Rado - Starliner 999 - No reserve price - 11731/1 - Men - 1968

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Rado Starliner 999, a timepiece that perfectly captures the adventurous, space-age design language of the late 1960s. With its substantial 37mm case and distinctive horizontally arranged branding, this watch stands out as a bold vintage statement. The Starliner series is celebrated for its quirky charm and robust build, and this specific example features the iconic rotating anchor logo and a crisp, futuristic aesthetic that remains highly collectible today. Brand: Rado Model: Starliner 999 Reference Number: 11731/1 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver Stardust with applied block indices Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1968 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, showing minimal signs of wear and running within vintage tolerances. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved with no visible blemishes. The case maintains strong edges and factory geometry, with only light marks consistent with gentle, careful use. The caseback engravings are sharp and clear. The crystal is clean and free from chips or deep scratches. The movement is performing reliably, and the rotating anchor is fully functional. Dial and Hands The silver dial features a subtle, metallic stardust texture that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with thick, applied faceted block indices that give the face a three-dimensional depth. The iconic Rado anchor logo at 12 o'clock sits on a ruby-red background and rotates freely, a beloved feature of vintage Rado automatics. The "Starliner" and "999" text is offset at 9 o'clock, balancing the date window at 3 o'clock, which features distinctive red numerals. The straight baton hands have black inserts for contrast, and the tritium lume plots on the outer track have aged to a warm, creamy tone. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel case wears significantly larger than many dress watches of its era, offering a modern presence on the wrist. The lugs are thick and straight, retaining sharp lines that suggest the case has been largely unpolished or very lightly touched. The signed crown features the Rado anchor symbol. The caseback is a highlight for collectors, featuring the deeply embossed "Seahorse" medallion and "Water-Sealed" engraving, along with the clearly visible reference number 11731/1. Movement Powering the watch is a Rado-signed 25-jewel automatic movement with a gold-colored rotor. The movement is clean and presents well. It is currently running strong, with timegrapher results indicating a rate of approximately -10 to -12 seconds per day with strong amplitude, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring contrasting brown stitching and an alligator-style grain. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the black accents on the dial and hands perfectly, making the watch ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally preserved with no visible spotting or damage. The case retains strong definition with only minor surface handling marks consistent with careful use over decades. The crystal is clear and free of deep scratches. The movement is functioning correctly with the rotating anchor spinning freely. Dimensions Case diameter: 37mm (excluding crown) Lug width: 19mm Remarks The Starliner 999 is one of the most recognizable and desirable models from Rado’s "golden era" of experimental design. Its combination of a large steel case, the kinetic fun of the rotating anchor, and the unusual asymmetrical dial layout makes it a conversation starter. Finding one in this condition, with such a clean dial and sharp caseback engravings, is becoming increasingly difficult for collectors. History Rado, founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., began selling watches under the Rado brand in the 1950s. By the 1960s, they had established themselves as pioneers of unusual materials and avant-garde design. The Starliner collection was launched during the height of the space race, capitalizing on the public's fascination with the cosmos and futuristic technology. The "999" designation was often reserved for high-grade models in the Asian and International markets, symbolizing longevity and quality. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RXX-0003