Rado Simplon 780826 A (1970-1979)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This elegant Rado Simplon is a masterclass in minimalist vintage design, offering a crisp and sophisticated aesthetic that remains timeless. With its pristine white dial and contrasting Roman numerals, this timepiece captures the essence of 1970s dress watch styling while maintaining the robust build quality Rado is celebrated for. It represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a Swiss classic that balances understated luxury with reliable mechanical performance. Brand: Rado Model: Simplon Reference Number: 780826 A Movement: Manual Wind Rado Caliber 510 Dial: White with black Roman numerals Case Size: 34.5 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a pristine dial and normal signs of wear on the case. Dial and Hands The watch features a stunningly preserved white dial that serves as the perfect canvas for the crisp, black printed Roman numerals. The dial is signed with the iconic rotating Rado anchor logo at the 12 o'clock position and the "Simplon" script at 6 o'clock. The slender black stick hands provide excellent legibility and contrast against the bright background. The dial surface appears flawless, free from spotting or patina, maintaining a fresh and new-like appearance that is rare for a watch of this vintage. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 34.5 mm in diameter and features a distinct tonneau-inspired shape with integrated lug styling. The case retains its original geometry with sharp lines, though there are visible surface scratches and handling marks consistent with normal vintage use. The signed crown features the Rado anchor logo. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference number and the brand's signature tri-seahorse logo, which remains deep and legible. The crystal is clear and presents well, offering an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the manual wind Rado Caliber 510, a 17-jewel Swiss movement. The movement is clean and aesthetically pleasing, featuring Geneva stripes on the bridges. Based on timegrapher testing, the watch is running between +11 and +13 seconds per day with strong amplitude, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring a crocodile pattern and a silver-tone buckle. The strap is in good condition and complements the formal, monochromatic look of the watch perfectly. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The standout feature is the dial, which has been preserved to a stunning standard. The stainless steel case shows honest wear with light scratches visible on the polished surfaces, typical for a watch from the 1970s that has been enjoyed. The movement is strong and functioning well within vintage tolerances. Dimensions The case measures 34.5 mm excluding the crown, making it a classically proportioned dress watch that sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Rado Simplon is a testament to the era when dress watches prioritized legibility and slim profiles. This particular example stands out due to the remarkable condition of its dial, making it a collector-grade piece for enthusiasts of mid-century design. History Rado, founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., began selling watches under the Rado brand in the 1950s. While the brand later became famous for its use of scratch-resistant materials like tungsten carbide and high-tech ceramics, their earlier steel models like this Simplon showcase their capability in traditional watchmaking. The Simplon line was designed as a sleek, reliable dress watch, named after the famous Simplon Pass in the Swiss Alps, symbolizing a bridge between robust engineering and elegant design. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RSA-0001