Rado - Manhattan - No reserve price - "Graphite Noir" Automatic - Men - 1969

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado Manhattan is a definitive statement piece of late 1960s horological design, capturing the era's fascination with geometric forms and architectural aesthetics. With its oversized square case and distinctive dial layout, this timepiece offers a bold wrist presence that defies its nominal dimensions. It represents a golden era for Rado, combining their robust engineering with an avant-garde style that remains effortlessly cool and collectible today. Brand: Rado Model: Manhattan Movement: Automatic Dial: Black with horizontal block indices Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest and attractive vintage character with visible signs of age to the crystal and case, while the dial remains well-preserved. Dial and Hands The matte black dial is the highlight of this timepiece, featuring an unusual and highly attractive configuration of horizontal applied block indices that evoke the skyline of the model's namesake. The signature rotating Rado anchor logo at the 9 o'clock position adds a dynamic touch of color with its purple background. A day-date complication is positioned at 3 o'clock, framed in silver, providing practical utility. The silver baton hands are filled with aged lume, matching the character of the dial, which remains clean and legible. Case and Crystal The stainless steel square case is robust and distinct, featuring a wide, flat bezel that emphasizes its geometric shape. The case retains its sharp lines and original definition, showing visible surface scratches and wear consistent with a life well-lived. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor. The distinctive "Water Sealed" caseback features the detailed Rado seahorse medallion, a testament to the brand's innovative waterproofing engineering of the period. The high-profile acrylic crystal shows distinct signs of aging, including scratches and stress marks along the edges, which is common for these specialized crystals. Movement Powered by a Swiss automatic movement, the watch is running within vintage tolerances. The movement offers reliable vintage performance, winding and setting as expected, continuing the Rado tradition of mechanical durability. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring matching stitching, which complements the dark tones of the dial and ensures a comfortable fit for daily wear. Condition This piece is in good vintage condition. While the case shows expected surface wear and the crystal exhibits noticeable aging and crazing, the watch retains a strong, honest aesthetic. The dial is remarkably clean for its age, providing a crisp contrast to the vintage character of the exterior components. Dimensions With a case width of 35 mm, the square profile wears significantly larger than a traditional round watch of the same diameter, offering a substantial and modern feel on the wrist. Remarks The Rado Manhattan is a cult classic among vintage enthusiasts, celebrated for its "TV screen" shape and robust construction. This specific example, with its unique horizontal marker configuration and black dial, is a stylish representation of 1960s modernism. It is a fantastic conversation piece that bridges the gap between dressy elegance and funky retro sportiness. History Introduced in the mid-1960s, the Manhattan was a pivotal model for Rado, showcasing the brand's commitment to unconventional shapes and advanced case sealing technology. At a time when round watches were the norm, the Manhattan's oversized square case was a bold declaration of style. Rado has long been a pioneer in material science and design, and the Manhattan remains one of their most recognizable and enduring legacy models. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RML-0001