Rado - Trident 300 - No reserve price - 11006 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage Rado has long been celebrated for its avant-garde approach to watchmaking, particularly during the vibrant era of the 1970s. The Trident 300 is a perfect encapsulation of this bold design philosophy, offering a striking visual experience that stands out in any collection. With its distinctive tonneau case and a dial characterized by deep radial grooves, this timepiece captures the essence of retro-futurism while maintaining the robust mechanical reliability that vintage enthusiasts demand. The signature moving anchor logo adds a touch of dynamic character, making this Rado a captivating piece of mid-century horological art. Brand: Rado Model: Trident 300 Reference Number: 11006 Serial Number: Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2789 Dial: Silver radially textured dial with applied indices and moving anchor, presenting cleanly with honest aging on the hands Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with well-preserved case lines and an exceptionally attractive dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Trident 300 is a visual standout, featuring a brilliant silver base defined by deep, deeply cut radial grooves that create a dynamic sunburst effect depending on the light. The dial furniture is beautifully executed, with an applied "RADO" wordmark and the iconic rotating anchor logo set against a vibrant red background at the 12 o'clock position. The hour markers are applied faceted batons with black inserts, providing excellent contrast. A framed day-date aperture sits cleanly at 3 o'clock. The printed "TRIDENT 300" text and the unique applied trident logo above 6 o'clock are sharp and fully intact. The dial itself remains exceptionally clean, free from significant spotting or moisture damage. The original baton hands feature black striping and exhibit a noticeable, age-consistent oxidation and patina, adding honest vintage character. The sweep seconds hand is uniquely shaped like a trident, perfectly complementing the model name. Case and Crystal The 33mm stainless steel case features a classic 1970s tonneau or cushion profile. The case architecture is well-preserved, showcasing strong vertical brushing on the upper surfaces that transitions sharply into polished case flanks. The lug profile remains crisp, indicating careful wear over the decades. Honest handling marks and minor surface scratches are visible upon close inspection, consistent with good vintage condition, but there are no major dings or structural deformations. The original crown is prominently signed with the Rado anchor emblem. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that presents clearly, though it exhibits some light superficial surface scratches visible under harsh lighting, which is typical for acrylic of this era. The screw-down caseback features the classic Rado seahorse and water-sealed medallion. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust automatic movement, clearly identifiable as the ETA Caliber 2789. The movement features a visually striking gold-plated finish throughout, including the rotor which is elegantly engine-turned and signed "RADO 25 JEWELS." The caliber markings "2789" and the ETA shield are visible beneath the balance wheel. The movement presents cleanly with no obvious signs of severe moisture intrusion or mishandling. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher result is -50 to -55 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet featuring a flat, articulated link design that complements the angularity of the tonneau case. The brushing on the bracelet links matches the case finishing beautifully. The folding clasp is original and securely fastens, bearing the deeply stamped Rado wordmark and anchor logo. The bracelet is sized to accommodate a wrist up to 17.5cm. Condition This Rado Trident 300 is presented in good vintage condition. The case retains its factory-intended geometry and contrasting finishes, showing only normal, honest signs of wear. The dial is the undeniable highlight, remaining remarkably clean and vibrant, while the hands display an attractive, age-appropriate oxidation. The original signed crown and clasp further enhance the collectibility of this highly original piece. Dimensions Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 17.5 cm Remarks Finding a vintage Rado with such a creatively executed dial texture is a treat for collectors of 1970s horology. The combination of the radial grooves, the moving anchor, and the specific trident seconds hand makes this a highly charismatic timepiece. It wears with a distinct presence that punches well above its modest dimensions, offering a fantastic entry point into the world of eccentric vintage Swiss watchmaking. History Founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, as Schlup & Co., the company eventually adopted the Rado name in the 1950s. Rado quickly distinguished itself from its conservative Swiss peers by embracing unconventional case shapes, innovative materials, and expressive dial designs. During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado became synonymous with the moving anchor logo—a clever mechanical visual indicator that the automatic winding system was functioning. Models like the Trident series showcase the brand's willingness to experiment with texture and theme, cementing Rado's legacy as the "Master of Materials" and a pioneer of distinct, future-forward design. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-TXX-0001