Rado - 990 - No reserve price - 11765 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Rado perfectly captures the bold, architectural design language of the mid-twentieth century. During an era when Swiss watchmakers began experimenting heavily with geometric forms, Rado distinguished itself by seamlessly blending robust mechanical watchmaking with avant-garde aesthetics. This piece stands out with its striking square case profile housing a perfectly circular dial, offering a highly compelling visual dynamic on the wrist. Preserved in outstanding condition, it represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a distinctive and conversation-starting vintage timepiece from a historically innovative brand. Brand: Rado Model: 990 Reference Number: 11765 Movement: 30-Jewel Automatic Dial: Deep black glossy dial in exceptional condition with textured faceted indices Case Size: 30 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably clean dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in mid-century contrast and texture, presenting in remarkably clean, well-preserved condition. The deep black glossy surface shows no visible spotting, moisture damage, or fading, retaining its rich, factory-fresh depth. It is adorned with prominent applied faceted block indices that feature a distinctive grooved texture, catching the light brilliantly from every angle. At the twelve o'clock position sits the signature rotating Rado anchor logo, set against a vibrant ruby-red jewel background, adding a perfect touch of color. A framed day-date aperture is positioned at three o'clock, displaying crisp typography. The original silver-tone baton hands feature a central black stripe that perfectly complements the dial aesthetic, accompanied by a slender silver sweep second hand. The crisp white printing of the Rado signature and the 990 designation remains entirely intact. Case and Crystal The 30 mm stainless steel case features a dramatic square silhouette that integrates flawlessly with the circular dial aperture. The condition of the case is excellent, retaining sharp, well-defined edges and strong factory finishing. The flat upper surfaces of the case display a pronounced vertical brushed finish, which contrasts beautifully with the brightly polished case flanks and lugs. Honest, light superficial handling marks consistent with vintage wear are present, but the case remains unpolished and architecturally crisp. The signed crown, featuring the Rado anchor motif, is present and easily operable. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, presenting clearly and free of deep scratches or major visual distortions. The snap-on stainless steel caseback is sharply engraved with the Rado logo, reference 11765, and factory hallmark details. Movement Inside beats a beautifully finished Rado-signed automatic movement, featuring a vibrant gold-tone rotor proudly stamped with thirty jewels. The movement is visually clean, with the brushed and polished mechanical components showing excellent preservation and no signs of moisture intrusion. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a strong amplitude and a highly precise deviation of -4 to -8 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring prominent white contrast stitching. This strap choice perfectly echoes the geometric and sporty nature of the dial and case, securing comfortably to the wrist with a stainless steel buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the clear highlight, remaining exceptionally preserved, deep, and glossy without the flaws often seen in watches of this era. The stainless steel case retains its original brushed and polished surfaces, exhibiting only minor, age-appropriate wear while keeping its sharp, geometric lines intact. The movement is exceptionally clean and operates with outstanding precision. Dimensions The case measures 30 mm in width, excluding the signed crown. Remarks A superb example of Rado's mid-century design boldness. The combination of the pristine deep black dial, the highly textured applied indices, and the signature rotating anchor makes this reference 11765 a highly compelling acquisition. It offers incredible wrist presence and serves as a testament to an era of unconstrained watchmaking creativity. History Rado has long been celebrated for its fearless approach to watchmaking, consistently pushing the boundaries of both material science and aesthetic design. During the mid-twentieth century, the brand distinguished itself through highly distinctive case shapes and the iconic rotating anchor logo, which was introduced to signal the presence of a self-winding automatic movement. The 990 series exemplifies this golden era of creativity, offering a robust mechanical foundation wrapped in a visually arresting, geometric silhouette that remains strikingly modern and highly collectible today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-XXX-0001