Rado - Cornell - No reserve price - 11916/1 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Rado Cornell is a captivating representation of 1970s Swiss design, featuring the brand's signature faceted crystal and a robust cushion case. With its vertically brushed grey dial and distinctive optical effects, this timepiece offers a unique wrist presence that distinguishes it from standard vintage dress watches. Brand: Rado Model: Cornell Reference Number: 11916/1 Movement: Automatic Dial: Grey vertical brushed with outer track Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest wear consistent with age, maintaining a strong and attractive vintage character. Dial and Hands The dial presents a sophisticated grey tone featuring a vertically brushed center section surrounded by a distinct outer minute track ring. Applied block hour markers add dimension to the face, complemented by the iconic rotating Rado anchor logo on a red base at the 12 o'clock position. A date window at 3 o'clock displays red numerals, adding a subtle pop of color to the monochrome aesthetic. The silver-tone baton hands contain luminous inserts that have aged naturally. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a stout cushion-style design with a polished finish. It exhibits visible signs of age-appropriate wear, including surface scratches and marks on the bezel and case sides. The watch is fitted with a faceted prismatic crystal, a signature Rado design element that catches the light uniquely and distorts the dial view for a dynamic effect, though it shows some scratches and wear. The crown is signed with the Rado anchor symbol. The caseback displays the famous seahorse medallion and "Water Sealed" engraving, along with the reference number 11916/1. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss automatic movement, featuring a gold-plated rotor signed by Rado and marked with 25 jewels. The mechanism is clean and functioning well. Timegrapher testing shows the watch running between +30 and +32 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement operating within acceptable vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is paired with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching and a stainless steel buckle, providing a comfortable fit that complements the sporty yet dressy look of the Cornell. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case shows normal vintage wear with visible scratches and marks consistent with its age and use. The dial remains attractive and well-preserved, while the unique faceted crystal shows signs of wear typical for this specific crystal type. The overall appearance is honest and retains the charm of a genuine 1970s timepiece. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic fit that sits substantially on the wrist due to the cushion shape. Remarks The Rado Cornell is a distinct model that perfectly captures the creative spirit of 1970s Swiss watch design. With its faceted crystal and robust steel construction, it stands out as a collectible piece for enthusiasts who appreciate Rado's unconventional approach to horology. History Rado, founded in Lengnau, Switzerland in 1917, initially started as Schlup & Co. The brand became Rado in the 1950s and quickly established itself as a pioneer in materials and design. Known for introducing the world's first scratch-proof watch, the Diastar, Rado has always focused on durability and futuristic aesthetics. The Cornell line represents the brand's experimentation with case shapes and optical crystals during the golden era of mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RCX-0006