Rado Cornell 11916 (1970-1979)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Discover a distinct piece of 1970s design with this Rado Cornell, a timepiece that perfectly captures the transitional era of Swiss watchmaking with its bold cushion case and intricate dial finishing. This specific example distinguishes itself with a striking horizontal brushed dial texture and a symmetrical date window positioned at 6 o'clock, creating a balanced and highly legible aesthetic. The "Water-Sealed" caseback, featuring Rado's iconic triple seahorse medallion, speaks to the brand's history of engineering robust and innovative cases. Brand: Rado Model: Cornell Reference Number: 11916 Serial Number: 35392784 Movement: Automatic, Caliber ETA 2783 base Dial: Silver horizontal brushed finish with applied block indices Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents very well with sharp case lines and a clean dial, while the timegrapher results indicate the movement is functioning. Dial and Hands The dial is the standout feature of this timepiece, boasting a sophisticated silver finish with a deep horizontal brushing texture that catches the light beautifully. It features the signature rotating Rado anchor logo at the 12 o'clock position against a red background. The hour markers are applied, faceted blocks that add depth to the face, complemented by matching baton hands with luminous inserts. A date aperture is uniquely positioned at 6 o'clock, maintaining perfect vertical symmetry. The text "Swiss Made" is visible at the bottom of the dial. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion-shaped profile typical of the 1970s, combining polished sides with brushed top surfaces that appear well-preserved. The case architecture is sharp, retaining its original definition. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor logo. The screw-down caseback is particularly attractive, featuring the deeply embossed triple seahorse logo and "Water-Sealed" engraving, along with the model name and reference numbers. The acrylic crystal is clear and presents well. Movement Powering the watch is a Rado-signed automatic movement, based on the reliable ETA 2783 architecture, featuring 25 jewels and a gold-plated rotor. The movement presents cleanly and offers reliable vintage performance. Timegrapher testing indicates a daily rate of +29 to +37 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement running within acceptable vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap is in good condition and complements the sporty yet elegant nature of the cushion case. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is remarkably clean with no significant staining or damage. The case shows light signs of wear consistent with age but lacks any deep dings or heavy impact marks, preserving the original brushed and polished finishes. The movement is clean and functional. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in width excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage fit that wears slightly larger due to the cushion case shape. Remarks The Rado Cornell is a less common model in the Rado vintage lineup, often overshadowed by the Diastar or Voyager series, making this a desirable find for collectors seeking something unique. The combination of the horizontally brushed dial and the 6 o'clock date placement makes it a visually compelling wristwatch. History Rado has long been a pioneer in materials and case design, famously introducing scratch-resistant tungsten carbide watches in the 1960s. During the 1970s, the brand experimented with various case shapes and distinct dial textures, as seen in this Cornell model. The "Water-Sealed" designation on the caseback references Rado's proprietary case construction methods developed during this era to improve water resistance in non-dive watches. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RCX-0009