Rado - Mannheim 702 - No reserve price - 42350656 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Mannheim 702 is a quintessential representation of 1970s watchmaking, combining a bold cushion case with a deeply textured, vibrant dial. Known for their fearless approach to design during this era, Rado created timepieces that stood out on the wrist, and this model is no exception. With its striking blue dial, distinctive applied logos, and robust automatic movement, this watch offers collectors a fantastic opportunity to acquire a character-rich vintage piece that remains highly wearable today. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim 702 Reference Number: 42350656 Serial Number: 101211 Movement: Automatic ETA caliber 2824 Dial: Deep blue vertically brushed dial with applied faceted indices, showing minor age-related spots but remaining vibrant Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear Dial and Hands The dial is a striking deep blue, defined by a subtle vertical brushed texture that interacts beautifully with the light. It features applied faceted silver-tone indices with central black stripes and luminescent plots at their outer edges. The iconic Rado rotating anchor logo is positioned at twelve o'clock against a vibrant red background, balanced by a large applied gold-tone "M" integrated into the printed "MANNHEIM 702" text. A framed date window at three o'clock displays the date in bold red numerals. The faceted baton hands are well-preserved, featuring luminescent inserts that have aged to a warm creamy tone. Upon close inspection, the dial exhibits some minor spotting and light age-related surface marks, remaining highly attractive and visually coherent for its age. Case and Crystal The stainless steel cushion case presents a classic seventies silhouette, characterized by smoothly polished surfaces that emphasize its curved geometry. The case displays honest signs of wear, including superficial scratches and minor handling marks typical of a vintage timepiece, while retaining its fundamental shape and charm. The signed Rado crown remains crisp and functional. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, offering clear visibility with only faint surface wear. The screw-down caseback features the deeply engraved Rado seahorse "Water-Sealed" medallion, alongside the clearly legible reference and serial numbers, exhibiting noticeable scratches and tool marks from previous openings. Movement Powering this Rado is the reliable Swiss-made automatic ETA caliber 2824, clearly stamped on the base plate near the balance assembly. The movement features twenty-five jewels and is highlighted by a beautifully decorated rotor, proudly signed "RADO" in gold lettering over an intricate guilloche pattern. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era, recording +55 to +58 s/day on the timegrapher. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring contrasting white edge stitching. The strap is supple, enhancing the vintage appeal of the timepiece, and secures to the wrist with a classic stainless steel pin buckle. Condition Good vintage condition. The watch exhibits normal vintage wear, with a well-defined case that retains its appealing cushion profile. The dial remains vibrant despite minor age-related spotting, and the mechanical components are running and fully operational. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks The Rado Mannheim 702 is a captivating example of expressive seventies watch design, blending bold case architecture with a richly textured and colorful dial. Its distinctive branding and reliable ETA movement make it a highly wearable and collectible piece for enthusiasts of mid-century Swiss horology. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. and later transitioning to the Rado name in the 1950s, the brand quickly established a reputation for innovative designs and the use of unconventional materials. During the 1970s, Rado produced a wide array of distinctively shaped watches with vibrant, textured dials, always featuring their signature rotating anchor logo. The Mannheim line perfectly represents this era of creative freedom, offering collectors a unique glimpse into Rado's bold aesthetic vision during a transformative decade in watchmaking history. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0062