Presented for auction by Second Vintage
This Rado Montana 990 is a striking representation of the brand's adventurous design language during the 1970s. Known for their robust cases and dynamic dial configurations, Rado timepieces from this era carry a distinct visual identity that remains highly sought after by collectors. With its quintessential tonneau case, beautifully preserved sunburst dial, and the iconic free-spinning anchor logo, this Montana 990 offers a fantastic blend of vintage charm and daily wearability, capturing the essence of mid-century Swiss watchmaking.
Brand: Rado
Model: Montana 990
Reference Number: 11767-1
Serial Number: 14712349
Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels
Dial: Grey sunburst dial with applied faceted indices and rotating anchor logo, remarkably clean with age-consistent patina on the hands and markers
Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1974
Condition: Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear and a vibrant, well-preserved dial
Dial and Hands
The dial is a captivating grey sunburst that catches the light beautifully, radiating outward from the center pinion. It features applied, faceted block indices with central white inserts, offering excellent depth and readability. At the 12 o'clock position sits Rado's signature rotating anchor logo set against a vibrant pink background, while the "MONTANA" name is delicately printed in blue just above the applied "990" numerals. A framed date window at 3 o'clock displays the date in striking red typography. The dial surface itself is remarkably clean and well-preserved, showing only the faintest age-related speckling under high magnification. The baton hands and indices exhibit honest, age-consistent oxidation and patina, with the luminous material having aged to a darker tone, adding genuine vintage character without detracting from the watch's handsome appearance.
Case and Crystal
The stainless steel case features a classic 1970s tonneau or C-shape profile, blending brushed upper surfaces with polished flanks. The transition between these finishes remains visible, and the case retains its original structural geometry. It presents honest signs of wear, including moderate surface scratches, scuffs, and handling marks consistent with decades of use, but is free of severe gouges. The original Rado crown, signed with the anchor emblem, sits flush against the case side. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Rado logo, "ALL STAINLESS STEEL WATERPROOF," the reference number 11767-1, and the serial number 14712349. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that remains largely clear, showing only faint micro-scratches visible under harsh, direct lighting.
Movement
Powering this timepiece is a gold-tone, 25-jewel Rado automatic caliber. The movement features a rich golden finish across its plates and rotor, which is proudly signed with the Rado name and anchor logo. Visual inspection reveals an honest layer of surface patina and tarnishing on the rotor and bridges, which is typical for a vintage automatic movement of this age. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -60 to -67 seconds per day.
Strap
The watch is currently paired with a period-correct black leather strap featuring a heavily textured, reptilian or pebbled grain finish. The strap is accented with contrasting white stitching along the edges, complementing the white inserts on the dial's indices, and is secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle.
Condition
The watch is presented in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case retains its attractive proportions and shows normal, honest wear characteristic of its age. The grey sunburst dial is exceptionally well-preserved and serves as the visual highlight of the piece, while the hands and applied markers display an appealing, age-appropriate patina. The movement is fully operational and displays expected vintage tarnishing.
Dimensions
Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown)
Remarks
This Rado Montana 990 is a fantastic example of 1970s Swiss design, offering a highly attractive grey sunburst dial and the iconic rotating anchor logo in a versatile, comfortable case size.
History
Rado has long been celebrated for its avant-garde approach to watchmaking, consistently pushing the boundaries of case design and material innovation. During the 1960s and 1970s, the brand introduced a wide array of uniquely named models, such as the Montana, which were characterized by robust steel cases and dynamic, colorful dials. The free-spinning anchor logo on the dial became a hallmark of Rado's automatic watches during this period, originally serving as a clever visual indicator meant to signal when the movement required servicing. Today, these distinctive pieces are celebrated for their unapologetic retro aesthetic and enduring build quality.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: RAD-RMX-0066





























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Rado - Montana 990 - No reserve price - 11767-1 - Men - 1974
Rado • 1974
Sold for
€186
Sold on May 2, 2026
32 bids67 watching
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