Rado - Cornell - No reserve price - 11918/1 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Rado Cornell is a quintessential example of 1970s watchmaking, capturing the era's bold design language with its robust tonneau case and highly textured dial. Rado is celebrated for its distinctive aesthetic choices and durable constructions, and this Cornell embodies that philosophy perfectly. With its signature rotating anchor logo, heavy vertical brushing, and a reliable Swiss automatic movement, this piece offers a striking presence on the wrist. It stands as a testament to Rado's innovative spirit during a golden age of mechanical watch design, making it a compelling addition for collectors of character-rich vintage timepieces. Brand: Rado Model: Cornell Reference Number: 11918/1 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 2783, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver with vertical brushed texture, applied indices, showing visible spotting and edge patina Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and an attractively aged dial Dial and Hands The dial features a striking silver base with a heavy vertical brushed texture that catches the light beautifully. It is appointed with applied, faceted indices featuring black central inserts, which are perfectly matched by the baton-style hands. At twelve o'clock, the signature Rado rotating anchor logo sits against a vibrant pink background, adding a distinct pop of color. A silver-framed date window at three o'clock displays striking red numerals. The dial exhibits clear signs of age and environmental exposure, with visible spotting across the surface and notable moisture marks and discoloration around the outer perimeter, particularly between the seven and nine o'clock positions. The luminous dots at the outer edge of the indices have aged to a dark tone. This is an honest, patinated dial that wears its history openly. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel tonneau case showcases the architectural boldness of the 1970s. The upper surfaces feature strong vertical brushing that aligns with the dial texture, contrasting nicely against the polished case flanks. The transition between brushed and polished surfaces remains well-defined, though the case shows honest signs of wear, including scattered surface scratches and minor handling marks consistent with decades of use. The original Rado anchor-signed crown is present. Turning the watch over reveals a deeply stamped, screw-down caseback featuring the iconic Rado seahorse and "Water-Sealed" medallion, alongside the reference number 11918/1. The domed crystal protects the dial and presents cleanly, with only light superficial wear. Movement Powering this Cornell is a clean, gold-plated Swiss automatic movement, clearly stamped with the Rado signature and 25 jewels. Close inspection reveals the caliber marking 2783 nestled beneath the balance wheel. The movement presents beautifully, with a finely finished rotor and bright, well-preserved components. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher: -10-15s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel flat-link bracelet that complements the chunky case design perfectly. The fold-over clasp is proudly stamped with the Rado anchor logo, confirming its originality to the brand. The bracelet shows moderate stretch and surface scratches consistent with the rest of the watch, accommodating a wrist size of up to 17.5 cm. Condition This Rado is in good vintage condition. The case retains strong lines and factory finishes despite normal vintage wear. The dial shows distinct, honest patina including spots and perimeter moisture marks that confirm its unpolished, original state. The movement is remarkably clean and running with exceptional precision. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown. The included original bracelet will accommodate a wrist size of up to 17.5 cm. Remarks Vintage Rado timepieces from this era offer an incredible blend of unique design and robust Swiss mechanics. The Cornell is a fantastic representation of the brand's mid-century catalog, offering a highly textured visual experience and a commanding wrist presence. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado initially operated as the Schlup & Co. watchmaking factory before launching its own brand in the 1950s. By the 1960s and 1970s, Rado had established itself as an avant-garde manufacturer, experimenting with unusual case shapes, innovative materials, and bold dial designs. The Cornell line reflects this era of experimentation, utilizing the popular tonneau case shape of the decade while incorporating Rado's signature elements like the rotating anchor logo and heavily textured dials, securing its place in the history of expressive Swiss watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RCX-0028