Rado World Travel 59948 (1960-1969)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This sought-after 57-jewel variant of the Rado World Travel immediately draws the eye with its striking brushed champagne dial, applied anchor logo, and distinctive red roulette-style date display. Driven by a high-jewel count automatic movement, it remains a notable collector favourite from the fascinating era of horological "jewel wars." Brand: Rado Model: World Travel Reference Number: Nº 59948 Movement: Automatic, 57 jewels (Caliber AS 1581 1641) Dial: Brushed champagne/gold-tone with applied indices and red date numerals Case Size: 35mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-tone, stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +6+9s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The dial presents an exceptionally clean and attractive visual presence, featuring a well-preserved brushed champagne gold-tone finish. The applied indices and the signature Rado anchor logo remain clean, while all printed text is crisp and intact. A distinctive red date display adds a vibrant touch of color to the composition. Under macro inspection, very minor dust or spotting is visible on the dial surface. The original dauphine-style hands show expected age-related patina, with visible oxidation, spotting, and a surface finish that has slightly dulled from age. Case and Crystal The gold-tone case retains its overall geometry, displaying honest wear consistent with its age. The finish shows moderate scratches and scuffs throughout, alongside some plating wear and tarnish visible on the lug edges and case flanks. An integrated smooth bezel frames the dial, exhibiting scratches and minor wear consistent with the rest of the case. The knurled gold-tone crown is signed with the Rado anchor logo on its face and shows some wear along with minor green oxidation at its base. The stainless steel caseback bears typical surface scratches, yet its engravings remain clear. Covering the dial is a domed acrylic crystal, which is clear overall but presents some light surface scratches and minor crazing visible at oblique angles. Movement Inside the watch beats a highly jeweled automatic movement, identified by engravings as the caliber AS 1581 1641. The movement appears very clean, highlighted by bright gold-tone plates and a matching rotor. Factory engravings remain crisp and are filled with black paint, clearly reading "RADO", "FIFTY-SEVEN 57 JEWELS SWISS", and "6 ADJUSTED". There are no obvious signs of corrosion or heavy tool marks on the visible components. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher records a strong rate of +6+9s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring a crocodile pattern. The strap is in good wearable condition, showing light wear and creasing. Condition Good vintage condition. The watch presents an exceptionally clean dial with vibrant red date numerals and minor macro-level spotting, while the original hands display visible oxidation and dulled finishes. The gold-tone case and integrated bezel show moderate scratches, scuffs, and visible plating wear on the lug edges and flanks, though the overall case geometry remains intact. The signed crown exhibits minor green oxidation at the base, and the domed acrylic crystal shows light scratches and minor crazing. The stainless steel caseback retains clear engravings despite typical surface scratches. Supported by the recorded timegrapher result of +6+9s/day, the clean 57-jewel automatic movement is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case measures 35mm in diameter (excluding the crown). Remarks This Rado World Travel stands out for its high-jewel count automatic movement and highly attractive brushed champagne dial. The vibrant red roulette-style date numerals and clear factory engravings make this a compelling example of a sought-after 1960s collector favourite. History The Rado World Travel line was a prominent offering during the 1960s, specifically marketed toward a growing demographic of international travelers. A defining characteristic of this specific variant is its 57-jewel movement. This high jewel count was part of a popular industry trend during the period, designed to showcase mechanical sophistication and reduce friction within the automatic winding mechanism. The stainless steel casebacks of reference 59948 models are historically noted for being engraved with the Rado twin-seahorse logo, reflecting the brand's mid-century design language. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RWT-0006