Rado - Mannheim - No reserve price - 938900 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Rado Mannheim is a striking example of the brand's mid-century design language, dating to the early 1970s, blending a robust, architectural case with a refined, textured dial. The Mannheim represents a fascinating era for Rado, a time when they were experimenting with bold case shapes and intricate dial finishing while maintaining their commitment to durability and water resistance. The presence of the iconic rotating anchor logo and the distinct typography make this a highly collectible piece for enthusiasts of vintage Swiss watchmaking. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim Reference Number: 938900 Serial Number: 944965 Movement: 25 Jewels Automatic Dial: Silver sunburst texture with applied indices, showing a clean surface with minor, even aging. Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a well-preserved dial. Dial and Hands The silver dial features a striking vertical brushed sunburst texture that catches the light beautifully. The applied, faceted hour markers are accented with black inserts and a subtle blue stripe, adding depth and visual interest. The Rado name is applied in polished, serif typography, accompanied by the signature rotating anchor logo in a red circle. Below the center, the 'M' and 'Mannheim' script are crisply printed. The polished baton hands feature black inserts that match the indices. A framed date window sits at the three o'clock position, displaying red numerals on a white disc. The dial surface is remarkably clean, showing only minor, age-consistent patina, free from significant spots or damage. The crystal is domed. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case features a distinctive, robust cushion-like profile with a flat, brushed upper surface that transitions sharply to polished flanks. The lines remain well-defined, though the case shows honest signs of wear, including light scratches and scuffs consistent with its age and use. The crown, signed with the Rado anchor, sits slightly recessed into the case side. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado seahorse logo, stars, and "Water-Sealed" text, along with the serial number 944965. The domed crystal shows minor surface wear but remains clear. Movement Powering this Mannheim is a 25-jewel automatic movement, beautifully finished with a gold-tone plating. Close inspection reveals the caliber markings "2797" and "202" on the base plate. The rotor is signed "Rado 25 Jewels." The movement appears clean and well-preserved. Operational condition. Timegrapher results reflect current performance; the movement is running and operational at -45 to -51 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with an original Rado stainless steel mesh bracelet. The clasp is prominently stamped with the Rado name and anchor logo on the exterior, and "Rado Stainless Steel" on the interior folding mechanism. The fine mesh design complements the vintage aesthetic perfectly and shows normal signs of use. Condition This Rado Mannheim is in good vintage condition. The case exhibits normal wear with superficial scratches and scuffs, maintaining its original architectural lines. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, showing a clean, textured surface with minimal aging. The hands and applied markers are bright and intact. The movement is running, and the original bracelet adds significant collector appeal. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 17.5 cm Remarks A handsome and robust Rado from a highly creative period in the brand's history, offering a fantastic blend of unique case design and intricate dial details. History Rado, originally founded as Schlup & Co. in 1917, began producing watches under the Rado name in the 1950s. The brand quickly became known for its innovative designs and pioneering use of scratch-resistant materials, most notably with the DiaStar in 1962. The Mannheim model, while less ubiquitous than the DiaStar, showcases Rado's commitment to striking aesthetics and reliable automatic movements during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The rotating anchor logo, introduced in 1962, became a hallmark of their automatic watches, symbolizing the free-swinging rotor within. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0057