Rado - Simplon - No reserve price - K1197411 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Simplon is a masterclass in refined vintage dress watch design, offering a sophisticated aesthetic that perfectly captures the elegance of the 1970s. With its slim profile, warm gold tones, and crisp champagne dial, this timepiece stands as a testament to Rado's ability to produce understated yet striking luxury watches. The Simplon line was designed with purity and legibility in mind, making this specific example a versatile choice for the collector seeking a classic dress watch that transitions seamlessly from formal wear to casual settings. Brand: Rado Model: Simplon Reference Number: K1197411 Movement: Manual Wind Caliber 303 Dial: Champagne Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with minimal signs of wear on the visible surfaces and a pristine dial, while timegrapher results confirm the movement is in excellent mechanical health. Dial and Hands The watch features a stunning champagne sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully, radiating from the center. It is adorned with thin, applied black baton indices, accented by printed Roman numerals at the quarter-hour markers, creating a balanced and classical layout. The slender black stick hands provide excellent contrast against the gold-tone background, ensuring high legibility. The signature Rado anchor logo is applied at the 12 o'clock position, and the script "Simplon" text at 6 o'clock remains crisp and intact. Case and Crystal The gold-plated case features a distinctive tonneau-inspired shape with short, integrated-style lugs that allow the watch to sit comfortably on the wrist. The gold plating remains rich and consistent on the upper surfaces, retaining its original luster. The original crown, signed with the Rado anchor, adds a correct collector's detail. The stainless steel caseback is clearly engraved with the model name and reference numbers. The crystal is clear and free of distracting marks, offering an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Rado signed Caliber 303, a 17-jewel manual wind movement known for its slim profile and reliability. The movement is clean and visually appealing. Timegrapher testing indicates an accuracy of +7 to +12 seconds per day, which indicates healthy movement function and reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality brown leather strap featuring contrasting yellow stitching and a crocodile grain pattern. The strap complements the gold tones of the case perfectly and is secured by a gold-tone buckle, ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved with no visible spotting or patina. The case shows only light handling marks consistent with careful usage over the decades. The gold plating is intact on the bezel and lugs, maintaining a strong visual appeal. The movement is running strong and accurate within vintage tolerances. Dimensions With a case diameter of 35 mm excluding the crown, the watch offers a classic vintage dress size that wears slightly larger due to the cushion-style case shape. It sits low and sleek on the wrist, suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks This Rado Simplon represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a Swiss manual-wind dress watch in superb condition. Its combination of a flawless sunburst dial, unique Roman numeral accents, and reliable mechanical performance makes it a standout piece. Whether you are a dedicated Rado collector or an enthusiast of 1970s design, this Simplon offers undeniable charm and enduring style. History Rado, founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. in Lengnau, Switzerland, has long been a pioneer in watchmaking materials and design. While the brand is famous for introducing the world's first scratch-proof watch, the Diastar, in 1962, they also produced exceptional traditional dress watches. The Simplon line was introduced to offer ultra-slim, elegant timepieces that focused on essential timekeeping and sophisticated aesthetics, named after the famous Simplon Pass in the Swiss Alps, symbolizing a bridge between classic tradition and modern style. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RSX-0020