Rado - Mannheim - No reserve price - 959005A - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Rado Mannheim is a striking example of 1970s design, capturing the essence of the era with its bold tonneau case and distinctive dial architecture. Rado, known for pushing the boundaries of watch design and material science during this period, created the Mannheim as a robust and stylish timepiece. The combination of the silver vertically brushed dial, the iconic rotating anchor logo, and the sharp, faceted indices creates a dynamic visual presence on the wrist. This particular example showcases a wonderful, honest vintage character, making it an appealing choice for collectors of unique mid-century Swiss horology. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim Reference Number: 959005A Movement: ETA 2824 Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver vertically brushed dial with applied indices and blue accents, showing light, even age Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a beautifully preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial is a captivating silver tone with a pronounced vertical brushing that catches the light beautifully. It features applied, faceted baton indices with striking blue enamel-like inlays that match the slender baton hands. The iconic Rado rotating anchor logo sits proudly at twelve o'clock against a red background, functioning as intended. The "Mannheim" script and the stylized "M" logo are crisply printed above the six o'clock position. A framed date window rests at three o'clock with red numerals. The dial is exceptionally clean, showing only very faint, even signs of aging consistent with its vintage, with no significant spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration visible. The blue accents on the hands and indices remain vibrant and intact. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel tonneau case embodies the chunky, architectural style of the 1970s. It features a brushed finish on the upper and lower hooded lug sections, contrasting with polished flanks. The case shows honest, age-appropriate wear, including surface scratches and some minor dings along the edges, indicative of regular use over the decades, but it retains its fundamental geometry without appearing overly polished. The signed Rado crown is present. The flat crystal presents clearly, allowing an unobstructed view of the intricate dial, though it may exhibit minor, superficial micro-scratches visible under close inspection. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado Water Sealed seahorse logo, the reference number 959005A, and "Stainless Steel." Movement Powering this Mannheim is the reliable Swiss-made ETA caliber 2824 automatic movement, as clearly stamped on the base plate. The movement features 25 jewels and a signed Rado rotor with a distinctive engine-turned decoration. The movement presents cleanly in the macro photographs. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher reads +12 to +18 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a modern, textured black leather strap with contrasting white stitching. The strap features a classic pin buckle and complements the bold aesthetic of the case and dial while providing a comfortable fit for daily wear. Condition This Rado Mannheim is in good vintage condition. The dial is the standout feature, remaining remarkably clean and vibrant with its vertical brushing and blue accents. The case shows expected signs of wear, including scratches and small marks, consistent with an unpolished, honest vintage watch from the 1970s. The movement is running well within acceptable vintage parameters. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Mannheim is a fantastic representation of 1970s watchmaking, offering a unique case shape, a beautifully detailed dial, and a reliable automatic movement. The combination of the brushed silver dial and the vivid blue accents gives the watch a distinctive and appealing character. It is a robust and stylish piece that would make a great addition to any collection focused on vintage Rado or 1970s design. History Rado was founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, originally as the Schlup & Co. clockwork factory. In the 1950s, the company began selling watches under the Rado brand name. Rado quickly became known for its innovative designs and pioneering use of scratch-resistant materials, most notably with the introduction of the DiaStar in 1962, the world's first scratch-proof watch. During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado produced a wide array of distinctively shaped watches, often featuring the signature rotating anchor logo on the dial, which indicated that the watch was powered by an automatic movement. The Mannheim model reflects this era of bold experimentation and robust construction, solidifying Rado's reputation for creating unique and durable timepieces. / Second Vintage SKU: RADW4JXHC0000