Rado - Marco Polo - No reserve price - 11836 - Men - 1974

Description: Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Rado Marco Polo is a striking example of the brand’s innovative approach to design during the mid-century era. Known for pushing aesthetic boundaries, Rado frequently employed distinctive case shapes and unique dial layouts, and this model perfectly encapsulates that philosophy. With its robust tonneau-shaped case and the iconic rotating anchor logo, this timepiece is a testament to the era's adventurous spirit in watchmaking, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of Rado's distinctive heritage. Brand: Rado Model: Marco Polo Reference Number: 11836 Serial Number: G14052648 Movement: Automatic, 25 jewels Dial: Silver vertically brushed dial with applied faceted indices, showing light age-consistent spotting and minor imperfections Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a well-preserved case profile Dial and Hands The dial of this Marco Polo features a striking silver base with a pronounced vertical brushing texture that plays beautifully with the light. It is adorned with prominent, applied block-style faceted indices that provide significant depth. The iconic Rado rotating anchor logo, set against a red background, sits proudly at the 9 o'clock position. The text "RADO" and "MARCO POLO" are printed in a crisp, black serif font. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. Upon close inspection, the dial exhibits light, age-consistent spotting and some minor surface imperfections, particularly near the edges and around the center post, indicative of its vintage nature. The faceted baton hands show signs of oxidation and aging, consistent with the overall patina of the watch. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case features a robust tonneau shape, characteristic of the 1970s design language. The upper surface of the case displays a distinct horizontal brushing, which contrasts with the polished case flanks. The transition between these surfaces remains defined, though the case shows honest signs of wear, including light scratches and handling marks typical of a watch of this age. The signed Rado crown, featuring the anchor logo, is present. The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal that appears clear and well-preserved, free from major scratches or cracks. The screw-down caseback is heavily decorated with the Rado seahorse logo and "Water-Sealed" text, along with the reference number 11836 and serial number G14052648 clearly visible. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Rado-signed 25-jewel automatic movement. The movement features a gold-tone rotor stamped with the Rado name and anchor logo. The visible components, including the balance wheel and geartrain, appear clean and well-maintained. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher result is +45 to +52 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a black textured leather strap featuring white contrast stitching, secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle. The strap complements the vintage aesthetic of the watch and appears to be in lightly used condition. Condition This Rado Marco Polo is in good vintage condition. The case retains strong lines with honest wear and surface scratches consistent with its age. The dial shows attractive, age-consistent patina, including light spotting and oxidation on the hands, which adds to its vintage character without detracting from its overall legibility. The beautifully decorated caseback remains crisp and legible. Dimensions Case width: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Marco Polo offers a fantastic opportunity to acquire a distinctive and characterful vintage timepiece from a brand renowned for its unique designs. The combination of the vertically brushed dial, chunky indices, and the iconic rotating anchor makes this a compelling addition to any vintage collection. History Rado, originally founded as Schlup & Co. in 1917, began producing watches under the Rado name in the 1950s. The brand quickly gained a reputation for its innovative designs and use of unconventional materials. The introduction of models like the Marco Polo in the 1960s and 70s showcased Rado's commitment to bold aesthetics, often featuring unique case shapes and the signature rotating anchor logo, which became a symbol of their automatic movements. Today, vintage Rado timepieces are celebrated for their distinct mid-century charm and enduring build quality. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMP-0006