Rado - Balboa Great - No reserve price - K404649 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This remarkable timepiece embodies the daring and innovative spirit of 1970s watchmaking, showcasing Rado’s pioneering expertise in unconventional materials and avant-garde design. The Balboa series, alongside the legendary DiaStar, cemented the brand's reputation for creating virtually scratch-proof watches with an unmistakable aesthetic footprint. Featuring an incredibly dynamic faceted crystal and a mesmerizing textured dial, this Balboa Great is a superb testament to an era when watchmakers pushed the boundaries of visual depth and durability. It offers collectors a chance to own a highly distinctive, conversation-starting vintage piece that remains as striking today as it was half a century ago. Brand: Rado Model: Balboa Great Serial Number: K404649 Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2824, 25 Jewels Dial: Taupe stardust textured dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Scratch-resistant hardmetal bezel and stainless steel case Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with an immaculate dial and highly reflective case Dial and Hands The dial of this Balboa Great is a visual triumph, featuring a rich, taupe-colored granular stardust texture that captures and scatters light beautifully. It is adorned with applied, highly faceted hour markers that complement the geometry of the crystal above. At the twelve o'clock position sits Rado’s signature rotating anchor logo, set against a vibrant purple background, while the lower half displays the applied "V" logo alongside crisp serif and script typography reading "BALBOA great". A framed date aperture at three o'clock features distinctive red numerals. The faceted baton hands are fitted with white central stripes for contrast. Upon close inspection, the dial remains in near-mint condition, completely free of moisture damage, spotting, or discoloration, presenting an incredibly clean and vibrant face. Case and Crystal The watch is defined by its dramatic, heavily faceted crystal, which creates a kaleidoscope effect over the dial while remaining free of any major chips or scratches. The hooded, lugless case design is topped with a mirror-polished hardmetal bezel, a signature Rado material known for its extreme scratch resistance. The case retains a brilliant, liquid-like polish with only the faintest micro-abrasions visible under harsh lighting, maintaining beautifully sharp transitions. The original Rado anchor-signed crown is present and well-defined. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is sharply engraved with the iconic Rado twin seahorse medallion, the "Water-Sealed" script, and the reference number K404649, showing only light, honest surface wear consistent with careful vintage use. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust Swiss automatic movement, clearly stamped with the ETA caliber 2824 beneath the balance wheel. The mechanism features 25 jewels and is equipped with a beautifully finished rotor engraved with the Rado signature. The movement components present cleanly, with bright plates and no visible signs of oxidation or moisture intrusion. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher records a deviation of -30s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct woven stainless steel mesh bracelet that perfectly complements the retro-futuristic aesthetic of the case. The bracelet features a smooth, fluid drape and an adjustable sliding clasp, showing normal, light vintage wear with no significant stretching or structural deformation. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The scratch-resistant hardmetal upper case has performed its intended duty brilliantly, remaining exceptionally bright and reflective. The faceted crystal is remarkably well-preserved, and the intricate stardust dial is practically flawless, showing no adverse aging. The caseback and bracelet exhibit only minor, acceptable handling marks that do not detract from the watch's impressive overall presence. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 18 cm Remarks With its architectural crystal, textured dial, and resilient case material, the Balboa Great is a quintessential example of 1970s horological extravagance. It is a highly wearable and mechanically dependable vintage watch that offers tremendous character and wrist presence for the discerning collector. History During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado revolutionized the watch industry by introducing cases made from ultra-durable, scratch-resistant hardmetals like tungsten carbide. While the DiaStar is the most famous of these creations, the Balboa line offered an equally impressive array of geometric case shapes and elaborate dials. These watches were marketed as timepieces that would retain their factory-fresh polish indefinitely, a promise that this surviving example fulfills beautifully. The Balboa Great remains a fascinating chapter in Rado's rich history of material innovation. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RBX-0001