Rado Manchester Sapphire (1970-1979)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado Manchester Sapphire represents the bold and experimental design language of the 1970s. With its distinctive cushion case and the brand's signature rotating anchor logo, this timepiece offers a unique blend of durability and avant-garde style. It captures the essence of the era while maintaining a sophisticated profile suitable for modern wear. Brand: Rado Model: Manchester Sapphire Movement: Automatic Caliber 2797 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance (see timegrapher). Dial and Hands The dial presents a refined silver sunburst finish that catches the light dynamically. It features prominent, applied faceted rectangular indices that add depth and architectural interest to the face. The signature Rado anchor logo sits at the 12 o'clock position against a red background. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, displaying the date in distinctive red numerals. The baton-style hands are polished silver-tone with central strips, complementing the overall monochrome aesthetic. The typography is crisp, with "Manchester" and "Sapphire" printed in contrasting fonts above the 6 o'clock position. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion-shaped profile, characteristic of the era, with smooth, polished surfaces that transition seamlessly into the lugs. The case lines remain defined, though they show honest signs of wear consistent with age, including surface scratches and minor contact marks on the high-polish bezel and flanks. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor symbol. Protecting the dial is a substantial, domed crystal that adds a vintage distortion to the dial edge; it shows minor surface marks but remains clear. The screw-down caseback is adorned with the embossed triple seahorse logo and "Water-Sealed" text. Movement Powering the watch is the Swiss-made automatic Caliber 2797. The movement features a gold-plated rotor signed "RADO 25 JEWELS." The mechanism appears clean and is stamped with the caliber number 2797 and the code 206 on the mainplate. Timegrapher results reflect current performance; the movement is running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance (-9s to -12s/day). Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting orange stitching, which complements the vintage character of the timepiece. It secures with a simple polished stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is in Good vintage condition. The case shows visible surface scratches and wear typical of a watch from this period, particularly on the high-polish bezel and case sides. The dial remains in excellent condition with no significant staining or damage. The hands and indices are bright and well-preserved. The movement is functioning correctly. Dimensions The case measures approximately 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown. This classic size allows the cushion case to sit comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes, offering a substantial presence without being overpowering. Remarks This Rado Manchester Sapphire is a charming example of 1970s watch design. The combination of the cushion case, the rotating anchor logo, and the red date wheel makes it a distinctive piece for collectors. It is a robust and stylish vintage daily wearer. History Rado, founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, in 1917 originally as Schlup & Co., began selling watches under the Rado brand name in the 1950s. The company quickly gained a reputation for innovation in materials and design, particularly with the introduction of scratch-resistant tungsten carbide in the DiaStar model. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Rado experimented with unconventional case shapes and bold dial designs, cementing their status as a forward-thinking manufacturer in the Swiss watch industry. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMS-0004