Rado - Marco Polo 747 - No reserve price - 11836/1 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Rado Marco Polo 747 represents a compelling era of Swiss watchmaking, characterized by bold case geometries and distinctive dial furniture. The watch features Rado's signature rotating anchor logo and a striking set of faceted, applied indices that catch the light beautifully. The robust cushion case design is emblematic of the transition from the traditional round watches of the 1960s to the more experimental shapes of the 1970s. This example, with its beautifully aged dial and well-preserved case, offers a fantastic opportunity to acquire a character-rich vintage Rado with strong mechanical health. Brand: Rado Model: Marco Polo 747 Reference Number: 11836/1 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with faceted applied indices, showing scattered spots, marks, and age-consistent patina throughout. Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and an attractively patinated dial. Dial and Hands The silver dial features a subtle sunburst finish that serves as a backdrop for the highly prominent, faceted applied indices. These block-style markers are a defining characteristic of this model, providing significant depth and visual interest. The dial exhibits a notable amount of age-related character, including scattered spotting, light surface marks, and localized areas of discoloration, particularly around the center and lower half. The Rado name is printed in bold serif typography, accompanied by the iconic rotating anchor logo set within a red circle at the nine o'clock position. The "Marco Polo 747" model designation is clearly printed above the six o'clock marker. The date aperture at three o'clock is framed by an applied silver-tone border, displaying red numerals. The polished baton hands feature black central stripes, showing signs of oxidation and aging consistent with the dial's overall condition. Case and Crystal The stainless steel cushion case measures 36 mm across and features a strong, geometric profile typical of Rado's designs from this period. The case flanks display a polished finish, while the upper surfaces maintain a brushed texture. The transition between these finishes remains visible, though the case shows honest signs of wear, including surface scratches and handling marks consistent with its age. The crown is signed with the Rado anchor logo. The screw-down caseback is a highlight, featuring the deeply engraved Rado seahorse logo, the "Water-Sealed" text, and the reference number 11836/1 clearly visible. The domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and appears in good condition, allowing for clear viewing of the dial's details. Movement Powering this Marco Polo 747 is a Swiss-made automatic movement, handsomely finished in a golden tone. The rotor is signed "Rado" alongside the anchor logo and specifies "25 Jewels." The movement appears clean and well-preserved. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a strong performance of -3 to -10 seconds per day. Strap The watch is currently fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle, complementing the robust aesthetic of the watch case. Condition This Rado is presented in good vintage condition. The case retains its fundamental shape with moderate surface wear and scratches typical of a watch from this era. The dial shows clear signs of aging, with scattered spotting, marks, and patina that give it a distinct vintage character. The hands exhibit oxidation matching the dial's condition. The deeply engraved caseback remains crisp and highly legible. The automatic movement is running exceptionally well, as indicated by the provided timegrapher data. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Marco Polo 747 is a fantastic example of the brand's distinctive design language from the 1970s. The combination of the heavy faceted indices, the classic cushion case, and the signature rotating anchor makes it a highly recognizable and enjoyable piece for vintage enthusiasts. The strong mechanical performance adds significant appeal to this character-filled timepiece. History Rado has long been celebrated for its innovative approach to watch design and materials. While they are perhaps best known today for their pioneering work with high-tech ceramics, their earlier vintage pieces, like those from the Marco Polo line, showcase a period of bold experimentation with case shapes and dial furniture. The rotating anchor logo, originally introduced to indicate when the watch needed servicing (as it would stop rotating if the movement was dry), became a beloved hallmark of Rado's automatic watches. Models from the 1970s often feature the chunky, geometric styling seen here, reflecting the design trends of the era while maintaining Rado's unique identity. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMP-0001