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Rado - Cornell - No reserve price - 11916 - Men - 1970-1979
Rado
Current Bid
$1
Time Left
5d 18h
1 bid19 watching
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About This Watch
Offered in this auction by Second Vintage
This classic 1970s Rado Cornell offers distinctive styling defined by its cushion case design. The attractive vertically brushed silver dial pairs beautifully with a bold red date display, delivering a strong visual presence on the wrist.
Brand: Rado
Model: Cornell
Reference Number: 11916
Serial Number: 35391348
Movement: Automatic, 25 jewels
Dial: Silver vertically brushed with applied faceted indices and red date
Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless steel
Production Year: 1970s
Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +20+23s/day, running strong and steady.
Dial and Hands
The excellently preserved dial features a striking silver vertically brushed finish that catches the light beautifully. Applied faceted indices with black inserts provide excellent contrast and legibility. A distinctive red date display sits neatly at the 3 o'clock position, adding a bold touch of color to the monochromatic layout. The dial remains very clean overall, showing only minor dust or spotting. The baton hands feature matching black central stripes and present in original condition, displaying visible aging and oxidation on their metal surfaces.
Case and Crystal
The stainless steel case exhibits classic 1970s cushion geometry, characterized by a brushed top surface that transitions into polished sides. The watch displays honest wear throughout, with moderate scratches, scuffs, and some dings and flea bites along the case edges. The signed crown, featuring the Rado anchor logo, remains in good condition with defined fluting. The domed acrylic crystal shows light surface scratches and scuffs visible in reflections. Turning the watch over reveals the factory Rado seahorse caseback engraving.
Movement
Inside beats a Swiss automatic movement finished in a gold tone and signed by Rado with 25 jewels. The caliber shows noticeable spotting and tarnishing on the rotor and plates, consistent with its age. Recording +20+23s/day on the timegrapher, the movement is performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady.
Strap
The watch is fitted with a period correct steel link bracelet that complements the cushion case perfectly. The vintage bracelet shows moderate scratches and wear consistent with age, and comfortably accommodates a maximum wrist size of up to 17.5cm.
Condition
Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest character with moderate scratches, scuffs, dings, and flea bites on the stainless steel case. The dial is excellently preserved with minimal spotting, while the hands show expected metal oxidation. The acrylic crystal bears light surface scuffs, and the movement exhibits visible tarnishing on the plates and rotor.
Dimensions
The case size is 36 mm, excluding the crown.
Remarks
This Rado Cornell offers a highly attractive vertically brushed dial paired with a striking red date display. The classic cushion case proportions and signed anchor crown make it a compelling choice for those who appreciate 1970s design.
History
During the 1970s, Rado established a distinct design language characterized by unconventional case shapes and experimental materials. The Cornell model line represents the brand's approach to everyday mechanical watches during this era, combining reliable automatic movements with bold visual elements like cushion cases and textured dials. These pieces reflect a period of great creativity in Swiss watchmaking, offering distinctive styling that remains highly recognizable today.
Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind.
We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination.
Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age.
We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description.
The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use.
If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: RAD-CXX-0015
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