Rado Matterhorn 11918-1 (1970-1979)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado Matterhorn is a compelling example of the Swiss brand's adventurous design language from the 1970s. With its distinctive vertical textured dial and robust stainless steel construction, this timepiece captures the quirky yet elegant aesthetic that vintage Rado is celebrated for. The rotating anchor logo and "Water Sealed" caseback add layers of horological interest to a watch that stands out on the wrist. Brand: Rado Model: Matterhorn Reference Number: 11918-1 Serial Number: 37162421 Movement: Automatic Caliber ETA 2783 Dial: Silver with vertical texture 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 age and wear consistent with its vintage nature, presenting a character-rich appearance on the wrist. Dial and Hands The dial features a unique vertical brushed or striped texture that plays beautifully with the light, giving the silver tone a sophisticated depth. It is accented by substantial applied block indices with black inlays, matching the baton-style hands. At the 12 o'clock position sits the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo against a red background, a hallmark of the brand's automatic models. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. There is visible patina and aging on the dial surface, particularly noticing spotting near the outer edges between 7 and 9 o'clock, which attests to the watch's age and history. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case features a cushion-style silhouette with thick, sloping lugs that integrate smoothly with the wrist. The case shows surface scratches and marks typical of a vintage piece that has been worn, yet it retains its strong architectural lines. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor symbol. The screw-down caseback is adorned with the deeply embossed "Water Sealed" logo featuring three seahorses, a detail highly prized by collectors. Movement Powering the watch is a gold-plated Rado signed automatic movement, based on the reliable ETA 2783 caliber with 25 jewels. The movement appears visually clean and the rotor spins freely. The watch is currently running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher results indicating a rate of approximately -30 to -35 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a textured strap featuring contrasting copper-tone stitching. The strap complements the steel case and adds a sporty, modern touch to the vintage aesthetic, securing with a simple steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is in Good vintage condition. While there are visible signs of wear to the case and distinct aging spots on the dial, the watch remains structural sound and attractive. It presents as an honest survivor from the 1970s, retaining all its original charm without over-restoration. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in width excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage fit that works well on a variety of wrist sizes due to the cushion case shape. Remarks The Rado Matterhorn is a less common model in the Rado lineup, making it an interesting find for enthusiasts. Its combination of a textured dial, the playful rotating anchor, and the robust "Water Sealed" case design makes it a versatile piece that can be worn casually or formally. History Rado was founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. but began selling watches under the Rado brand in the 1950s. By the 1960s and 70s, they established themselves as pioneers in materials and distinctive designs. The Matterhorn model, named after the iconic Swiss mountain, reflects the era's fascination with alpine sports and durability, utilizing the brand's proprietary case sealing technology represented by the seahorse logo. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMB-0004