Rado - Marco Polo - No reserve price - 11837 - Men - 1970

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Rado Marco Polo is a striking representation of 1970s Swiss watchmaking, perfectly capturing the era's adventurous design language. With its distinctive cushion-shaped case and beautifully textured dial, this timepiece offers collectors a chance to own a character-rich vintage watch. The signature rotating anchor logo and vibrant red date wheel add a captivating dynamic element to the wrist, making it a wonderful conversation piece for any vintage enthusiast. Brand: Rado Model: Marco Polo Reference Number: 11837 Serial Number: G 15892335 Movement: Automatic 25 Jewels Dial: Vertically brushed silver dial in excellent condition with applied faceted indices and a clean factory finish Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated stainless steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and an exceptionally well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Marco Polo is an absolute standout, featuring a stunning vertically brushed silver surface that catches the light beautifully. It is exceptionally clean, showing no significant spots, stains, or moisture damage, which is a rare find for a watch of this age. The hour markers are applied, faceted gold-tone blocks with contrasting black center stripes, perfectly matching the original gold-tone baton hands. At the nine o'clock position sits the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo set against a ruby-red background, adding a touch of mechanical whimsy. The date window at three o'clock is framed in applied gold and displays striking red typography, while the crisp black printed text completes this highly legible and visually engaging dial. Case and Crystal The 36 mm cushion-shaped case wears with substantial presence, featuring a gold-plated finish that highlights its bold 1970s silhouette. The upper surface of the case retains its original vertical brushing, which contrasts nicely with the polished flanks. The case exhibits honest signs of wear consistent with its age, including surface scratches, handling marks, and minor softening of the gold plating along the sharper edges and lug extremities. The original Rado-signed crown is present and correctly detailed with the anchor motif. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, showing only light surface wear that does not impede the clear view of the pristine dial beneath. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado seahorses logo, reference number, and serial number, displaying typical surface scratches from previous wear and opening. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made Rado signed automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels and a beautifully finished gold-tone rotor. The visible components present cleanly, showcasing the robust engineering typical of Rado during this era. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates a performance of +50 to +55 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring contrasting yellow stitching that pairs handsomely with the gold-tone case. It is secured to the wrist by a classic gold-tone pin buckle, providing a comfortable and stylish fit. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The dial is the undisputed highlight, remaining remarkably crisp, clean, and free of notable flaws. The gold-plated case exhibits expected vintage wear, including surface marks and minor plating wear on the extremities, presenting an honest and authentic aesthetic. The caseback engravings remain sharp and legible. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Marco Polo offers a fantastic entry into vintage Swiss watch collecting, combining a robust cushion case design with an absolutely stunning brushed dial. The iconic rotating anchor and red date wheel provide perfect pops of color, making this a highly wearable and charming piece of Rado history. History Rado has long been celebrated for its innovative materials and distinctive case shapes. During the mid-twentieth century, the brand released numerous culturally inspired models, including the Marco Polo, which captured the adventurous spirit of the era. These timepieces are cherished today for their robust construction, unique aesthetic signatures, and the enduring charm of the rotating anchor logo, cementing Rado's legacy as a forward-thinking powerhouse in the Swiss watch industry. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMP-0012