Rado - Natale - No reserve price - K1180474 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Vintage Rado timepieces are celebrated for their fearless approach to design, and this striking Natale model perfectly encapsulates the brand's mid-century creative vision. Characterized by a mesmerizing, deeply textured radial dial and a robust cushion-style case, this watch is a testament to the era's bold aesthetic choices. The presence of the iconic rotating anchor logo adds a touch of kinetic charm that collectors have come to cherish. With its commanding 37mm presence and a highly reliable automatic caliber beating within, this Rado Natale offers a phenomenal blend of artistic dial execution and enduring Swiss mechanical heritage, making it a captivating addition to any vintage portfolio. Brand: Rado Model: Natale Reference Number: K1180474 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Deep radial textured silver dial with applied indices, exhibiting heavy age-consistent patina, spotting, and surface discoloration throughout Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with character-defining patina and strong mechanical health Dial and Hands The centerpiece of this timepiece is its extraordinary deep radial textured dial, featuring prominent striations that emanate from the center pinion to the outer edge. The dial is furnished with applied gold-tone faceted hour markers featuring black center inserts, which are complemented by a matching set of gold-tone baton hands. At the twelve o'clock position sits the signature Rado rotating anchor logo set against a deep red background, while a framed date aperture at three o'clock displays the date in a striking red font. The script "Natale N.F" is elegantly printed in the lower hemisphere. A close visual inspection reveals that the dial exhibits significant, heavy vintage patina. There is noticeable spotting, localized discoloration, and darkening within the deep grooves of the texture, particularly around the outer perimeter. The hands also display honest oxidation. This widespread aging provides a highly authentic, character-rich vintage appearance without compromising the legibility of the striking dial architecture. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel cushion case features a fluid, integrated lug profile and a fully polished finish that highlights its sweeping curves. The case remains in good vintage condition, presenting honest signs of wear including hairline scratches, minor scuffs, and light handling marks across the polished flanks and bezel, entirely consistent with its age. The transitions between the curves remain well-defined, and the original Rado anchor-signed crown is present at the three o'clock position. The dial is protected by a domed acrylic crystal, which displays some light surface wear and minor micro-scratches visible under close inspection. The screw-down caseback is sharply stamped with the Rado seahorse logo, "Water Sealed" text, and the K1180474 reference engraving. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss automatic movement, utilizing the robust ETA 2824 architecture, featuring 25 jewels. The rotor is handsomely decorated with a distinct crosshatch engine-turned pattern and features gold-filled Rado engraving. The movement components present cleanly with normal signs of vintage aging. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher result is -15 to -20 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile pattern and contrasting white perimeter stitching, secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Rado Natale is presented in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case retains its attractive cushion geometry while displaying normal, honest wear marks from decades of use. The highly textured dial is the defining feature of the watch's condition, showcasing heavy, distinct patina, spotting, and aging that will appeal to collectors who appreciate a truly lived-in, authentic vintage aesthetic. Mechanically, the watch is performing exceptionally well. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks Finding a vintage Rado with such an aggressive and elaborate dial texture is a rare treat. The Natale model stands out even among Rado's traditionally adventurous catalog, offering a unique visual dynamic that shifts beautifully under varying light conditions, further enhanced by its pronounced vintage patina. History Founded as Schlup and Co. in 1917 before adopting the Rado name in the 1950s, the brand quickly established itself as a pioneer of unconventional watchmaking. By the 1960s and 1970s, Rado was globally recognized for its use of extraordinary case shapes, innovative materials, and dramatic dial textures. The introduction of the rotating anchor logo became a hallmark of their automatic watches, symbolizing the free-swinging rotor within. Models like the Natale highlight this golden era of Rado design, where traditional Swiss watchmaking was paired with avant-garde styling to create truly unforgettable timepieces. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-NKX-0001