Rado Mannheim 934967 (1970-1979)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado Mannheim is a spectacular example of 1970s Swiss design, characterized by its bold cushion case and distinctive dial details. Preserved in remarkable condition, this timepiece captures the retro-futuristic aesthetic that Rado championed during the era. With its rotating anchor logo and sharp, unpolished case lines, this watch is a collector-grade specimen that combines vintage charm with robust engineering, making it a standout addition to any collection of eccentric steel sports watches. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim Reference Number: 934967 Movement: Automatic Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Stunning vintage condition with a pristine dial and sharp, factory-finished case lines. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in exceptional condition, free from staining or spotting, and radiates a sophisticated metallic sheen. It features striking, high-profile applied block indices that add significant architectural depth to the face. At 12 o'clock, the signature Rado rotating anchor sits on a vibrant red background, freely moving as intended. Above the 6 o'clock position, a unique applied gold "M" logo rests above the printed Mannheim script. The baton-style hands are well-preserved and contain aged luminous material that matches the small lume plots at the hour markers. A sharp, framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a prominent cushion shape that is emblematic of 1970s design. It retains its original factory finishing, showcasing a beautiful vertical brushing on the top surface and high-polished sides. The edges are incredibly sharp and defined, indicating the watch has likely never been polished and has seen very minimal use. The signed crown features the Rado anchor logo. The screw-down caseback is crisp, featuring a deep embossing of the iconic tri-seahorse "Water-Sealed" medallion and the clear reference number 934967. The high-domed acrylic crystal is clear and in excellent condition. Movement Powering the watch is a high-quality Swiss automatic movement signed by Rado with 25 jewels. The movement features a gold-plated rotor and appears visually clean and well-maintained. Timegrapher testing shows the watch running between +10 and +18 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a new black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap complements the sporty elegance of the steel case and is secured by a polished stainless steel buckle, making it ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is virtually flawless, presenting an incredibly fresh appearance. The case is extremely well-preserved with sharp chamfers and original brushing, showing only the faintest handling marks consistent with careful storage. The movement is clean and running strong. It is rare to find a model from this era in such crisp, original condition. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in width excluding the crown. Due to the cushion case design and substantial lug presence, it wears slightly larger on the wrist than the dimensions suggest, offering a substantial and classic vintage fit. Remarks The Rado Mannheim is a distinctive model that showcases the brand's willingness to experiment with bold shapes and logos. This specific example is elevated by its near-mint preservation and the charming gold "M" logo on the dial. It serves as a perfect entry point into the world of vintage Rado or a pristine upgrade for an existing collection. History Rado, originally founded as Schlup & Co. in Lengnau, Switzerland in 1917, began marketing watches under the Rado brand name in the 1950s. The company quickly established a reputation for innovation, particularly in the use of scratch-resistant materials and unique case designs. In the 1960s and 1970s, Rado released a series of robust steel watches like the Mannheim, which featured their patented water-resistant case designs and the iconic rotating anchor symbol, which was used to indicate that the watch was automatic. These pieces are now celebrated for their durability and their unique place in the history of Swiss watch design. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0029