Rado - Manchester Sapphire - No reserve price - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage Rado holds a distinct position in mid-century watchmaking, renowned for bold designs and early adoption of innovative materials. The Manchester Sapphire model perfectly encapsulates this era, combining a striking, unconventional case shape with a highly distinctive dial. This particular example showcases Rado's signature rotating anchor logo and a rich, deep brown dial that captures the essence of 1970s aesthetic flair, offering collectors a compelling piece of vintage horological design. Brand: Rado Model: Manchester Sapphire Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Deep brown with vertical brushing, applied faceted indices, showing minor dust and age-consistent surface variations Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and an attractive, well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Rado Manchester Sapphire features a deep, rich brown tone enhanced by a subtle vertical brushing that plays beautifully with the light. The applied Rado logo and the signature rotating anchor emblem sit prominently below the 12 o'clock position. The hours are marked by thick, faceted, applied steel indices that provide excellent depth and contrast. The hands are broad, faceted batons with a subtle central ridge, showing light, age-consistent oxidation and spotting under close inspection. The date window at 3 o'clock is framed in steel and features a striking red roulette-style date wheel. The dial text, including "Manchester Sapphire" in a distinctive script, remains crisp. Close inspection reveals minor dust particles and very light surface variations consistent with its vintage nature, but the dial remains highly attractive and legible. Case and Crystal The 34mm stainless steel case features a distinctive, robust cushion-style or helmet shape, characteristic of Rado's adventurous 1970s designs. The case displays a striking contrast between the heavily brushed, sloping upper bezel surface and the polished case flanks. The brushing remains visible, though the case shows honest signs of vintage wear, including scattered hairline scratches and minor handling marks throughout the polished and brushed surfaces. The crown, signed with the Rado anchor logo, sits neatly against the case side. The crystal features a faceted inner edge, creating dynamic reflections over the dial, and appears to be in very good condition with minimal visible marking. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado seahorse logo and "Water-Sealed" text, remaining crisp and well-defined. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made, 25-jewel automatic movement. The movement plates and rotor are finished in a vibrant gold tone, with the rotor clearly signed "Rado 25 Jewels." The movement architecture is clean, and the components present well for their age. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of +30 to +38 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring a subtle alligator-grain texture and contrasting white stitching. The strap appears lightly worn and complements the vintage aesthetic of the watch. Condition This Rado Manchester Sapphire is in good vintage condition. The case retains its fundamental geometry and the contrast between brushed and polished surfaces, though it exhibits normal, honest wear consistent with regular use over decades. The dial is very well preserved, with minor signs of aging visible only under close scrutiny. The hands show light oxidation. The engraved caseback remains sharply defined. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a distinctive piece of 1970s design. The combination of the rich brown dial, the faceted crystal, and the robust steel case makes it a standout piece for any enthusiast of vintage Rado or mid-century horology. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., Rado began producing watches under its own name in the 1950s. The brand quickly established a reputation for avant-garde design and the pioneering use of scratch-resistant materials, most notably with the DiaStar in 1962. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Rado released numerous models with evocative names and bold styling, often featuring their signature rotating anchor logo on the dial, symbolizing their automatic movements. The Manchester Sapphire is a prime example of Rado's creative output during this vibrant era of watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-MJX-0001