Rado - Serbia - No reserve price - 11056 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Rado's mid-century output is celebrated for its fearless approach to dial design and case architecture, and this rare Serbia model is a brilliant testament to that legacy. Boasting an incredibly rich, textured vignette dial that must be seen in the metal to be fully appreciated, this timepiece captures the very essence of vintage horological flair while offering the everyday reliability of a robust Swiss automatic movement. Brand: Rado Model: Serbia Reference Number: 11056 Serial Number: 40570223 Movement: ETA Caliber 2824 Automatic (-55s to -61s/day) Dial: Golden-brown textured vignette dial, clean and evenly patinated with applied indices Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Exceptional vintage condition with honest case wear and an stunningly preserved dial Dial and Hands The standout feature of this Rado Serbia is undeniably its dial, which presents a mesmerizing golden-brown grainy texture that deepens to a darker shade towards the outer edge, creating a stunning vignette effect. The dial is exceptionally clean, free of significant spots, surface damage, or moisture marks, allowing the rich, age-consistent patina to take center stage. It is adorned with faceted, applied steel baton indices that catch the light beautifully, perfectly complemented by the iconic free-spinning red Rado anchor logo at twelve o'clock. A sharply framed date window at three o'clock displays striking red numerals against a white background. The polished steel baton hands feature a central black stripe for legibility and remain in excellent condition, showing only minor, natural aging. Crisp serif typography spells out the model name in the lower half, maintaining sharp, distinct printing alongside the sans-serif Swiss Made designation at the bottom edge. Case and Crystal The 37 millimeter stainless steel cushion case embodies classic vintage design, featuring sweeping curves, integrated lugs, and a distinctively wide stance on the wrist. The case exhibits an honest, unpolished appearance with visible surface scratches, handling marks, and some softening of the original factory edges, consistent with good vintage condition and regular wear over the decades. The polished flanks transition naturally into the gently brushed upper case surfaces. The original Rado signed crown, bearing the distinctive anchor emblem, is cleanly set against the case side. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that enhances the vintage aesthetic and magnifies the dial's intricate texture, showing only minor superficial wear without any deep or distracting scratches. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the signature Rado seahorse medallions, brand typography, and the correct reference and serial numbers, all remaining clearly legible despite typical surface wear. Movement Powering this distinctive timepiece is the robust ETA Caliber 2824 automatic movement, specially modified by Rado. The movement is beautifully finished, featuring a distinctively decorated rotor marked with the Rado name and twenty-five jewels, set against a precise engine-turned pattern. Close inspection of the mechanism reveals a clean architecture with clear caliber and numbering markings stamped beneath the balance wheel. Timegrapher results reflect current performance; the movement is running and operational, showing a deviation of -55s to -61s/day. Strap The watch is paired with a thick black leather strap, distinguished by attractive white and brown contrast stitching near the lugs. The strap is supple and securely fastened with a classic stainless steel pin buckle, offering a comfortable fit that perfectly complements the warm, earthy tones of the vintage dial. Condition This Rado Serbia is presented in good vintage condition. The case shows honest, even wear with surface marks and softened edges typical of its age, entirely avoiding any severe damage or structural flaws. The heavily textured dial is the clear highlight, remaining remarkably well-preserved with no detrimental spotting, peeling, or moisture intrusion. The movement is clean and operational, and the original caseback engravings remain proud and distinct. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This timepiece represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a distinctive and less commonly seen model from a brand renowned for its daring designs. The combination of the heavily textured vignette dial, the signature red anchor, and the reliable ETA automatic caliber makes it a compelling choice for collectors of unique and charismatic vintage watches. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup and Co. before adopting the Rado name in the 1950s, the brand quickly established a reputation for producing highly durable and visually striking timepieces. Throughout the subsequent decades, Rado pushed the boundaries of conventional watch design with bold case shapes, experimental materials, and mesmerizing dials. The Serbia model is a testament to this era of fearless creativity, showcasing the brand's ability to blend reliable Swiss mechanics with unparalleled visual flair. The signature free-spinning anchor logo on the dial, originally intended as a clever indicator of service intervals for the automatic movement, remains one of the most charming and instantly recognizable elements in vintage horology. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RSX-0018