Rado - McKinley - No reserve price - 245308 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Embodying the bold and experimental design language of the 1970s, the Rado McKinley is a striking testament to the era's fascination with oversized, geometric watchmaking. Rado, a brand historically celebrated for its unconventional case shapes and innovative materials, delivered a robust and visually commanding timepiece with the McKinley. Its substantial cushion case and deeply textured dial offer tremendous wrist presence, making it a highly compelling acquisition for collectors of distinctive vintage statement pieces. Brand: Rado Model: McKinley Reference Number: 245308 Movement: Automatic Caliber 1863 Dial: Horizontally brushed silver dial, exceptionally clean with applied faceted indices Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest surface wear and a remarkably clean dial Dial and Hands The dial of this McKinley is a visual standout, featuring a pronounced horizontal brushing that catches the light beautifully and shifts from bright silver to deep grey depending on the angle. It is adorned with applied, faceted block indices that feature a highly polished finish, adding significant depth to the display. At twelve o'clock, Rado’s signature rotating anchor logo sits vividly against a red background, functioning exactly as intended. A silver-framed date aperture at three o'clock displays the date in a striking red typography. The faceted baton hands are well-preserved, featuring intact luminous material that has aged to a soft, consistent tone. Condition-wise, the dial is exceptionally well-preserved. It remains remarkably clean, showing no visible spotting, moisture stains, or print loss, retaining its crisp metallic texture and factory finish. Case and Crystal The oversized 40mm stainless steel cushion case is a quintessential representation of 1970s design, featuring a broad, flat front profile that slopes sharply toward the integrated lugs. The case displays honest, age-consistent wear, with visible surface scratches, scuffs, and handling marks, particularly noticeable on the polished flanks and the broad bezel surface. These marks indicate that the case has been worn and enjoyed, maintaining its robust original geometry without signs of heavy over-polishing. A Rado-signed crown sits slightly recessed at the three o'clock position. The crystal remains clear and legible, exhibiting only faint, superficial wear that does not detract from the striking dial beneath. The screw-down caseback is sharply stamped with the iconic Rado seahorse medallion and the reference number 245308, showing typical tool marks and surface scratches from previous openings. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust Rado-signed automatic movement, clearly stamped with Caliber 1863 beneath the balance wheel. The movement is finished in a rich gold tone, typical of Rado’s mid-century production, and presents cleanly with the rotor swinging freely. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results show +17+24s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a modern black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile pattern and contrasting copper-toned stitching. The strap is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle and complements the bold proportions of the cushion case comfortably. Condition This Rado McKinley is presented in good vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved and stands as the highlight of the piece, free of noticeable flaws or damage. The stainless steel case displays honest, visible signs of wear, including scuffs and scratches across its polished surfaces, consistent with regular use over the decades. The movement is running well, and the watch retains a highly attractive, authentic vintage character overall. Dimensions 40 mm case width (excluding the crown). Remarks With its generous proportions and dynamic brushed dial, the Rado McKinley is a fantastic example of 1970s retro-futuristic design. It offers a substantial footprint on the wrist while maintaining the distinct charm and mechanical intrigue that vintage Rado collectors actively seek. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado initially operated as the Schlup & Co. movement factory before launching watches under its own name in the 1950s. By the 1960s and 1970s, Rado had carved out a unique niche in the Swiss watch industry, becoming synonymous with avant-garde designs, scratch-resistant materials, and bold, television-shaped cases. The McKinley model perfectly encapsulates this era of unbridled creativity, reflecting the brand's willingness to push aesthetic boundaries and deliver timepieces that were entirely distinct from traditional Swiss offerings. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0025