Rado - Monte Rosa - No reserve price - 74046722A - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Monte Rosa is a quintessential representation of the brand's adventurous 1970s design philosophy, blending bold geometric case architecture with refined, deeply colored dials. During an era when watchmakers were experimenting heavily with futuristic forms and textures, Rado stood at the forefront of avant-garde styling. The Monte Rosa perfectly captures this spirit with its substantial UFO-style case and striking horizontal brushing, offering a substantial wrist presence that feels both retro and remarkably contemporary. Preserved in outstanding condition and still paired with its original signed mesh bracelet, this timepiece is a highly collectible artifact from one of the most creatively liberated periods in horological history. Brand: Rado Model: Monte Rosa Reference Number: 74046722A Movement: Automatic, Caliber ETA 2824, 25 Jewels Dial: Deep navy blue with applied faceted indices, red date display, and completely intact luminous pips Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp factory brushing and a remarkably clean dial. Movement has been recently serviced. Dial and Hands The dial of this Monte Rosa is a masterclass in 1970s visual depth, featuring a deep navy blue surface that provides a striking contrast to the applied steel furniture. At the twelve o'clock position, the signature Rado anchor emblem is set within a ruby-toned jewel bearing, sitting above the applied block Rado logo at nine o'clock and the elegant cursive Monte Rosa script at six o'clock. The three o'clock date aperture is framed in steel and displays striking red numerals, adding a vibrant touch of color to the overall composition. The hour markers are heavily faceted applied steel blocks with black central inserts, complemented by a precise outer minute track punctuated by perfectly intact, pale green luminous pips. The steel baton handset mirrors this design with matching black inserts and thin luminous strips. Upon close inspection, the dial remains in stunning vintage condition, presenting an exceptionally clean and evenly preserved surface that is entirely free from moisture damage, heavy spotting, or print loss, standing as a testament to its careful preservation over the decades. Case and Crystal The substantial 40mm stainless steel case immediately commands attention with its distinctive UFO-style profile and bold, sweeping geometry. The broad front fascia is defined by heavy, factory-original horizontal brushing that catches the light beautifully, contrasting sharply with the smoothly polished case flanks and the sharp transition lines. The watch retains its original Rado anchor-signed crown, which remains crisp to the touch. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, showing a clear and well-preserved surface free from distracting scratches or crazing. The screw-down stainless steel caseback features the iconic Rado Water Sealed seahorse medallion deeply engraved alongside the reference numbering. The case remains in excellent vintage condition, exhibiting only honest, light surface wear and superficial micro-scratches on the polished sections, while the crucial factory brushing on the upper surfaces remains crisp, proud, and highly attractive. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust and highly regarded automatic Caliber ETA 2824, featuring 25 jewels. The movement is a visual delight, showcasing a Rado-signed rotor beautifully finished with an engine-turned textured pattern. The caliber presents exceptionally well visually, with clean surfaces and no evidence of heavy corrosion, moisture intrusion, or careless handling. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results reflect a deviation of +10 to +12 seconds per day with strong amplitude, confirming the outstanding mechanical health and reliable operation of this classic caliber. Movement has been recently serviced. Strap The watch is fitted with its original period stainless steel mesh bracelet, which seamlessly complements the space-age aesthetic of the oversized case. The folding clasp is proudly stamped with the Rado seahorse emblem, confirming its factory originality. The steel mesh remains supple, structurally sound, and entirely free from heavy kinking, fraying, or stretching, securely and comfortably accommodating a wrist size of up to 19 centimeters. Condition This Rado Monte Rosa is presented in excellent vintage condition. The case retains its factory-intended geometry and the highly desirable original brushed finishing on the front fascia, showing only gentle, age-appropriate handling marks. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, boasting vibrant colors, clean text, and intact luminous material without any unsightly degradation. Coupled with its original signed crown and matching signed mesh bracelet, the watch remains a highly original and beautifully maintained survivor from a golden era of watch design. Dimensions Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: Up to 19 cm Remarks Finding a 1970s Rado with such an unblemished dial and sharp case architecture is an increasingly difficult task for modern collectors. The combination of the deep blue dial, the red roulette-style date numerals, and the heavy mesh bracelet makes this Monte Rosa a standout piece. It is entirely ready to be worn, enjoyed, and admired by its next custodian. History Rado established itself in the mid-20th century as a pioneer of unconventional watchmaking, relentlessly pursuing new case shapes, scratch-resistant materials, and distinctive visual identities. While the brand is most famous for its DiaStar line, models like the Monte Rosa demonstrate Rado's broader commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional stainless steel case design. By utilizing oversized, helmet-like shapes and integrating heavy textures like horizontal brushing, Rado created watches that were instantly recognizable on the wrist. The Monte Rosa remains a perfect encapsulation of this fearless, forward-thinking approach to horology. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMR-0003