Rado - Cornell - No reserve price - Caliber 2793 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of 1970s design, this Rado Cornell embodies the bold, architectural aesthetic of the era. With its distinctive cushion case and striking faceted stone indices, it offers a unique blend of robust stainless steel construction and refined, almost glamorous detailing. The Cornell line remains a fascinating chapter in Rado's rich history of experimental and highly distinctive timepieces, making this an intriguing piece for collectors of vintage Swiss automatics who appreciate honest character and fearless vintage styling. Brand: Rado Model: Cornell Movement: Automatic Caliber 2793, 25 Jewels Dial: Champagne-toned dial with faceted indices, showing visible age-related spotting and patina Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive character Dial and Hands The dial presents a champagne-toned surface with a subtle vertical texture, accented by striking faceted stone indices that catch the light beautifully from every angle. A prominent applied Rado anchor logo sits at the twelve o'clock position above the classic printed branding, while the Cornell script graces the lower half. The date aperture at three o'clock features distinctive red numerals. The dial exhibits clear signs of age-consistent patina, including visible spotting and minor surface discoloration scattered across the dial face and near the outer edges. The baton hour and minute hands are paired with a vibrant red sweep seconds hand, adding a dynamic touch of color to the composition. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel cushion case showcases the quintessential geometry of the 1970s, featuring a broad stance that wears with substantial presence on the wrist. The case retains strong factory lines, with a distinct transition between the brushed upper surfaces and the polished case flanks. The Rado-signed crown is nestled neatly at the three o'clock position. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the iconic Rado seahorse emblem and "Water Sealed" script. The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal that provides a clear view of the dial while exhibiting minor, superficial handling marks consistent with its vintage status. Movement Inside beats the Rado-signed automatic Caliber 2793, a robust 25-jewel Swiss movement. The gilt-finished caliber is beautifully preserved, featuring a signed rotor and clear caliber markings stamped onto the base plate near the balance wheel. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates a performance of -50 to -59 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on its original stainless steel flat-link bracelet, which perfectly complements the geometric flow of the cushion case. The bracelet features a fold-over clasp proudly stamped with the Rado name and anchor logo. It is sized to accommodate a wrist of approximately 17.5 cm and shows moderate, honest signs of wear typical of a timepiece from this era. Condition Good vintage condition. The case remains structurally sharp with normal surface wear and light scratches on the polished flanks and bracelet. The dial shows noticeable, age-appropriate spotting and patina throughout, giving the watch a distinct, lived-in character. The movement is clean and operational. Dimensions Case width: 36 mm (excluding crown). Wrist accommodation: up to 17.5 cm. Remarks This Rado Cornell represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a highly distinctive 1970s automatic with strong visual character and reliable Swiss mechanics. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. and later transitioning to the Rado brand in the 1950s, the company quickly built a reputation for producing highly durable and visually avant-garde timepieces. The 1970s marked a golden era for Rado's design department, yielding models with bold cushion cases, unusual dial materials, and striking indices. The Cornell is a testament to this fearless approach to watchmaking, blending robust everyday wearability with an unmistakable flair that continues to captivate vintage enthusiasts today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RCX-0029