Presented for auction by Second Vintage
A classic example of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, this Rado World Travel captures the adventurous spirit of the 1960s. Known for their robust cases and distinctive design language, vintage Rado timepieces offer tremendous charm and historical intrigue. This particular model features the iconic rotating anchor logo and a beautifully textured outer minute ring, making it a compelling and highly wearable addition for any enthusiast of vintage automatic watches.
Brand: Rado
Model: World Travel
Reference Number: 57411
Serial Number: 59948
Movement: Automatic, AS Caliber 1581, 30 Jewels
Dial: Silvered dial with applied indices, grooved minute track, and rotating anchor logo, showing minor age-consistent spotting
Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1960s
Condition: Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear
Dial and Hands
The silvered dial presents beautifully, featuring a clean, subtly sunburst central section complemented by a distinctive grooved outer ring that houses the applied faceted hour markers. The iconic Rado anchor logo sits prominently below 12 o'clock, retaining its deep red background and signature rotating function. The dial is well-preserved, showing only minor, scattered spotting visible under close inspection, which adds to its authentic vintage character without compromising its aesthetic appeal. The dauphine hands exhibit natural oxidation and a dark, even patina consistent with their age. A framed date window at 3 o'clock displays striking red numerals, adding a fantastic subtle pop of color to the monochromatic layout. Crisp black sans-serif typography spells out "WORLD TRAVEL" and "30 JEWELS" above the 6 o'clock position.
Case and Crystal
The 35mm stainless steel case features an elegant profile with nicely tapered lugs and a smooth polished bezel. The case shows honest signs of wear, including surface scratches, scuffs, and minor handling marks throughout the polished flanks, entirely expected for a watch of this era. The factory lines remain visible, though slightly softened from decades of gentle use. The Rado-signed crown sits neatly against the case edge. The screw-down caseback is a distinct highlight, deeply engraved with the Rado twin-seahorse Water-Sealed emblem, along with the patent numbers 57411 and 59948, remaining highly legible despite some surface scratches. The domed crystal is equipped with a date magnifier over the 3 o'clock position and exhibits minor superficial wear that does not detract from the dial's legibility.
Movement
Powering this World Travel is a robust 30-jewel automatic movement, based on the reliable A. Schild Caliber 1581, clearly stamped beneath the balance wheel. The movement features a signed rotor beautifully engraved with "RADO WORLD TRAVEL 30 JEWELS SWISS" in gold-toned lettering, showcasing excellent finishing for the era. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era, yielding a timegrapher result of +55 to +63 seconds per day.
Strap
The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring a crocodile grain pattern and contrasting stitching on the underside. It is secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle, pairing perfectly with the classic, versatile aesthetic of the timepiece.
Condition
This Rado is in good vintage condition. The dial remains highly attractive with only faint signs of aging and minor spotting, while the hands show noticeable but even oxidation. The stainless steel case and caseback display normal, honest wear in the form of surface scratches and light scuffs, with the intricate caseback engravings remaining crisp and well-defined. The movement is operational and visually clean.
Dimensions
Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown)
Remarks
This Rado World Travel is a fantastic representation of the brand's mid-century catalog, offering a blend of elegant design and durable construction. The combination of the red date numerals, the dynamic rotating anchor, and the intricately detailed dial makes it a standout piece that carries immense vintage charm on the wrist.
History
Founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, as Schlup & Co., the company officially adopted the Rado name in the 1950s. Rado quickly became known for its innovative designs and durable timepieces, particularly with the introduction of the Water-Sealed series and the iconic rotating anchor logo, which cleverly symbolized the automatic movement housed within. The World Travel line was introduced during the golden age of global aviation and exploration, designed to be a reliable companion for the international traveler and cementing Rado's reputation for forward-thinking horology.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: RAD-RWT-0001



























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Rado - World Travel - No reserve price - 57411 - Men - 1960-1969
Rado
Sold for
€182
Sold on Apr 7, 2026
28 bids63 watching
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