Rado - Marco Polo - No reserve price - 11336/1 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Rado Marco Polo is a striking representation of the brand’s daring and distinctive design language from the 1970s. During this era, Rado distinguished itself through unconventional case geometries and highly detailed dials, carving out a unique niche in the Swiss watchmaking landscape. The Marco Polo pairs a robust, tonneau-shaped cushion case with an incredibly refined silver dial, complete with the brand's iconic kinetic anchor logo. Preserved in remarkable condition, this timepiece offers collectors a chance to acquire a quintessential vintage Rado that perfectly balances bold mid-century architecture with elegant, everyday wearability. Brand: Rado Model: Marco Polo Reference Number: 11336/1 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted block indices and rotating anchor logo, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with crisp factory finishes and an outstanding dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Marco Polo is a masterclass in vintage texture and dimension, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully from every angle. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, remaining entirely free of moisture marks, spotting, or discoloration, presenting a crisp and fresh appearance. It is adorned with tall, applied faceted block hour markers, each featuring a distinct black center channel that provides excellent visual contrast. At the nine o'clock position sits Rado's signature free-spinning anchor logo, mounted over a ruby-red background, which rotates smoothly with the motion of the wearer's wrist. A framed date aperture at three o'clock displays striking red numerals, adding a perfect touch of color to the monochromatic layout. The original baton hands mirror the design of the indices with matching black center stripes. All printed typography, including the Rado name, the Marco Polo designation, and the Swiss Made text at the bottom, remains perfectly intact and sharp. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel cushion case exemplifies the architectural boldness of 1970s watch design. The upper surface of the case retains its original, heavy vertical brushing, which transitions abruptly and sharply into the highly polished case flanks. This sharp transition indicates that the case has been carefully preserved, avoiding the softened edges often seen on watches of this age. The case is fitted with its original Rado anchor-signed crown, which remains crisp to the touch. A tall, domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and enhances the vintage aesthetic, showing a clean surface without distracting scratches. The screw-down stainless steel caseback features the deeply stamped Rado Water-Sealed tri-seahorse medallion alongside the engraved Marco Polo name and reference number 11336/1. The caseback displays honest, superficial handling marks and light scratches consistent with normal vintage wear, but the engravings and medallion remain highly legible and well-defined. Movement Inside the robust case beats a Swiss-made Rado automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels and a beautifully finished gold-toned rotor prominently signed with the Rado name and anchor logo. The movement plates and gears present cleanly in the detailed inspection photographs. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher records an impressive -5 to -6 seconds per day with strong amplitude, indicating that the mechanism is running with outstanding health and precision. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring a classic faux-alligator grain pattern. The strap is detailed with contrasting white perimeter stitching, which complements the silver and black tones of the dial perfectly, and is secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Rado Marco Polo is presented in excellent vintage condition. The case retains strong, factory-correct finishing with sharp lines separating the brushed and polished surfaces. The dial is a true highlight, remaining pristine and free of the aging or spotting that frequently plagues vintage watches. The kinetic anchor logo functions exactly as intended, and the movement is performing at a highly impressive level. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the signed Rado crown. The cushion shape provides a substantial and commanding presence on the wrist while remaining incredibly comfortable for daily wear. Remarks Finding a vintage Rado Marco Polo with such a well-preserved dial and unpolished case profile is a genuine delight. The combination of the silver sunburst dial, the chunky faceted indices, the red date wheel, and the spinning anchor creates a visually dynamic experience that modern watches rarely achieve. This is a highly collectible and conversation-starting timepiece that represents excellent value in the vintage Swiss watch market. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. and later transitioning to the Rado brand name in the 1950s, the company quickly became known for its pioneering approach to watch materials and designs. In the 1960s and 1970s, Rado embraced the space-age aesthetic, producing watches with scratch-resistant hardmetal cases and highly unconventional shapes. The introduction of the rotating anchor logo on the dial was originally intended as a clever visual indicator of when the watch might need service, as the anchor would stop spinning freely if the movement's lubrication dried up. The Marco Polo line, named after the famous explorer, perfectly encapsulates Rado's spirit of adventure and design innovation during this golden era of Swiss watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-MPX-0001