Rado - Matterhorn - No reserve price - 70005755 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Matterhorn is a striking representation of the brand's fearless approach to design during the golden era of avant-garde watchmaking. Characterized by its bold cushion case and an incredibly dynamic two-tone vertical striped dial, this timepiece captures the essence of 1970s Swiss horology. Rado was renowned for pairing robust, unconventional case architectures with highly detailed dial layouts, and the Matterhorn stands as a testament to that legacy. With its signature rotating anchor logo and original integrated-style bracelet, this watch offers a fantastic opportunity for collectors seeking a visually captivating and mechanically sound vintage piece with immense wrist presence. Brand: Rado Model: Matterhorn Serial Number: 70005755 Movement: Automatic, Caliber AS 1859, 25 Jewels Dial: Two-tone vertical brushed silver, applied indices, remarkably clean condition Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial of this Matterhorn is a visual delight, featuring a highly reflective two-tone vertical striped finish that alternates between brushed silver and light grey tones. This complex finishing technique interacts beautifully with the light, giving the dial a deep, dynamic texture. It is adorned with applied, faceted steel baton indices, each detailed with a black center channel for enhanced legibility. At the twelve o'clock position sits Rado's iconic rotating anchor logo set against a vibrant red background, while the three o'clock position houses a framed date aperture displaying striking red typography. The original baton hands mirror the indices with matching black inserts. The dial condition is exceptionally clean. Thorough inspection reveals a remarkably well-preserved surface, free from moisture damage, spotting, or print loss, maintaining its crisp factory appearance and vibrant text. Case and Crystal The 38 millimeter stainless steel cushion case showcases a classic 1970s C-shape profile, combining a broad, highly polished bezel area with gently brushed upper lug surfaces. The transition between the brushed and polished sections remains distinct, highlighting the original factory geometry. The watch is fitted with its original Rado-signed crown, clearly displaying the embossed anchor emblem. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down caseback prominently featuring the deeply stamped Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion alongside the engraved reference numbers. The case is topped with a tall, domed acrylic crystal that enhances the vintage aesthetic while providing a clear, distortion-free view of the dial. The case remains in excellent vintage condition, exhibiting honest, light surface scratches and minor handling marks consistent with careful wear over the decades, without any deep gouges or signs of heavy over-polishing. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made automatic movement, beautifully finished with gold-plated bridges and a matching rotor. The rotor is proudly signed with the Rado name and indicates a 25-jewel count. Beneath the balance wheel, the A. Schild shield logo and caliber designation AS 1859 are clearly visible, confirming the robust and reliable mechanical foundation of this watch. The movement presents very cleanly, with the plates, gears, and screw heads showing excellent preservation and no signs of moisture intrusion. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady at -28s/d. Strap The watch is paired with its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet, which perfectly complements the robust styling of the case. The fold-over clasp is deeply stamped with the Rado anchor logo and bold block lettering. The bracelet accommodates a wrist size of up to 18 centimeters. It remains in good vintage condition, showing normal age-consistent flex and light surface scuffs from standard desk wear, yet it maintains excellent structural integrity and secures firmly to the wrist. Condition This Rado Matterhorn is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable focal point, surviving the decades with outstanding clarity and virtually no signs of degradation. The stainless steel case retains strong lines and attractive finishing, displaying only the honest, superficial marks expected from a watch of this era. The original bracelet and signed crown complete the authentic package. The movement is clean, operational, and running steadily. Dimensions Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 18 cm Remarks Finding a vintage Rado Matterhorn with such a pristine, visually arresting dial is a rare treat. The vertical brushed stripes combined with the bold red accents of the date wheel and anchor logo create a design language that is entirely unique to Rado. This watch is not only a fantastic conversation piece but also a highly wearable daily vintage companion that perfectly balances quirky 1970s charm with solid Swiss construction. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado initially operated under the name Schlup & Co., producing watch movements before launching its own brand in the 1950s. By the 1960s and 1970s, Rado had carved out a unique niche in the watchmaking world by focusing heavily on unconventional materials, scratch-resistant designs, and highly distinctive aesthetics. Models from this era often carried evocative names inspired by global landmarks and nature, such as the Matterhorn, which paid homage to the iconic Swiss mountain. The introduction of the moving anchor logo on the dial became a hallmark of Rado's automatic watches, symbolizing the free-swinging rotor within. Today, vintage Rado timepieces from this highly experimental era are celebrated by collectors for their fearless creativity and enduring build quality. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-MXX-0018