Rado - Space Flight 702 - No reserve price - 41250857 - Men - 1970-1979

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado Space Flight 702 is a remarkable example of 1970s retro-futurist design, capturing the excitement of the space race era with distinct architectural styling. Featuring a rare electro-mechanical movement and a striking red lightning bolt second hand, this timepiece offers a unique blend of horological history and avant-garde aesthetics that makes it a standout piece for any vintage collector. Brand: Rado Model: Space Flight 702 Serial Number: 41250857 Movement: Rado Electronic (ESA Dynotron base) Dial: Silver vertically brushed Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents exceptionally well with sharp case lines and a pristine dial, offering a high-quality vintage appearance. Dial and Hands The dial features a sophisticated silver finish with a vertical brushed texture that plays beautifully with the light. It is adorned with applied faceted baton markers featuring white inlays for contrast. The signature Rado anchor logo at 12 o'clock sits on a red background and is designed to rotate with the movement of the wearer's wrist. A defining feature of this model is the vibrant red lightning bolt second hand, which adds a dynamic touch of color alongside the red date display at the 3 o'clock position. The unique "Space Flight 702" orbital logo at 6 o'clock remains crisp and intact. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinctive cushion shape with sharp, angular facets that are characteristic of Rado's bold 1970s design language. The upper surfaces retain their original brushed finish, contrasting elegantly with the polished sides. The case edges remain well-defined, showing no signs of over-polishing. The original crown is signed with the Rado anchor symbol. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Rado seahorse medallion and "Water Sealed" text, along with the serial number which is deep and legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Rado-signed electro-mechanical movement, based on the reliable ESA Dynotron caliber. This 13-jewel movement represents a fascinating transitional technology from the era, utilizing a battery to power a traditional balance wheel, resulting in a smooth sweep compared to later quartz movements. The movement appears clean and free of corrosion, with the electronic components and gold-tone plates presenting well. It is currently running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a stainless steel brick-link style bracelet that complements the geometric design of the case perfectly. The bracelet is flexible and comfortable, integrating smoothly with the lug design. It features a sliding clasp mechanism allowing for adjustable sizing and currently fits a wrist circumference of approximately 18 cm. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is virtually flawless with no visible staining or patina. The case shows only very minor handling marks consistent with careful use, preserving the original factory finishes. The crystal is clear and free of distracting scratches. The movement is clean, and the overall presentation is that of a cherished collector's piece. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage profile that wears slightly larger due to the cushion case shape. Remarks The Space Flight 702 is a rare bird in the Rado archives, specifically sought after for its electro-mechanical nature and the "lightning" hand. It represents a brief but creative period where Swiss manufacturers experimented with electronic technology before the full advent of quartz. History Rado has long been recognized as a pioneer in materials and design, often breaking away from traditional Swiss watch styling. Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., the brand launched under the Rado name in the 1950s. By the 1970s, Rado was at the forefront of the design revolution, creating watches like the Space Flight that embraced the futuristic optimism of the decade. This model stands as a testament to that era of innovation. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RSF-0002