Rado - Silver Sabre - No reserve price - 11042 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Embodying the unmistakable charm and bold design language of the 1970s, this Rado Silver Sabre is a fantastic example of the era's adventurous approach to watchmaking. Known for their distinctive case shapes and signature rotating anchor logos, Rado produced some of the most characterful timepieces of the period. The Silver Sabre pairs a robust stainless steel case with a wonderfully textured dial, creating a watch that is both visually striking and historically compelling for collectors of vintage Swiss automatics. Brand: Rado Model: Silver Sabre Reference Number: 11042 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 2797, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver vertically brushed dial with applied indices, showing age-consistent spotting and patina Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and authentic character Dial and Hands The dial of this Silver Sabre features a striking vertical linear texture that plays beautifully with the light. It is adorned with an applied Rado nameplate, the iconic rotating Rado anchor logo set against a red background, and the printed "Silver Sabre" text accompanied by a colorful crossed-swords and shield emblem. The hour markers are applied, faceted, and feature black inserts that match the striped detailing on the faceted baton hands. Luminous plots are present at the outer edge of the indices. Close inspection reveals noticeable, age-consistent spotting and patina across the dial surface, adding a layer of authentic vintage character. The printing remains legible, and the red accents provide a vibrant contrast against the silver backdrop. Case and Crystal The 34mm stainless steel case features a classic 1970s tonneau or cushion-style profile. The upper surfaces retain a strong brushed finish, which transitions sharply into polished case flanks. The watch exhibits normal, honest signs of wear consistent with its age, including light surface scratches, while maintaining well-defined edges. The original Rado-signed crown, bearing the anchor logo, is present at the three o'clock position. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion and clearly displays the reference number 11042. The watch is fitted with a domed crystal that protects the dial and presents cleanly. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made automatic movement, clearly marked as Caliber 2797. The mechanism features a rich gold-plated finish, engine-turned detailing on the rotor, and is inscribed with "RADO" and "25 JEWELS." The movement is visually clean and well-preserved, showcasing the robust mechanical engineering typical of Rado's mid-century output. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel flat-link bracelet, which perfectly complements the integrated aesthetic of the case design. The folding clasp is proudly stamped with the Rado logo and name, ensuring a secure and period-correct fit on the wrist. Condition This Rado is presented in good vintage condition. The case remains well-defined with its factory brushed and polished surfaces still clearly distinguishable, showing moderate handling wear. The dial exhibits visible spotting and patina throughout, which is common for this era and adds to the watch's vintage appeal without compromising legibility. The original bracelet and signed components make this a cohesive and attractive package. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 34 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. Remarks The Rado Silver Sabre is a wonderful representation of the brand's creative zenith in the 1970s. With its textured dial, colorful emblems, and signature rotating anchor, it offers a tremendous amount of vintage charm and wrist presence. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a distinctive and fully signed piece of Rado history. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. and later launching watches under the Rado name in the 1950s, the brand quickly became synonymous with innovation and avant-garde design. By the 1960s and 1970s, Rado was pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking with unusual case shapes, new materials, and unique dial executions. Models like the Silver Sabre highlight Rado's ability to blend reliable Swiss mechanics with daring, futuristic aesthetics, securing their lasting legacy among vintage watch enthusiasts. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RSS-0001