Rado - Balboa - No reserve price - 92877 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Step into the bold and experimental design language of the 1970s with this striking Rado Balboa. Renowned for their pioneering use of ultra-durable materials, Rado introduced the watch world to scratch-resistant hardmetal, forever changing the landscape of robust, everyday luxury timepieces. This Balboa perfectly encapsulates that era of innovation, combining an incredibly resilient, mirror-polished tungsten carbide case with a dramatic faceted crystal and a mesmerizing gradient dial. It is a quintessential vintage statement piece that commands attention on the wrist while offering the reliable mechanical performance of a classic Swiss automatic caliber. Brand: Rado Model: Balboa Reference Number: 92877 Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2824, 25 Jewels Dial: Brown gradient fumé dial with applied faceted indices, excellently preserved Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Hardmetal (Tungsten Carbide) and Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Balboa is a captivating display of 1970s aesthetic flair, featuring a rich brown gradient, or fumé, finish that transitions from a lighter metallic center to deep, dark edges. The dial furniture is highly dimensional, utilizing tall, applied faceted indices with crisp white painted centers that catch the light dynamically beneath the crystal. At twelve o'clock, the signature Rado rotating anchor logo sits proudly against a vibrant purple background, complemented by the applied silver-tone "RADO" typography. A framed date aperture at three o'clock displays the date in striking red numerals. The dial condition is exceptionally clean and well-preserved, showing no distinct spotting, moisture damage, or print loss, maintaining a beautiful and even sunburst texture throughout. The baton hands feature central black striping and remain in excellent visual condition, matching the overall preservation of the dial perfectly. Case and Crystal The 36mm oval case features Rado’s famous hardmetal, or tungsten carbide, upper shield. This exceptionally hard material retains a mirror-like polish that resists scratches far better than traditional steel, giving the watch a remarkably fresh and reflective appearance despite its vintage age. The case transitions to a traditional stainless steel snap-on caseback, which bears the crisp 92877 engraving. The watch is fitted with a dramatic, thick faceted crystal that amplifies the dial's optical depth. Upon close inspection, the crystal exhibits some honest edge wear and micro-nicks along the facet lines, which is typical for these highly prominent vintage Rado crystals, though it remains highly legible and visually striking. The stainless steel crown is correctly signed with the Rado anchor logo. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust and reliable Swiss ETA Caliber 2824, a 25-jewel automatic movement. The movement is proudly signed by Rado and features a beautifully finished rotor with a distinctive crosshatch or engine-turned texture. The caliber stamp "2824" is clearly visible on the base plate near the balance wheel. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Timegrapher results show +50 to +52 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on its original vintage stainless steel bracelet, featuring a flexible and comfortable multi-link brick pattern. The folding clasp is prominently stamped with the Rado anchor logo and typography. The bracelet shows normal, honest signs of wear consistent with its age and will accommodate a wrist size of up to 17.5cm. Condition This Rado Balboa is in good vintage condition. The hardmetal case shield remains incredibly bright and reflective, doing exactly what it was designed to do by resisting major scratches over the decades. The dial is a true highlight, remaining remarkably clean and vibrant. The faceted crystal shows expected edge wear and small flea bites, and the stainless steel caseback and bracelet display normal surface scratches from regular use. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. Its lugless, integrated oval design provides a substantial and comfortable presence on the wrist, sitting flush and wearing with distinctive retro proportions. Remarks For the collector who appreciates avant-garde design and material innovation, the Rado Balboa is an absolute must-have. The combination of the faceted crystal, the shifting brown gradient dial, and the virtually indestructible hardmetal case makes this a captivating wear that sparks conversation at every angle. History Rado forever altered the watchmaking industry in the 1960s with the introduction of the DiaStar, the world's first scratch-proof watch crafted from tungsten carbide. This commitment to enduring beauty and material science carried directly into the Balboa line in the 1970s. By combining these ultra-hard cases with flamboyant dials and faceted sapphire or mineral crystals, Rado carved out a highly specific and successful niche, creating watches that looked like nothing else on the market and, crucially, retained their factory polish for generations. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RBX-0007