Rado - Marco Polo - No reserve price - 11839 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage Rado is celebrated for its distinctive mid-century designs and adventurous approach to watchmaking, and the Marco Polo is a striking testament to this bold era. Featuring a pronounced cushion case and a highly unusual vertical day and date display at the six o'clock position, this timepiece captures the unconventional spirit of its namesake. The rotating anchor logo at nine o'clock adds that quintessential Rado charm, making it a compelling piece for collectors who appreciate daring vintage aesthetics and unique dial layouts. Brand: Rado Model: Marco Polo Reference Number: 11839 Serial Number: G 17270405 Movement: 25 Jewels Automatic Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices and vertical day and date, in excellent well-preserved condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-Plated Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and a beautifully preserved dial Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a visual delight, radiating elegantly from the center pinion and remaining exceptionally clean for its age. It features an unusual and highly attractive vertical day and date aperture at six o'clock, framed in gold-tone metal, displaying the day in black over white and the date in white over black. The dial is adorned with applied, highly faceted gold-tone indices, including distinctive block markers at twelve and three o'clock, alongside Rado's signature free-spinning anchor logo positioned uniquely at nine o'clock against a purple background. The black printed serif RADO and sans-serif MARCO POLO text remain crisp and fully intact, as does the outer minute track. The gold-tone baton hands feature bold black central stripes, showing honest, light oxidation and age-consistent patina under close inspection, complemented by a simple gold-tone sweeping seconds hand. Case and Crystal The 36 millimeter cushion-shaped case features a striking gold-plated finish with radial brushing across its broad upper surfaces and polished case flanks. The case exhibits honest signs of vintage wear, including surface scratches, minor edge softening, and light micro-dings consistent with regular use over the decades. The gold plating shows light wear on the sharpest edges. The signed Rado crown, complete with the embossed anchor logo, sits flush against the case side. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the iconic Rado triple seahorse emblem, stars, and Water-Sealed script, alongside clear reference and serial numbers, showing typical tool marks and surface scratches. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, presenting clearly with only minor, superficial surface scuffs visible under raking light. Movement Inside beats a robust 25-jewel automatic movement, beautifully finished in a rich gold tone. The rotor is proudly stamped with the Rado name, the anchor logo, and 25 JEWELS, while the lower bridge is marked RADO SWISS. Close inspection reveals a clean and well-maintained architecture featuring Incabloc shock protection. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era, with timegrapher results showing -51s-60s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct black textured leather strap, detailed with striking yellow contrast stitching that complements the gold tones of the case and dial. The strap is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle and appears fresh and ready for comfortable daily wear. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved and serves as the standout feature of this timepiece, while the gold-plated case shows honest, authentic wear, scratches, and light dings consistent with its age. The stainless steel caseback remains sharply defined despite typical surface marks. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks The Rado Marco Polo is a fantastic example of 1970s horological design, blending unusual dial layouts with bold case geometry. Its vertical date display and nine o'clock anchor placement make it a rare and conversation-starting addition to any vintage collection. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, in 1917 as Schlup and Co., Rado officially adopted its current name in the 1950s and quickly became synonymous with daring designs and unconventional materials. During the 1960s and 1970s, the brand released a plethora of creatively named and distinctively styled models, each pushing the boundaries of traditional watch aesthetics. The Marco Polo stands as a proud member of this innovative era, reflecting Rado's commitment to producing timepieces that were as visually striking as they were mechanically reliable. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMG-0002