Rado - Balboa - No reserve price - 74023796 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage An iconic representation of 1970s Rado design, this striking Balboa features the brand's distinctive faceted hardmetal case and a beautifully textured gradient dial. Preserved in excellent condition, it offers collectors a highly recognizable piece of vintage character. Brand: Rado Model: Balboa Reference Number: 74023796 Movement: Automatic, 25 jewels Dial: Textured linen-like gradient with applied indices and red date display Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Hardmetal / Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: -8-10s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The striking textured linen-like gradient dial is wonderfully preserved, showing no visible staining or damage. It features applied gold-tone indices with intact white inserts, a vibrant red date display at three o'clock, and the signature applied rotating Rado anchor logo. The original gold-tone faceted hands display honest age-related patina, with visible oxidation and spotting on the surfaces of the hour and minute hands, while their white inserts remain intact. Case and Crystal The distinctive faceted hardmetal top case is paired with a stainless steel caseback, maintaining a highly polished finish with minimal signs of wear. The crisp edges of the scratch-resistant geometry remain beautifully sharp. It is fitted with a faceted crystal that matches the case design perfectly, remaining clean and clear with no major scratches or chips visible. The watch retains its gold-tone crown, which is clearly signed with the Rado anchor logo and exhibits light wear consistent with use. Movement Inside the case is a gold-plated automatic movement, caliber 2797, featuring 25 jewels. The movement presents a clean appearance with no obvious corrosion or heavy scratches, and the rotor and bridges show a good finish. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrast stitching. The strap appears new or minimally worn, serving as a complementary modern strap that pairs excellently with the vintage aesthetic. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The faceted hardmetal case is remarkably well-preserved, retaining its highly polished finish and crisp edges. The textured gradient dial is striking and clean, while the original hands show expected surface oxidation and spotting. The matching faceted crystal is clear of major flaws. Supported by the recorded timegrapher result, the movement is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Rado Balboa is a highly appealing collector favourite, offering the distinctive scratch-resistant faceted design that defined the brand's bold 1970s era. With its excellent hardmetal case preservation and striking textured dial, it is a superb vintage acquisition. History During the 1970s, Rado established a formidable reputation for utilizing unconventional, highly durable materials and avant-garde case geometries. The Balboa line is well-regarded among vintage Rado collectors for its distinctive materials, bold styling, and faceted crystals. These timepieces represent a highly creative period in Swiss watchmaking, offering a unique visual presence that remains incredibly distinctive today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RBX-0006