Rado - Companion - No reserve price - 603.3185.2 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Rado is renowned for its avant-garde case designs and pioneering approach to mid-century horology. The Companion line exemplifies the brand's bold 1970s aesthetic, offering a robust and visually striking timepiece that perfectly captures the spirit of its era. With its distinctive geometry and compelling dial texture, this model represents a highly collectible chapter in Rado’s rich history of unconventional watchmaking. Brand: Rado Model: Companion Reference Number: 603.3185.2 Serial Number: 8912948 Movement: Automatic, ETA Caliber 2879, 17 Jewels Dial: Champagne dial with vertical brushed texture, applied indices, and exceptionally clean preservation showing minimal signs of age. Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with a well-preserved dial and honest case wear. Dial and Hands The champagne dial features a striking vertical brushed texture that plays beautifully with the light, preserved in excellent condition with no significant spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration. Applied gold-tone faceted baton indices with black central inserts provide strong contrast and legibility. The signature Rado rotating anchor logo sits prominently at the twelve o'clock position against a deep red background. A framed day-date aperture is positioned at three o'clock, displaying the day in Spanish. The matching gold-tone baton hands feature intact black inserts and exhibit a clean, sharp appearance. The "T SWISS MADE T" print at the bottom edge remains crisp and fully intact, completing a highly attractive and well-preserved vintage dial. Case and Crystal The distinctive 36mm hexagonal cushion case is executed in gold-plated steel, showcasing the bold geometric design language of its era. The case displays honest signs of vintage wear, with surface scratches and a slight softening of the edges consistent with regular use over the decades. Some brassing and plating wear are visible on the sharpest lug edges and the Rado-signed crown, reflecting an authentic, unpolished history. The domed acrylic crystal remains clear and offers a warm, vintage distortion at the periphery, free of major deep gouges but displaying light surface wear. The stainless steel screw-down caseback features the iconic Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion in crisp relief, along with clearly legible reference and serial numbers. Movement Inside beats the robust Swiss-made ETA Caliber 2879 automatic movement, featuring 17 jewels. The movement is handsomely finished in a rich gold tone, with the Rado-signed rotor displaying an elegant engine-turned texture. Close inspection reveals the caliber stamp "2879" positioned clearly near the balance wheel. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a deviation of -4s to -10s/day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring an alligator-grain pattern and striking yellow contrast stitching that perfectly complements the gold tones of the case and dial. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved and visually striking, free of notable blemishes. The case exhibits moderate wear, surface marks, and localized plating loss on the crown and extremities, presenting an honest and characterful appearance. The movement is clean and functioning with impressive performance metrics. Dimensions Case width: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Companion is a fantastic representation of 1970s watchmaking, combining a highly characterful case shape with a mesmerizing textured dial and a reliable ETA workhorse movement. It is a striking statement piece that offers immense vintage charm. History Rado was founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, originally operating as the Schlup & Co. clockwork factory. By the 1950s, the company began selling watches under the Rado name and quickly established a reputation for innovative materials and highly distinctive, futuristic designs. The Companion series, alongside legendary models like the Diastar and Golden Horse, cemented Rado's legacy as a daring and unique voice in mid-century horology, celebrated by collectors for its unwavering commitment to bold aesthetics. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RCX-0023