Rado - Balboa - No reserve price - 74116263 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Rado's innovative use of scratch-resistant hardmetal in the 1970s created some of the most distinctive and durable cases of the era. The Balboa line perfectly captures this avant-garde spirit, combining a heavily faceted crystal with a shimmering sunburst dial and an enduring tungsten carbide bezel. This particular example showcases the iconic rotating anchor logo and a captivating brown dial, offering a highly wearable piece of vintage horological design that remains as striking today as it was decades ago. Brand: Rado Model: Balboa Serial Number: 74116263 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 2797, 25 Jewels Dial: Brown sunburst, applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Hardmetal (Tungsten Carbide) and Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition, wonderfully preserved Dial and Hands The watch features a striking brown sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully, transitioning in tone depending on the viewing angle. Applied faceted hour markers feature small luminous plots, complementing the silver-tone hands which also retain their luminescent material. The iconic Rado rotating anchor logo sits proudly at twelve o'clock, set against a deep red background. The applied "RADO" and "BALBOA" text are crisp, prominent, and perfectly intact. A framed date window at three o'clock displays a striking red date wheel. The dial remains exceptionally clean, showing no significant signs of spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration, presenting a highly attractive and flawless vintage aesthetic under the loupe. Case and Crystal The defining feature of this Balboa is its highly polished, scratch-resistant hardmetal bezel, which retains a brilliant, mirror-like finish characteristic of Rado's material innovations. The case flanks and stainless steel screw-down caseback show normal, honest signs of wear consistent with age, but retain their structural integrity beautifully. The caseback clearly displays the serial number 74116263 along with the factory circular brushing. The watch is fitted with its original Rado signed crown. Above the dial sits a spectacular vertically faceted crystal, adding immense depth and a unique visual distortion to the dial below, preserved in excellent condition with minimal handling marks. Movement Inside beats the Swiss-made automatic Caliber 2797, a robust 25-jewel movement. The movement features a gold-tone finish and a beautifully textured rotor signed by Rado. Clear markings on the base plate identify the caliber and jewel count. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of +50 to +60 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on its original stainless steel intricate link bracelet, which complements the distinctive case design perfectly. The fold-over clasp is proudly stamped with the Rado name and anchor logo, confirming its authenticity. The bracelet exhibits normal vintage flexibility and will accommodate a wrist size of up to 19 cm. Condition This Rado Balboa is in excellent vintage condition. The hardmetal bezel has performed its duty admirably, remaining largely free of the scratches that would typically plague a watch of this age. The dial and hands are wonderfully preserved, and the faceted crystal remains a standout feature. The caseback and bracelet show expected light surface wear, presenting an honest and highly attractive vintage piece ready for daily enjoyment. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 19 cm Remarks Rado's commitment to unconventional materials and bold designs makes the Balboa a standout choice for collectors seeking something truly unique. The combination of the faceted crystal, hardmetal case, and rich brown dial creates a wrist presence that is distinctly 1970s yet undeniably timeless in its execution. History Rado revolutionized the watch industry in the 1960s and 70s by introducing scratch-resistant hardmetal cases, beginning with the iconic DiaStar. The Balboa line continued this tradition, offering durable and visually striking timepieces that defied conventional design norms. These watches were built to last, both mechanically and aesthetically, and their enduring appeal is a testament to Rado's forward-thinking approach to watchmaking during a highly experimental era of horology. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RBX-0008