Rado Monte Rosa 11785 (1960-1969)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado Monte Rosa is a remarkable example of mid-century avant-garde design, combining a substantial wrist presence with a dial that has aged into a piece of abstract art. With its impressive 39mm case width and distinctive hidden-lug architecture, this timepiece wears significantly larger than most watches from the 1960s, making it perfectly suited for the modern wrist while retaining its vintage charm. Brand: Rado Model: Monte Rosa Reference Number: 11785 Serial Number: 22102284 Movement: Automatic Caliber AS 1701 Dial: Heavily tropicalized brown stardust patina Case Size: 39 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: Circa 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch exhibits honest wear consistent with its age, featuring a dial with heavy, unique patina and a movement that is running reliably within vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The dial is the standout feature of this timepiece, presenting a heavy, uniform "stardust" patina that has transformed the original surface into a textured brown and bronze landscape. It features applied block hour markers and the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo against a red background at the 12 o'clock position. The silver hands provide a sharp contrast against the aged background, and a framed date window sits at the 3 o'clock position. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinctive cushion or "flying saucer" shape with a wide, flat polished bezel that gives the watch its impressive 39mm diameter. The bezel shows visible surface scratches and marks consistent with honest vintage use. The case utilizes a hidden lug design, creating a seamless flow into the strap. The caseback is adorned with the deeply embossed Rado Seahorse medallion and water-sealed branding, a hallmark of the company's engineering. The crown is signed with the Rado anchor symbol. Movement Powering the watch is a gold-plated Rado automatic movement, based on the reliable AS 1701 caliber with 25 jewels. The movement is clean and the rotor rotates freely. Timegrapher testing indicates the movement is running between -7 and -14 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement operating well within acceptable vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring a textured lizard-grain finish and contrasting brown stitching. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the tropical tones of the dial perfectly. Condition This timepiece is in Good vintage condition. The case and bezel show visible scratches and signs of wear expected from a watch of this era, but the case lines remain distinct. The dial shows extensive aging and patina, which is considered a desirable aesthetic characteristic for collectors of tropical dials. The acrylic crystal is clear with only minor handling marks. Dimensions The case measures 39mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a bold stance on the wrist. Remarks The Rado Monte Rosa is a rare model that captures the brand's transition into bold, futuristic designs in the 1960s. This specific example is defined by its one-of-a-kind dial aging, making it a unique piece that cannot be replicated. History Rado has long been a pioneer in materials and design, establishing itself in the 1950s and 60s as a maker of waterproof and scratch-resistant timepieces. The Monte Rosa line, named after the famous Swiss mountain massif, represents the brand's commitment to robust construction paired with elegant, unconventional styling. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMR-0002