Rado - Ticino - No reserve price - 8227380A - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Ticino captures the adventurous and distinctly forward-looking design language of the 1970s. With its integrated original bracelet styling, robust stainless steel case, and an incredibly striking textured dial, it represents an era when Rado was pushing aesthetic boundaries while maintaining serious mechanical credibility. The dynamic dial shifts beautifully depending on the lighting, offering a unique visual experience that embodies the creative spirit of vintage Swiss watchmaking. Brand: Rado Model: Ticino Reference Number: 8227380A Movement: Automatic, ETA 2824 Dial: Vertically textured gradient golden-brown dial with applied faceted indices, showing some localized spotting and patina. Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and an attractive, highly textured dial. Dial and Hands The dial of this Ticino is a true standout, featuring a deep, vertically grooved texture that creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The gradient color shifts from a rich, golden center to a darker, almost chocolate-toned periphery. Applied, faceted rectangular indices with luminous centers provide excellent depth, matched by the classic Rado rotating anchor logo at the 12 o'clock position. The dial exhibits visible age-consistent patina, including some noticeable green oxidation and spotting on the luminous material of the hour markers and hands. The white printed minute track and elegant "Ticino" script remain clearly legible. The original hands show matching oxidation and aging, consistent with the overall vintage character of the timepiece. A framed date window sits at the 3 o'clock position, featuring sharp red numerals on a white background. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case features a distinct, tonneau-shaped profile that flows seamlessly into the integrated original bracelet. The case retains its strong lines and factory brushing on the upper surfaces, contrasting with the polished flanks. There are visible signs of honest wear throughout, including surface scratches and handling marks consistent with regular use over the decades. The Rado-signed crown is present and well-defined. The domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and exhibits some light surface wear, but remains clear enough to fully appreciate the complex dial texture beneath. The screw-down caseback bears the Rado Water Sealed seahorses emblem and the reference number 8227380A, remaining highly legible despite some surface scratches. Movement Powering this Rado is a Swiss-made automatic movement, clearly marked as an ETA caliber 2824. The 25-jewel movement features a beautifully decorated rotor with a textured grid pattern and gold-toned Rado branding. The movement architecture is clean, and the balance wheel is visible in the provided macro imagery. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece, the timegrapher indicates an excellent result of +8s to +10s/day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with its original integrated-style stainless steel bracelet that perfectly complements the case geometry. The flat links feature a mix of brushed and polished finishes, showing surface scratches and wear commensurate with the case. The folding clasp is prominently stamped with the Rado anchor logo and name, confirming its originality to the brand. It currently accommodates a wrist size of up to 20cm. Condition This Rado Ticino is presented in good vintage condition. The case and original bracelet show honest, unpolished wear with various surface scratches and scuffs typical of a 1970s tool-style watch. The highly textured dial is the focal point, displaying a beautiful gradient effect alongside visible, age-related green oxidation on the luminous elements. The movement is exceptionally clean and running with impressive precision. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 20 cm Remarks This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a highly distinctive vintage Rado with an exceptional dial texture. The integrated original bracelet design and robust ETA movement make it a highly wearable and conversational piece for the vintage enthusiast who appreciates bold 1970s aesthetics and honest, unpolished condition. History Rado, originally founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., began producing watches under the Rado name in the 1950s. By the 1960s and 70s, the brand became famous for its use of unconventional materials and bold, futuristic designs, most notably with the introduction of the scratch-resistant DiaStar in 1962. The Ticino model reflects Rado's broader catalog during this incredibly creative period, utilizing reliable Swiss calibers housed in uniquely shaped cases with highly expressive, textured dials. The rotating anchor logo, originally designed as a functional indicator of service necessity for the automatic winding mechanism, remains one of the most charming and recognizable signatures in vintage watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RTA-0003