Rado Manhattan RAD-RMA-0004 (1970-1979)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Manhattan is a quintessential piece of mid-century design, boasting a bold geometric aesthetic that defines the adventurous spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s. With its architectural hour markers and distinctive oversized square case, this timepiece offers a unique wrist presence that stands out immediately from traditional round watches. The iconic rotating anchor logo and horizontally brushed dial create a visual depth that is highly sought after by collectors of retro horology, making this a true statement piece. Brand: Rado Model: Manhattan Movement: Automatic Dial: Silver horizontally brushed with architectural indices Case Size: 34 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition Dial and Hands The silver dial features a subtle horizontal brushed finish that plays beautifully with the light and is preserved in excellent condition. It is adorned with striking, high-profile block indices that give the face a three-dimensional architectural quality unique to the Manhattan line. The signature rotating Rado anchor is set against a rich purple-red background at the nine o'clock position, while a framed day and date aperture is positioned at three o'clock. The straight baton-style hands are inset with black for contrast, and the dial remains clean with crisp typography reading Rado Manhattan and Swiss Made. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case presents the classic Manhattan square silhouette with broad, flat surfaces and angular lugs. The case shows honest signs of vintage wear with visible surface scratches and handling marks throughout, consistent with its age and use. The unique acrylic crystal follows the square profile of the watch. The caseback features the deeply embossed seahorse medallion and Water Sealed engraving, which remains distinct and attractive. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor logo. Movement Powering this timepiece is a reliable Swiss automatic movement. The watch is currently running within vintage tolerances, with a timegrapher reading of approximately -31 to -35 seconds per day, indicating operational vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a padded brown leather strap featuring contrasting stitching, which complements the cool tone of the stainless steel case and adds a warm, casual elegance to the overall profile. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case displays expected wear and scratches from decades of history, the dial has been preserved in stunning condition, retaining its brightness and clarity. The overall presentation is honest and attractive, representing a genuine and well-loved example of Rado's design heritage. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in width excluding the crown. Due to the square case shape and substantial depth, the watch wears significantly larger on the wrist than the millimetric dimension suggests, offering substantial presence. Remarks The Rado Manhattan is a cult classic among vintage enthusiasts, celebrated for its robust construction and avant-garde styling. This example captures the funk and solidity of the era perfectly, offering a distinct alternative to standard dress watches. It features the desirable red day wheel which adds a subtle pop of color to the monochrome face. History Rado was founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. but began selling watches under the Rado brand in the 1950s. The brand quickly established a reputation for innovation in materials and design, particularly with scratch-resistant cases and water-sealing technology. The Manhattan series, introduced in the mid-1960s, represented a bold step into geometric design and remains one of the most recognizable and collected lines in Rado's vintage portfolio. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMA-0004