Rado - World Travel - No reserve price - 345602 - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado World Travel captures the ambitious spirit of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, offering a remarkable 41-jewel automatic movement housed in a classic dress profile. During an era when jewel counts were a direct reflection of a brand's mechanical prestige, Rado pushed boundaries to deliver highly refined and robust calibers. This particular example stands out not only for its impressive internal mechanics but also for its profoundly aged dial, which has transformed over decades into a unique, heavily patinated canvas that speaks to its long history of wear. Brand: Rado Model: World Travel Reference Number: 345602 Movement: Automatic A. Schild Caliber 1700/01 Dial: Silver base with heavy stardust patina, applied faceted indices, and red date display Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated stainless steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with striking, even dial oxidation Dial and Hands The dial of this World Travel is a striking study in vintage aging, having developed a heavy, uniform stardust patina across its entire silver-toned base. This dense golden-brown spotting and surface oxidation give the watch an incredibly distinct, organic character while remaining entirely legible. Applied gold-tone faceted hour markers catch the light beautifully, complemented by matching gold-tone dauphine hands that show light, age-consistent oxidation. The signature Rado free-rotating anchor logo sits prominently below twelve o'clock against a vibrant purple background. At the three o'clock position, a framed date window displays the days in striking red typography, adding a welcome pop of color to the deeply patinated dial. Case and Crystal The 34 millimeter gold-plated case presents a classic, elegant profile with gently sweeping lugs. The case exhibits honest signs of vintage wear, including surface scratches, minor handling marks, and a slight softening of the lug edges consistent with regular use over the decades. The original signed crown features the distinct Rado anchor emblem. Turning the watch over reveals a stainless steel screw-down caseback, proudly bearing the deeply embossed Rado twin seahorse logo alongside "Water-Sealed" script and the 345602 reference number. The caseback medallion remains remarkably crisp with highly defined details. The dial is protected by a domed acrylic crystal featuring an internal magnifier over the date window, showing only minor surface wear. Movement Powering this timepiece is a highly jeweled automatic movement, identified by the AS 1700/01 caliber stamp visible beneath the balance wheel. The movement is a visual delight, featuring a substantial rotor beautifully engraved with "Rado World Travel Fortyone 41 Jewels Swiss" flanking two Rado anchor motifs. The brushed finish on the rotor and the clean appearance of the bridges indicate a well-preserved mechanism. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Timegrapher testing indicates a performance of -60 to -63 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct black leather strap. The strap features a subtle texture and is detailed with contrasting thick yellow stitching, perfectly complementing the warm gold tones of the case and the golden patina of the dial. It is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The gold-plated case remains structurally sound with typical surface wear and light scratches expected from a watch of this era. The dial is the defining feature, showcasing a prominent, heavy stardust patina and widespread spotting that collectors often seek for its unique aesthetic, free from deep structural damage but showing total surface transformation. The stainless steel caseback is exceptionally well-preserved, and the movement remains clean and visually impressive. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado World Travel is a fantastic representation of the brand's mid-century catalog, combining an over-engineered 41-jewel movement with a dial that has aged into a true one-of-a-kind piece. The contrast between the heavy golden patina, the vivid purple anchor background, and the red date wheel makes this a visually captivating watch on the wrist. History Rado has always been a brand defined by its willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. Before they became globally recognized for their pioneering use of high-tech ceramics and scratch-resistant tungsten carbide in the DiaStar line, Rado produced a fascinating array of mechanically ambitious dress and sports watches. The World Travel series, especially those boasting 41 jewels, highlights a period in the 1960s where Rado sought to offer superior automatic winding efficiency and durability, cementing their reputation as a forward-thinking Swiss manufacturer. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-WTJ-0001