Rado - Cornell - No reserve price - 11916/1 - Men - 1970-1979

Available now on auction by Second Vintage The Rado Cornell stands as a testament to the brand's bold design language of the 1970s, combining robust case architecture with distinctive dial elements. Known for their innovative approach to watchmaking, Rado consistently delivered timepieces that merged durability with unmistakable style. This Cornell model features the iconic rotating anchor logo and a beautifully preserved charcoal dial, offering collectors a chance to own a characterful and reliable vintage Swiss automatic that captures the essence of its era. Brand: Rado Model: Cornell Reference Number: 11916/1 Movement: Automatic, ETA Caliber 2783, 25 Jewels Dial: Charcoal grey with applied indices, exceptionally clean surface with noticeable oxidation on the handset Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with authentic wear and strong mechanical performance Dial and Hands The charcoal grey dial is remarkably well-preserved, featuring a subtle finish that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied block indices featuring white center stripes, complemented by a crisp white printed minute track. The signature applied Rado anchor logo sits proudly below twelve o'clock against a red background, alongside the applied Rado text. The date aperture at three o'clock displays striking red numerals. The faceted baton hands show visible signs of aging and oxidation across their metal surfaces, adding an honest vintage character to the watch, while the dial surface itself remains exceptionally clean and free of significant blemishes, staining, or spotting. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel cushion case showcases the robust and bold styling typical of 1970s Rado designs. The case features entirely polished surfaces that display honest, age-consistent scratches and minor handling marks throughout, indicative of regular wear over the decades without heavy polishing. The original crown is correctly signed with the Rado anchor logo. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado Water Sealed seahorses emblem and the reference number 11916/1, remaining highly legible despite some surface scratches. The watch is fitted with a thick domed acrylic crystal that presents clearly, offering an undistorted view of the dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is a gold-finished ETA Caliber 2783 automatic movement, proudly signed by Rado and featuring 25 jewels. The movement presents beautifully with a clean rotor and well-preserved plates, showcasing the reliable engineering of the era. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a strong performance of +2 to +5 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with a black textured leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching, providing a striking visual complement to the dark dial and polished case. The strap is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle and shows minimal signs of wear. Condition This Rado Cornell is in good vintage condition. The case and caseback show normal, authentic signs of wear with superficial scratches typical of a watch from this era. The dial surface is remarkably clean and well-preserved, while the handset displays noticeable oxidation and aging. The movement is remarkably clean and running with exceptional precision. Dimensions The watch features a classic cushion case size measuring 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, providing a substantial yet comfortable presence on the wrist. Remarks This Rado Cornell is a fantastic representation of 1970s Swiss watchmaking, offering a highly wearable case and a dial that perfectly balances legibility with vintage charm. The combination of the rotating anchor logo, the striking red date numerals, and the exceptional mechanical health make this a compelling piece for any vintage enthusiast looking for a reliable daily wearer. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., Rado initially produced watch movements before launching its own brand of finished watches in the 1950s. The brand quickly became synonymous with innovation, particularly in the realm of unconventional case designs and robust water-resistant construction. During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado introduced a variety of models that featured bold, futuristic aesthetics and reliable automatic movements. The Cornell line reflects this period of creative expansion, offering durable cases and the brand's signature rotating anchor logo, which served as a clever indicator of the automatic winding mechanism. Today, vintage Rado timepieces are celebrated for their unique character and enduring build quality. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-CXX-0006