Rado Capehorn 250 11930 (1970-1979)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Rado Capehorn 250 captures the bold and experimental design language of the late 1960s and 1970s. Known for its distinctive case shapes and innovative use of materials, Rado consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. The Capehorn series is a prime example of this philosophy, offering collectors a robust and visually striking timepiece that embodies the era's spirit of exploration and avant-garde aesthetics. This particular example showcases a captivating horizontally brushed silver dial, complemented by striking blue accents and the iconic free-spinning Rado anchor. Brand: Rado Model: Capehorn 250 Reference Number: 11930 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 2798, 25 Jewels Dial: Horizontally brushed silver dial with applied faceted indices featuring blue accents, applied Rado logo, and vertical day-date window at 6 o'clock. Excellent vintage condition with clean surfaces and crisp printing. Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear consistent with age. Dial and Hands The dial of this Capehorn 250 is a standout feature, exhibiting a beautiful horizontal brushing that catches the light dynamically. It features applied, faceted hour markers with vibrant blue inserts that provide a striking contrast against the silver background. The signature Rado rotating anchor logo is prominently positioned below 12 o'clock, set against a red background. The hands are broad, faceted batons with a central black stripe, matching the aesthetic of the indices. A unique vertical day-date aperture is located at the 6 o'clock position, framed in black and silver. The dial is exceptionally clean, showing no significant spots, stains, or damage, and the printing for "RADO" and "CAPE HORN 250" remains crisp and fully intact. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinctive, robust shape characteristic of Rado's design from this period, with broad, flat upper surfaces and a polished, sloping bezel framing the dial. The case shows honest signs of wear, including surface scratches and handling marks, but retains its original geometry without signs of over-polishing. The caseback features the detailed Rado seahorse medallion, which remains deep and clearly defined, along with the reference number 11930. The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal that shows some light surface wear but provides a clear view of the dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Rado-signed Caliber 2798 automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels. The movement displays an attractive gold-tone finish with a distinct brushed texture on the rotor. Close inspection reveals some spotting and patina on the rotor and movement plates, typical of a watch of this age. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher result is +60 to +65 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a black textured leather strap featuring contrasting yellow stitching, secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle. The strap appears to be in excellent, lightly used condition. Condition This Rado Capehorn 250 is in good vintage condition. The case exhibits normal wear, including scratches and scuffs consistent with its age, but retains strong lines. The dial is remarkably well-preserved, showing a clean, horizontally brushed finish with vibrant blue accents and crisp typography. The movement shows some cosmetic aging but is fully operational. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Capehorn 250 is a fantastic representation of 1970s design, offering a unique vertical day-date display and a striking dial configuration. The combination of the brushed silver dial, blue accents, and the iconic spinning anchor makes it a highly appealing piece for collectors of vintage Rado or distinctively styled mid-century watches. History Rado has long been celebrated for its commitment to innovative design and the use of unconventional materials. In the 1960s and 1970s, the brand released numerous models with evocative names and striking aesthetics, such as the DiaStar, Manhattan, and Capehorn. These watches often featured robust, water-resistant cases and distinctive dials, appealing to a generation looking for durability combined with avant-garde style. The spinning anchor logo, introduced in 1962, became a hallmark of Rado's automatic watches, symbolizing the brand's dynamic approach to watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RCX-0026