Rado - Cape Horn - No reserve price - 11908 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Rado Cape Horn is a quintessential example of mid-century Swiss design, blending robust engineering with a distinct, characterful aesthetic. The watch features a prominent cushion case that immediately commands attention on the wrist, paired with a dynamic silver dial complete with Rado's signature rotating anchor logo. The combination of faceted indices, a striking red-on-silver date display, and the elegant case silhouette makes this a compelling vintage piece for collectors who appreciate architectural case designs and vibrant dial details from a renowned era of watchmaking. Brand: Rado Model: Cape Horn Reference Number: 11908 Dial: Silver dial with vertical brushing, applied faceted indices, rotating anchor logo, showing light even aging Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial is a striking silver with a subtle vertical brushed texture that plays beautifully with the light. It features prominent, applied faceted hour markers with black central accents, adding significant depth and legibility. At the twelve o'clock position sits Rado's iconic rotating anchor logo set against a vibrant red background. The hands are polished batons, matching the index style. A framed date window at three o'clock displays the numerals in a distinct red font. The dial is in good vintage condition, exhibiting light, even aging consistent with its era, while remaining highly legible and visually appealing. The applied Rado logo and printed "Cape Horn" text remain crisp. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case features a distinctive, robust cushion shape typical of Rado's design language during this period. The case displays a mix of polished and brushed surfaces, with the broad, sloping bezel polished to a high shine. The case shows honest signs of vintage wear, including surface scratches and handling marks, but retains its structural integrity and bold profile. The caseback is a screw-down type, heavily engraved with the Rado seahorses logo, "Water Sealed," and the reference number 11908. The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal that sits slightly proud of the bezel, showing minor surface wear consistent with age. A signed Rado crown completes the case assembly. Movement Powering this Cape Horn is a Swiss-made, 25-jewel automatic movement, beautifully finished with a gold tone. The rotor is signed with the Rado name and anchor logo. Close inspection of the movement reveals clean plates and a well-preserved balance assembly. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates a strong performance of +12 to +16 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring a crocodile grain pattern and contrasting white stitching. The strap is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle, complementing the robust aesthetic of the watch head. Condition This Rado Cape Horn is in good vintage condition. The dial is well-preserved with attractive, even aging. The stainless steel case shows expected signs of wear, including surface scratches and softening of the transitions, but retains its characteristic cushion shape. The engraved caseback remains highly legible. The automatic movement is running strongly and accurately as indicated by the timegrapher results. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Cape Horn offers a fantastic opportunity to acquire a distinctive and highly wearable piece of vintage Swiss horology. Its combination of a robust cushion case, an engaging dial with the signature rotating anchor, and a reliable automatic movement makes it a versatile and conversation-starting addition to any collection. History Rado, originally founded as Schlup & Co. in 1917, has long been celebrated for its innovative use of materials and distinctive, often avant-garde, case designs. The Cape Horn line, like many of Rado's collections from the mid-20th century, reflects the brand's commitment to creating durable, water-resistant watches with a strong visual identity. The use of the rotating anchor logo, introduced in the early 1960s, became a hallmark of Rado's automatic watches, symbolizing the free-swinging rotor within. Watches from this era showcase Rado's transition into a globally recognized brand synonymous with bold styling and robust Swiss engineering. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RCX-0027