Rado - Arosa - No reserve price - 633.3116.4 - Men - 1974

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Rado Arosa is a captivating representation of the bold, architectural design language that defined Swiss watchmaking in the 1970s. With its striking octagonal case, deeply faceted mineral crystal, and vibrant blue dial, the Arosa stands as a testament to an era when manufacturers embraced unconventional geometries and dynamic light play. Paired with a robust automatic movement and its original, sharply faceted steel bracelet, this timepiece offers collectors an unmistakable vintage aesthetic combined with reliable mechanical performance. Brand: Rado Model: Arosa Reference Number: 633.3116.4 Serial Number: 12973082 Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2824, 25 Jewels Dial: Deep blue with applied faceted indices, red rotating anchor logo, and visible age-related surface spotting Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Good vintage condition with sharp case geometry and honest character Dial and Hands The dial is presented in a deep, vibrant blue, providing a striking backdrop for the applied steel Rado typography and the iconic rotating anchor logo set against a red circular medallion. The hour markers are applied, faceted steel batons featuring crisp white central inserts, matched perfectly by the straight baton hands and a slender needle seconds hand. A distinctive red-numeral date display sits at the three o'clock position, framed by an elevated metallic window. The typography features a bold serif application for the Rado name and an elegant flowing script for the Arosa model designation. Under close inspection, the dial exhibits localized surface marks, fine spotting, and subtle signs of aging across the surface, presenting an honest vintage character while remaining highly legible and visually arresting. The hands display light, age-consistent oxidation on the metal surfaces. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel case is a masterclass in mid-century architectural design, featuring a bold octagonal silhouette. The upper surfaces showcase pronounced vertical brushing, which transitions sharply into highly polished, angled flanks and crisp chamfers. A deeply faceted mineral crystal crowns the watch, its sharply angled planes mirroring the octagonal geometry of the case and creating dynamic visual depth above the dial. The original signed crown features the classic embossed Rado anchor. On the reverse, the screw-down caseback is well preserved, displaying the iconic Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion alongside crisp reference and serial numbers. The case remains in good vintage condition, displaying honest superficial scratches, minor nicks, and wear consistent with its age, while retaining its sharp factory lines and strong structural integrity. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust automatic movement, clearly stamped as an ETA caliber 2824 beneath the balance wheel. The 25-jewel mechanism features a beautifully decorated rotor, detailed with a textured pattern and prominent gilt Rado text. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show an impressive deviation of +4 to +6 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet, distinguished by its blocky, architectural links that feature heavily brushed top surfaces and highly polished bevels. The folding clasp is fully signed with the embossed Rado anchor logo and block typography. The bracelet shows normal signs of vintage wear, including surface hairlines and moderate desk-diving marks, and currently accommodates a wrist size of up to 18.5 cm. Condition This watch is in good vintage condition. It presents beautifully on the wrist with a strong, highly reflective architectural presence. The stainless steel case remains crisp and sharp, avoiding the softened edges of over-polishing, while the dial displays honest, age-related character and wear that authenticates its vintage journey. Dimensions The case measures exactly 36 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. Remarks A fantastic example of avant-garde watchmaking, this Rado Arosa effortlessly combines a reliable Swiss automatic caliber with an unmistakable, bold aesthetic that remains incredibly stylish today. History Rado is celebrated for its fearless approach to case design, material innovation, and unique visual identity during the mid-twentieth century. The Arosa line perfectly captures the flamboyant yet structured spirit of the era, utilizing faceted crystals, integrated bracelet designs, and unconventional case shapes to stand out in a highly competitive period of Swiss watchmaking. Pieces like this highlight the brand's commitment to creating watches that were not merely tools for timekeeping, but true statements of personal style. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD4XBBMH0000