Rado - Mannheim 702 - No reserve price - 74214516A - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The 1970s represented a golden era of experimental horological design, and Rado was undeniably at the forefront of this movement. The Rado Mannheim 702 perfectly captures the adventurous spirit of the decade, pairing a robust cushion case with a mesmerizing vignette dial. With its unmistakable rotating anchor logo and distinctive typography, this timepiece offers a brilliant blend of vintage charm and reliable Swiss engineering, making it a standout acquisition for any serious collector of mid-century design. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim 702 Reference Number: 74214516A Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2824 (Rado signed, 25 Jewels) Dial: Brown gradient sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with outstanding dial preservation Dial and Hands The dial of this Mannheim 702 is a visual triumph, featuring a striking brown gradient, or fumé, finish that transitions from a lighter center to deep, rich edges. The sunburst texture remains vibrant and catches the light beautifully from every angle. Upon close inspection, the dial is remarkably clean, showing no visible spotting, moisture damage, or print loss, representing an exceptional level of preservation. It is adorned with applied faceted block indices that feature central luminous strips, adding excellent depth to the display. The signature Rado rotating anchor logo sits prominently within a red circular recess at twelve o'clock, functioning exactly as intended. Below the center pinion, the highly stylized "MannMheiM 702" typography is crisply printed, anchored by a large applied central "M". A framed date window at three o'clock displays the date in striking red numerals. The polished baton hands are in excellent condition, retaining their original luminous material which has aged to a handsome, even creamy tone. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel cushion case is a quintessential example of 1970s architectural watch design. The case exhibits a fantastic contrast of finishes, featuring a heavily brushed upper surface that immediately catches the eye, transitioning sharply into highly polished case flanks. The factory lines and chamfers remain well-defined, showing only honest, age-consistent signs of light handling and normal vintage wear without any deep gouges or signs of over-polishing. The original Rado crown, signed with the classic anchor logo, sits flush against the case side. The screw-down caseback is sharply engraved with the iconic Rado seahorse "Water-Sealed" medallion and the reference number, remaining highly legible. The dial is protected by a clear acrylic crystal that presents beautifully, free from heavy scratches or crazing, allowing an unobstructed view of the stunning dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust automatic movement, clearly visible in the provided images and stamped with Rado branding on the distinctive grid-textured rotor. Close inspection of the movement plates reveals the caliber marking 2824 near the balance wheel, identifying it as the highly regarded and reliable ETA Caliber 2824. The 25-jewel movement presents cleanly, with the textured rotor and polished components showing excellent visual health. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher records a deviation of -18 to -25 seconds per day. Strap The watch is currently fitted with a handsome period-correct black leather strap. The strap features contrasting white stitching that perfectly complements the vintage aesthetic of the steel case and dynamic dial. It is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle and remains in excellent, highly wearable condition. Condition This Rado Mannheim 702 is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable highlight, surviving the decades in near-flawless condition with its vivid sunburst gradient entirely intact. The case retains its original geometry and striking brushed finishes, showing only the gentle, honest wear expected from a carefully enjoyed timepiece of this era. The movement is clean and operational, making this a truly exceptional survivor ready for its next custodian. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Finding vintage Rado models from this era with dials in such pristine condition is becoming increasingly difficult. The Mannheim 702 is a relatively rare reference, and this specific example, with its flawless fumé dial and sharp cushion case, represents everything collectors love about 1970s Swiss watchmaking. It is a bold, conversation-starting piece that wears comfortably on the wrist while delivering an immense amount of vintage character. History Founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, as Schlup & Co., the company eventually rebranded as Rado in the 1950s and quickly built a reputation for producing highly durable and visually striking timepieces. By the 1960s and 1970s, Rado had fully embraced avant-garde case shapes, unconventional materials, and vibrant dial designs. The rotating anchor logo, introduced as a visual indicator of an automatic movement, became a globally recognized symbol of the brand. The Mannheim series is a testament to this era of fearless design, reflecting Rado's commitment to pushing aesthetic boundaries while maintaining the reliable Swiss mechanical foundations that built their international success. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-MAX-0002