Rado - Voyager - No reserve price - 11814 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Rado Voyager perfectly encapsulates the distinctive design language of the 1970s, offering a brilliant blend of robust stainless steel architecture and refined dial execution. Known for their fearless approach to watchmaking, Rado equipped this Voyager with a charming cushion case and an unusual vertical day-date display at six o'clock, setting it apart from standard vintage automatics. With its iconic anchor logo and beautifully preserved sunburst dial, this timepiece presents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a character-rich vintage Swiss watch with true everyday wearability. Brand: Rado Model: Voyager Reference Number: 11814 Serial Number: 43107421 Movement: Swiss 25-Jewel Automatic Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices and vertical day-date, exceptionally clean Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with an outstandingly preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Voyager is a masterclass in 1970s design, preserved in outstanding, near-mint condition. It features a brilliant silver sunburst finish that remains incredibly vibrant, reflecting light beautifully across its surface. The dial is remarkably clean, showing no visible spotting, stains, or moisture damage, which is a rare treat for a watch of this era. Applied faceted baton indices mark the hours, each detailed with a prominent black central stripe that enhances legibility and adds a strong graphic element to the design. At twelve o'clock sits the iconic Rado anchor logo, set against a deep red circular background. The most striking feature is the vertical day-date aperture positioned at six o'clock, framed by a crisp metallic border, offering a quirky and highly attractive layout. The original baton hands mirror the indices with matching black inserts, while a slender sweeping seconds hand completes the handset. All printing, including the Rado and Voyager text, remains razor-sharp and fully intact. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel cushion case boasts an impressive wrist presence, characterized by its fluid lines and substantial profile. The upper surface of the case retains its factory sunburst brushing, which contrasts beautifully with the polished case flanks. The transition between these brushed and polished surfaces remains well-defined, indicating honest wear without heavy over-polishing. Normal vintage wear, including light surface scratches and minor scuffs, is present but entirely consistent with the watch's age and history. The domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and exhibits some minor surface scuffs visible under harsh lighting, though it remains clear and highly legible. The watch is fitted with a Rado-signed crown. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down caseback proudly bearing the embossed Water-Sealed seahorse medallion, along with crisp serial and reference engravings. Movement Inside the case beats a robust Swiss 25-jewel automatic movement, beautifully finished with a gold-plated wash. The winding rotor is clearly signed with the Rado name and jewel count, showcasing the brand's attention to mechanical detail. The movement visually presents very cleanly, with no obvious signs of moisture intrusion or mishandling. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results reflect a current performance of +45 to +48 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original Rado stainless steel brick-link bracelet, a highly comfortable and structurally fascinating design typical of the era. The bracelet drapes fluidly around the wrist and is secured by a folding clasp bearing the Rado logo. It shows normal signs of vintage wear and stretching but remains secure and highly wearable, accommodating a wrist size of up to 20 cm. Condition This Rado Voyager is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable star, remaining exceptionally clean and free of the degradation that often plagues watches of this vintage. The case retains its original geometry and attractive brushed finishes, showing only honest, age-appropriate handling marks. The original bracelet completes the authentic vintage package, making this a highly collectible and wearable piece. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm Wrist Size: 20 cm Remarks Finding a vintage Rado Voyager with such a pristine dial and the unusual vertical day-date configuration is a genuine delight. The combination of the silver sunburst finish, the chunky faceted indices, and the signature Rado anchor provides a visual experience that is both deeply nostalgic and enduringly stylish. This is a robust, conversation-starting timepiece that brings undeniable vintage charm to any collection. History Founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, as Schlup & Co., the company eventually launched the Rado brand in the 1950s. Rado quickly distinguished itself through a relentless pursuit of innovative designs and durable materials. In 1962, they introduced their signature moving anchor logo on the dial of their automatic watches, a feature that became a beloved hallmark of the brand. The Voyager line emerged as a reliable, globally minded collection of automatic watches, designed to be robust daily wearers that sacrificed nothing in terms of style. Today, vintage Rado models are celebrated by collectors for their daring case shapes, unique dial layouts, and enduring Swiss mechanical quality. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RVX-0012