Rado Mannheim 957521A (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This sought-after Rado Mannheim from the 1970s presents an uncommon and visually striking configuration. The watch features a sharp cushion case and a pristine silver sunburst dial punctuated by distinctive blue accents, offering immense character and strong mechanical performance for the vintage enthusiast. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim Reference Number: 957521A Movement: Automatic Dial: Pristine silver sunburst with applied indices and blue accents Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: +5+8s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The pristine dial features a radiant silver sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light. Applied hour indices are detailed with striking blue accents, complementing the applied Rado anchor logo positioned prominently on the clean surface, which presents no visible flaws. The distinctive baton hands are fitted with black and blue striped inserts, perfectly matching the dial markers and remaining in clean condition. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a sharp, classic cushion shape that defines 1970s design. The geometry is highly preserved, showcasing a brushed top surface that transitions crisply into polished flanks with sharp edges. The case exhibits only light handling marks consistent with careful wear. The crown is in good condition and is correctly signed with the Rado anchor logo. A clear, flat crystal protects the dial and displays no visible scratches. Movement Inside beats a clean ETA caliber 2824 automatic movement featuring 25 jewels. The rotor is present and decorated with attractive perlage finishing, while the movement plates bear the correct Rado and Swiss engravings. The timegrapher records a rate of +5+8s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a casual black leather strap detailed with white contrast stitching. The material shows light wear and pairs nicely with the vintage aesthetic of the cushion case. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The sharp stainless steel case retains its factory brushed and polished finishes, displaying only light handling marks. The silver sunburst dial and distinctive hands are pristine and clean. Supported by the recorded timegrapher result, the movement is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Rado Mannheim offers a compelling combination of an uncommon model variant, a pristine dial with unique blue accents, and a sharp cushion case. Combined with its excellent mechanical performance, it is a highly attractive timepiece for collectors of distinctive 1970s design. History During the 1970s, Rado established a strong reputation for producing watches with bold, unconventional case geometries and striking dial designs. The era saw the brand experimenting heavily with cushion cases, integrated styling, and vibrant accents, resulting in timepieces that stood out in a crowded market. The Mannheim model represents a sought-after execution of this design philosophy. Powered by the highly reliable ETA 2824 automatic caliber, a movement celebrated for its durability and precision, these vintage Rado models offer a wonderful blend of expressive mid-century aesthetics and dependable Swiss mechanics. 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-MAX-0006