Rado - Matterhorn - No reserve price - 70007936 - Men - 1970-1979

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado Matterhorn is a striking example of 1970s design, blending bold geometry with sophisticated dial details. Rado, celebrated for its innovative approach to case materials and shapes during this era, delivers a visually arresting timepiece here. The distinctive chunky case, paired with a dynamic two-tone vertical striped dial and the iconic rotating anchor logo, embodies the adventurous spirit of vintage Rado. This particular example is elevated by its original stainless steel bracelet, offering collectors a complete and highly wearable piece of the brand's mid-century heritage. Brand: Rado Model: Matterhorn Reference Number: 70007936 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver-tone with vertical brushed stripes, applied indices, rotating anchor logo, showing light spotting and edge wear Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive presentation Dial and Hands The dial is a captivating study in texture and contrast, featuring broad, vertical stripes that alternate between a bright brushed silver and a slightly deeper, matte grey tone. The typography is crisp, with "RADO" in bold serif lettering below the iconic rotating anchor logo, set against a red background at 12 o'clock, and "MatterHorn" printed above 6 o'clock. The applied hour markers are substantial, faceted, and feature black central inserts that coordinate with the handset. A framed date window at 3 o'clock displays the date in striking red numerals. The dial exhibits signs of age, including scattered light spotting across the surface and noticeable darkening/wear along the extreme outer edge near the crystal rehaut. The faceted baton hands are well-preserved, showing light oxidation consistent with age, and retain their black central striping. Case and Crystal The 38mm stainless steel case is a quintessential 1970s "helmet" or cushion shape, characterized by a massive, sloping front profile. The case features a strong radial brushed finish on the upper surface that transitions into polished flanks. The case lines remain distinct, though the brushed surfaces show minor handling marks and light scuffs indicative of normal vintage wear. The signed crown, bearing the Rado anchor, is partially recessed into the case side. The screw-down caseback is polished and clearly engraved with the serial number 70007936. The watch is fitted with a crystal that appears to be flat, showing minor surface scratches visible under close inspection. Movement Powering this Matterhorn is a Swiss-made automatic movement, proudly signed by Rado. The rotor is finished in a warm gold tone and engraved with "RADO" and the anchor logo, noting 25 jewels. The movement plates exhibit a matching gold-tone finish. The balance wheel and escapement are clearly visible, and the overall aesthetic of the caliber suggests robust mid-century Swiss engineering. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of -20-25s/day. Strap The watch is presented on its original Rado stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet features a complex, multi-link brick-style construction that provides excellent flexibility and a distinctive retro aesthetic. The clasp is correctly signed with the Rado name and anchor logo against a textured background. The bracelet shows moderate stretch and surface wear consistent with its age, accommodating a wrist size of up to 18cm. Condition This Rado Matterhorn is in good vintage condition. The case retains its original geometry and finishing styles, with expected surface scratches and minor dings from regular use. The dial remains highly legible and attractive, though it does exhibit some light spotting and darkening along the outer perimeter. The hands and applied markers are in good shape. The original signed bracelet is a significant plus, completing the vintage look, though it shows normal signs of wear and stretch. The movement is clean and operational. Dimensions Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 18 cm Remarks This Rado Matterhorn is a fantastic representation of the brand's daring design language of the 1970s. The combination of the substantial case, the textured vertical-stripe dial, and the intricate original bracelet makes it a standout piece on the wrist. It offers a wonderful opportunity to acquire a distinctive and characterful vintage Rado with strong visual presence. History Rado, originally founded as Schlup & Co. in 1917, transformed into the Rado brand in the 1950s. By the 1960s and 70s, Rado had established itself as a pioneer in unconventional watch design and the use of scratch-resistant materials, most notably with the introduction of the DiaStar in 1962. During this period, the brand released a multitude of models with bold, chunky cases and evocative names like the Voyager, Conway, and Matterhorn. These watches often featured the brand's signature rotating anchor logo on the dial, a clever mechanical detail indicating the automatic winding mechanism. The Matterhorn, with its robust case and unique dial execution, perfectly captures Rado's innovative and slightly eccentric approach to watchmaking during the golden era of mechanical watches. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0007