Rado - Brienzer - No reserve price - 11068 - Men - 1974

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Brienzer is a prime example of the brand's distinctive approach to 1970s watchmaking, combining a robust stainless steel case with a deeply textured dial. Rado is renowned for its bold, unconventional designs during this era, and the Brienzer captures that spirit perfectly. The integrated bracelet design and the signature rotating anchor logo make this a highly collectible piece for enthusiasts of vintage Swiss watchmaking. The striking horizontal textured dial adds a layer of visual depth that changes beautifully under different lighting conditions, making this not just a functional timepiece, but a statement of vintage style. Brand: Rado Model: Brienzer Reference Number: 11068 Serial Number: 1241256 Movement: Automatic ETA 2824 Dial: Grey horizontal textured dial with applied indices, showing light aging Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear Dial and Hands The dial of this Rado Brienzer is a captivating dark grey, distinguished by a pronounced horizontal wave-like texture that creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The dial is furnished with applied, faceted, and polished baton hour markers, each featuring a central white stripe that complements the handset. The classic Rado rotating anchor logo, set against a vibrant red background, is positioned prominently below the 12 o'clock marker. A framed date window rests at the 3 o'clock position, displaying red numerals on a white disc. The dial features elegant cursive "Brienzer" text above the 6 o'clock position. Close inspection reveals some light aging and minor spotting on the dial surface, consistent with its vintage nature. The polished baton hands feature white central inserts, showing signs of aging and minor oxidation, particularly on the minute and hour hands, while the sweeping seconds hand remains relatively clean. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case exhibits a classic 1970s tonneau or cushion-shaped profile, characterized by its integrated lug design and broad, sloping bezel. The case features a combination of brushed surfaces on the top and polished flanks, maintaining strong lines despite showing honest signs of wear. Numerous fine scratches and small scuffs are visible across the case and bezel, indicative of regular use over the decades. The original crown, bearing the Rado anchor logo, is partially recessed into the right flank of the case. The caseback is a screw-down type, proudly displaying the embossed Rado seahorse logo and "Water-Sealed" text, along with the reference number 11068 and serial number 1241256 engraved near the edge. The watch is fitted with a slightly domed acrylic crystal that sits proud of the bezel, showing light surface wear consistent with age. Movement Powering this Brienzer is a Swiss-made automatic movement, clearly marked as an ETA caliber 2824. The movement is signed by Rado and features 25 jewels. The rotor is decorated with a machined finish and bears the Rado name. The movement exhibits a clean appearance overall, with the balance wheel and regulating mechanism clearly visible. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher result shows a deviation of 42s+46s/day. Strap The watch is presented on its original stainless steel bracelet, which integrates seamlessly with the case design. The bracelet features flat, brushed links that taper slightly towards the clasp. The fold-over clasp is stamped with the Rado anchor logo and the brand name. The bracelet shows typical vintage stretch and surface scratches consistent with the wear on the case, but remains structurally sound and visually cohesive with the overall aesthetic of the timepiece. Condition This Rado Brienzer is in good vintage condition, displaying honest signs of wear that are characteristic of a watch from the mid-1970s. The case and integrated bracelet show numerous fine scratches and scuffs, but the overall geometry and brushed finishes remain largely intact. The deeply textured dial is well-preserved, though it exhibits some light aging and minor spotting upon close inspection. The hands show some oxidation, adding to the vintage character. The movement is operational and visually clean. Dimensions Case Width: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The Rado Brienzer offers a compelling mix of robust 1970s design and intricate dial finishing. The combination of the horizontal textured dial, the integrated bracelet, and the signature rotating anchor makes this a standout piece. It represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a distinctive and characterful vintage Rado that wears its history with pride. History Rado was founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. in Lengnau, Switzerland, initially producing watch movements. It wasn't until the 1950s that the company began selling watches under the Rado brand name. The brand quickly became known for its innovative use of materials, particularly in the realm of scratch-resistant watches, a focus that culminated in the release of the DiaStar in 1962. During the 1970s, Rado embraced the bold design language of the era, producing watches with distinctive case shapes, integrated bracelets, and vibrant dials. The Brienzer model reflects this period of creative experimentation, showcasing Rado's ability to blend unconventional aesthetics with reliable Swiss mechanics. The rotating anchor logo, introduced in 1962, remains a hallmark of Rado's automatic watches, symbolizing the brand's enduring commitment to quality and innovation. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RBX-0010