rate of +19+22s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap The watch is fitted with its original signed stainless steel mesh bracelet, a period correct and matching companion to the cushion case. The clasp is clearly signed with the Rado name and anchor logo, showing normal signs of use and light scuffing consistent with the rest of the timepiece. Condition Good vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with a striking and well-preserved dial that remains free of significant damage. The polished cushion case and original mesh bracelet show honest wear, including light surface scratches and scuffs expected from a 1970s timepiece, but retain their structural integrity and defined edges. The acrylic crystal has some light reflective scratches, and the matching hands show minor oxidation under magnification. The clean automatic movement is running strong and steady, as supported by the timegrapher results. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Cape Horn offers a highly attractive combination of 1970s design elements, highlighted by its vertically brushed dial and vibrant red accents. Retaining its original signed mesh bracelet and signature rotating anchor logo, it is a charismatic and ready-to-wear vintage Rado. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado built a reputation in the mid-twentieth century for bold designs and distinctive case architectures. During the 1970s, models like the Cape Horn exemplified the era's adventurous styling, utilizing cushion cases, vibrant dial accents, and substantial bracelets. The rotating anchor logo on the dial became a famous hallmark of Rado's automatic watches, originally designed to pivot freely as a visual indicator of the mechanical winding system within. Today, these expressive vintage models represent a fascinating chapter of Swiss watch design. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-CHX-0003