Rado - Marco Polo - No reserve price - 353633 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Rado Marco Polo is a striking testament to mid-century Swiss watchmaking, blending robust cushion-case architecture with a distinctive, asymmetrical dial design. Featuring the iconic free-spinning anchor logo uniquely positioned at nine o'clock and a vibrant red roulette-style date display, this timepiece exudes immense vintage character. The bold applied indices and sharp case lines make it a highly wearable and collectible piece for enthusiasts who appreciate the inventive design language of the era. Brand: Rado Model: Marco Polo Reference Number: 353633 Movement: Automatic, Caliber AS 1858, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices, red date display, and 9 o'clock anchor logo; remarkably clean with minimal age-consistent wear Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and a highly preserved dial Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a visual standout, radiating outward to catch the light beautifully. It is remarkably well-preserved, showing only the faintest signs of age-consistent wear under magnification, remaining free of significant spots, moisture damage, or discoloration. Bold, applied faceted block indices feature recessed black accents that perfectly match the straight baton hands, which also carry black center stripes for excellent legibility. A signature Rado applied anchor logo is unconventionally and attractively positioned at the nine o'clock marker, exhibiting a warm, natural patina against its red background. At three o'clock, a prominently framed date window displays striking red numerals, adding a brilliant pop of color to the monochromatic landscape. The dial text, including the serif typography of the Rado name and the Marco Polo designation, remains crisp and fully intact. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel cushion case exemplifies the bold design language of its era. It features a stunning, heavy vertical brushed finish across its top surface that transitions sharply into highly polished case flanks. The lug profile and factory edges remain exceptionally crisp, indicating the watch has been carefully preserved and avoiding the heavy polishing often seen in vintage pieces. Honest, light handling marks are present, fully consistent with careful vintage wear. The watch is fitted with its original Rado-signed crown, proudly bearing the anchor emblem. The domed acrylic crystal provides a warm vintage distortion at the edges and remains clear, exhibiting only minor, superficial micro-scratches visible under harsh lighting. Movement Inside beats the robust A. Schild Caliber 1858, a 25-jewel automatic movement renowned for its reliability. The movement features a striking gold-tone finish, with the rotor handsomely engraved with the Rado signature, jewel count, and the anchor logo. Visual inspection reveals a clean mechanism with light, age-appropriate surface patina on the rotor. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher records a deviation of +30 to +36 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a high-quality black leather strap featuring a subtle alligator grain and contrasting white edge stitching. The strap is supple, showing minimal wear, and complements the black accents on the dial and hands perfectly. Condition This Rado Marco Polo is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean, standing out as a prime example of careful preservation. The case retains its factory-intended finishes with sharp boundaries between the brushed top and polished sides, showing only light, honest signs of use. The movement is clean and fully operational, and the distinctive red date wheel functions exactly as intended. Dimensions Case Width: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Lug Width: 18 mm Remarks A highly attractive and well-preserved example of Rado's inventive mid-century design, characterized by its unique dial layout and striking case geometry. The combination of the pristine silver sunburst dial, red date, and crisp case lines makes this a fantastic addition to any vintage collection. History Rado has long been celebrated for its avant-garde approach to watch design, famously pioneering the use of unconventional materials and bold case shapes in the 1960s and 1970s. The Marco Polo line represents a fascinating chapter in the brand's history, showcasing their willingness to experiment with asymmetrical dial layouts while maintaining the robust, daily-wear reliability that made Swiss automatics of the era so beloved. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-MPX-0002