Rado - Mannheim - No reserve price - 11052 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Rado Mannheim is a superb representation of 1970s Swiss watchmaking, blending distinctive geometric case design with rich dial textures. During an era when Rado was pushing the boundaries of aesthetic innovation, the Mannheim emerged as a sophisticated yet bold timepiece. Featuring the brand’s signature rotating anchor logo and a striking red date display, this piece captures the essence of mid-century horological charm. Paired with its original signed mesh bracelet and powered by a robust ETA-based automatic movement, this watch offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a visually captivating and mechanically sound vintage Rado. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim Reference Number: 11052 Serial Number: 40551366 Movement: Automatic Caliber ETA 2824, 25 Jewels Dial: Dark plum with vertical brushing, applied indices, red date display, and exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a pristine dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial is a captivating dark plum to charcoal hue, distinguished by a pronounced vertical brushed texture that interacts beautifully with the light. It features applied faceted silver-tone indices with white painted centers, perfectly complemented by matching baton hands. At the twelve o'clock position, the iconic Rado anchor logo sits against a deep red background, designed to rotate freely with the movement of the wrist. Below the center pinion, a prominent gold-tone applied letter M rests elegantly above the cursive Mannheim script. The three o'clock position houses a framed date window showcasing a striking red date wheel, adding a vibrant touch of color that balances the anchor logo. A crisp white printed minute track frames the outer edge. The dial is in exceptionally clean condition, free of spotting, moisture damage, surface degradation, or notable print loss, presenting an incredibly well-preserved and attractive vintage aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel cushion case exemplifies the bold architectural styling of its era. The upper surfaces and case flanks are highly polished, highlighting the sharp lug profile and the well-defined, sweeping lines of the tonneau shape. The original crown is deeply signed with the Rado anchor motif. A high-domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, offering excellent clarity and vintage warmth without any significant scratches or crazing. The screw-down stainless steel caseback features the deeply engraved Rado Water Sealed medallion with three seahorses, alongside crisp reference and serial numbers. The case remains in excellent vintage condition, displaying only honest, light superficial handling marks consistent with careful wear over the decades, while retaining its thick, factory-intended proportions. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss automatic movement, clearly stamped with the ETA shield and caliber 2824 beneath the balance wheel. The rotor is signed by Rado and indicates 25 jewels. The movement presents beautifully, with clean surfaces, a bright golden balance wheel, and Incabloc shock protection. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher results show -6 to -8 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with the original period correct stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet that drapes comfortably on the wrist. It is secured by its original sliding clasp, which is prominently stamped with the Rado anchor logo and block lettering. The bracelet is in excellent condition, free of kinks or structural damage, and integrates seamlessly with the cushion case design. Condition Excellent vintage condition. This Rado Mannheim has been exceptionally well-preserved, showcasing a nearly flawless dial, crisp hands, and a sharply defined stainless steel case. The light signs of use are purely superficial and entirely consistent with a well-cared-for vintage timepiece, leaving its primary visual and mechanical characteristics highly intact. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 18 cm Remarks Finding a Rado Mannheim in such striking cosmetic condition, particularly with a flawless vertically brushed dial and its original signed mesh bracelet, is a rarity. The combination of the gold-tone M, the red date wheel, and the high-domed acrylic crystal makes this a standout piece for any enthusiast of 1970s design. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado established itself as a pioneer of unconventional case designs and material innovation during the mid-twentieth century. The brand became famous for its bold aesthetic choices and the implementation of the rotating anchor logo, which originally served as a visual indicator of an automatic winding mechanism. The Mannheim model reflects Rado's dedication to creating watches that were not only mechanically reliable but also distinctively modern, securing the brand a unique and lasting legacy among vintage watch collectors. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-MXX-0021