Rado - Golden Sabre - No reserve price - 11046 - Men - 1970-1979

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado Golden Sabre is a distinctive and stylish representation of 1970s Swiss watch design, combining robust engineering with flair. Known for their unique approach to materials and aesthetics, Rado created the Golden Sabre as a premium offering that stands out for its bold cushion case and signature optical features. The faceted crystal and "crossed sabres" dial logo make this a highly collectible piece for enthusiasts of retro horology, offering a strong wrist presence that balances sportiness with dressy elegance. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Sabre Reference Number: 11046 Serial Number: 11762698 Movement: Automatic Caliber ETA 2798 Dial: Silver sunburst with Day-Date complication Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear to the case and crystal consistent with age, while the dial remains in attractive condition. The movement is functioning reliably as indicated by timegrapher results. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the highlight of this timepiece, featuring the iconic rotating red anchor logo below the 12 o'clock position, a hallmark of vintage Rado automatic watches. The lower dial showcases the applied "Golden Sabre" text and the distinctive gold and red crossed sabres shield logo. Large, block-style applied indices with black inlays provide excellent legibility, matched by baton-style hands. A framed Day-Date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The dial is preserved well, maintaining a bright and clean appearance. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case features a cushion shape typical of the era, with a brushed finish on the top surface and polished sides. The case retains its original lines but shows visible surface scratches and marks throughout, consistent with honest vintage wear. The watch is fitted with a faceted prismatic mineral crystal, a beloved Rado design trait, which creates unique light reflections across the dial. The crystal shows some scratches and signs of age but remains clear enough to enjoy the dial dynamics. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor. The screw-down caseback features the famous Rado "Water-Sealed" three-seahorse medallion in deep relief. Movement Powering the watch is a gold-plated Rado signed automatic movement, based on the reliable ETA 2798 caliber with 25 jewels. The movement is clean and aesthetically pleasing. Timegrapher testing shows the watch running between -33 and -35 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a new brown leather strap featuring a textured reptile scale pattern. It complements the vintage aesthetic of the watch perfectly and is finished with a silver-tone pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case shows general wear with surface scratches and nicks expected from a watch of this age. The faceted crystal has visible scratches and wear marks. However, the dial is remarkably well-preserved, free from significant staining or damage. Dimensions The case measures 36mm in width excluding the crown, offering a classic fit that wears slightly larger due to the square cushion shape. Remarks The Rado Golden Sabre is a wonderful example of the brand's creative period in the 1970s. The combination of the faceted crystal and the specific "Sabre" branding makes it a conversation starter. It is an authentic vintage piece that captures the funk and solidity of 1970s Swiss watchmaking. History Rado, founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., began selling watches under the Rado brand in the 1950s. They quickly established a reputation for innovation, particularly in the realm of scratch-resistant materials and unique designs. The Golden Sabre sits alongside other legendary lines like the Golden Horse and Green Horse, representing a time when Rado was experimenting with bold case shapes and optical crystal effects that would eventually lead to their mastery of high-tech ceramics. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGS-0001