Rado - Matterhorn - No reserve price - 11918 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Step into the bold and experimental era of 1970s horology with this striking Rado Matterhorn. Known for pushing the boundaries of case design and dial execution, Rado created timepieces during this period that offered unparalleled wrist presence and architectural intrigue. The Matterhorn stands as a testament to this philosophy, combining a robust cushion case with a highly detailed, textured dial and the brand's signature rotating anchor logo. This particular example offers a fascinating blend of crisp geometric case lines, a beautifully preserved dial base, and heavy, honest patina on its hardware, making it a truly unique find for the dedicated vintage enthusiast. Brand: Rado Model: Matterhorn Reference Number: 11918 Serial Number: 34515128 Movement: 25-Jewel Swiss Automatic Dial: Silver frosted texture with vertical linear printing and heavily oxidized applied indices Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest hardware patina Dial and Hands The dial of this Matterhorn is a study in 1970s texture and geometry. The base features a striking silver frosted, almost stardust-like finish, intersected by crisp black vertical printed lines that divide the canvas into distinct sectors. At twelve o'clock sits the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo set against a vivid red background, while a framed date aperture at three o'clock displays the date in a striking red roulette-style font. The dial surface itself remains exceptionally clean and well-preserved. However, the applied faceted block indices and the matching baton hands exhibit heavy, pronounced oxidation and dark spotting throughout. This significant aging of the metal furniture contrasts sharply with the clean dial base, providing a deeply patinated, authentic vintage character that speaks to the natural aging process of the era's materials. Case and Crystal The substantial 37mm stainless steel cushion case commands attention with its distinct helmet-like profile. A visual inspection reveals a sophisticated interplay of finishes, with highly polished upper surfaces sloping down to recessed, sharply horizontally brushed flanks where the Rado-signed crown is securely nestled. The case retains excellent structural integrity and factory lines, showing normal, honest signs of wear including fine superficial scratches and handling scuffs consistent with decades of use. The screw-down caseback is sharply defined, featuring the deeply engraved Rado three-seahorse medallion, the "MatterHorn" script, and highly legible reference and serial numbers. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that presents clearly, showing only minor surface wear visible under harsh lighting, allowing for an unobstructed view of the textured dial. Movement Powering this distinctive timepiece is a beautifully preserved Swiss automatic movement. Removing the caseback reveals a clean, gold-tone caliber featuring a rotor proudly stamped with "RADO WATCH CO" and "25 JEWELS." The movement architecture is pristine, showing proper finishing and careful preservation over the decades. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates an outstanding rate of +9 to +12 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is paired with a period-correct black textured leather strap. The strap features contrasting thick white stitching that perfectly complements the geometric elements and vintage aesthetic of the timepiece, securing to the wrist with a standard stainless steel buckle. Condition This Rado Matterhorn is presented in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case is robust and well-preserved, displaying age-appropriate handling marks while maintaining its original brushed and polished transitions. The dial base is remarkably clean and attractive, whereas the hands and applied indices show heavy, localized oxidation and dark spotting. The exceptionally clean automatic movement is running with superb modern-day precision. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Finding a vintage Rado Matterhorn that balances such a clean movement and dial base with deeply patinated hardware offers a unique collecting opportunity. The watch wears beautifully on the wrist, providing a substantial, architectural feel that is unmistakably 1970s. Its exceptional timekeeping performance makes it a reliable companion for the collector who appreciates watches with visible history and uncompromising mechanical health. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado initially operated as the Schlup & Co. watchmaking factory before launching under the Rado name in the 1950s. By the 1960s and 1970s, the brand had established a fierce reputation for avant-garde designs, unconventional case shapes, and the pioneering use of scratch-resistant materials. The Matterhorn model belongs to a celebrated lineage of Rado watches named after famous mountains and exploration themes, designed to evoke durability and adventure. The signature rotating anchor on the dial, originally intended to indicate when the watch required service by stopping its rotation as lubricants dried, has since become one of the most beloved and recognizable quirks in vintage watch collecting. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-MXX-0016