Rado - Manhattan - No reserve price - Men - 1960-1969

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Rado Manhattan stands as a striking testament to the bold, architectural design language of the 1960s and 70s. Characterized by its substantial, blocky case and distinctive dial layout, this model captures the essence of an era when watchmakers were pushing boundaries and embracing unconventional shapes. The Manhattan is a quintessential vintage Rado, combining robust construction with a unique visual identity that remains highly sought after by collectors of mid-century design. Brand: Rado Model: Manhattan Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive patination Dial and Hands The dial of this Rado Manhattan presents a captivating sunburst silver texture that has aged beautifully over the decades. It features robust, block-style applied indices with faceted details, complementing the watch's overall architectural theme. A prominent day-date aperture is positioned at three o'clock, displaying the day in a striking red font. The applied Rado logo and the iconic rotating anchor emblem at nine o'clock add depth and brand heritage to the dial. The dial shows signs of age-consistent wear, including some minor spotting and subtle discoloration near the edges, which contributes to its authentic vintage character. The broad, faceted baton hands exhibit some surface oxidation and aging, consistent with the overall condition of the dial, yet they remain legible and structurally sound. Case and Crystal The distinctive square stainless steel case is the defining feature of the Manhattan. Measuring 34mm, it wears with substantial presence due to its blocky geometry. The case displays honest signs of wear, including surface scratches and minor handling marks on the polished bezel and brushed surfaces, typical of a watch that has been enjoyed over the years. The case lines remain relatively sharp, preserving the original architectural intent. The original Rado-signed crown is present, featuring the anchor logo. The screw-down caseback is adorned with the Rado seahorse emblem and "Water Sealed" engraving, showing some scratches from previous openings. The watch is fitted with a flat, square crystal that follows the case’s geometric form, reinforcing its architectural design. The crystal exhibits some light surface wear but remains clear, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement The watch is powered by a mechanical movement. While specific caliber details are not visible, the movement is currently operational. Timegrapher results show the watch running at +17s to +25s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap The watch is fitted with a classic black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap is in good condition, complementing the vintage aesthetic of the Manhattan while providing a comfortable fit on the wrist. Condition This Rado Manhattan is presented in good vintage condition. It displays honest signs of wear consistent with its age, including surface scratches on the case and caseback. The dial exhibits attractive, age-appropriate patination and minor spotting, while the hands show some surface oxidation. The overall appearance is that of a well-loved and authentically preserved mid-century timepiece. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The Rado Manhattan is a superb example of vintage watch design, offering a unique blend of robust construction and striking aesthetics. Its architectural case and distinctive dial layout make it a standout piece for any collector interested in the bold styles of the 1960s and 70s. History Introduced in the mid-1960s, the Rado Manhattan was designed to reflect the towering, blocky architecture of the famous New York City skyline. It was part of Rado's broader strategy to create watches with distinctive, recognizable shapes and robust, water-resistant cases. The Manhattan quickly became a popular model, celebrated for its unique aesthetic and solid build quality, securing its place as an iconic piece of Rado's history. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0015