Rado - Voyager - No reserve price - 11814/1 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Step into the bold design language of the 1970s with this distinctive Rado Voyager. Known for their innovative case shapes and unmistakable aesthetic, Rado created timepieces that stood out from the crowd. This particular Voyager features a striking stainless steel cushion case and an unusual vertical day-date display at the six o'clock position, offering a fantastic blend of retro charm and everyday wearability. The iconic anchor logo on the dial completes the classic Rado experience, making it a highly appealing choice for vintage enthusiasts seeking a character-rich daily wearer. Brand: Rado Model: Voyager Reference Number: 11814/1 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 2794 (ETA 2789 base) Dial: Silver sunburst with vertical day-date, showing light age-related patina and minor spotting Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive character Dial and Hands The watch features a captivating silver sunburst dial that plays beautifully with the light. It is adorned with applied, faceted baton indices featuring black inserts that perfectly match the stark black inserts of the hands. A vertical day-date aperture sits prominently at the six o'clock position, framed by a beveled metallic window. The applied Rado anchor logo sits proudly in the upper half of the dial, complemented by the applied "RADO" text and printed "VOYAGER" branding. Careful inspection reveals honest age-related patina across the dial, including light spotting and subtle surface wear visible under magnification, adding vintage character without detracting from its overall appeal. The baton hands display visible oxidation and aging on their metallic surfaces, consistent with the age and history of the timepiece. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel cushion case is a quintessential example of 1970s watch design, featuring a brushed finish on the upper surfaces that transitions smoothly into polished flanks. The case exhibits normal signs of wear, including superficial scratches, minor nicks, and softened edges that are expected from a vintage watch that has been enjoyed over the decades. The original Rado-signed crown, bearing the distinctive anchor emblem, is present and well-preserved. The screw-down caseback features the deeply engraved Rado seahorse medallion alongside the "Water-Sealed" text and the reference number 11814/1. The acrylic crystal protects the dial and remains clear, showing only light surface wear that does not obscure the dial details. Movement Inside beats a robust, gold-plated automatic Rado Caliber 2794, which is based on the reliable ETA 2789 architecture, featuring 25 jewels. The movement is beautifully finished with a brushed rotor and presents very cleanly in the macro photographs, with clear Rado engravings and caliber markings visible on the base plate. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate an excellent performance of +15 to +20 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct, black textured leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap is supple and pairs excellently with the vintage aesthetic of the watch, secured safely to the wrist by a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. It offers an honest and highly attractive vintage aesthetic, with a stainless steel case that retains its original geometry alongside expected handling marks and light scratches. The dial and hands exhibit visible, age-appropriate patina, spotting, and oxidation that affirm its history and provide a warm, authentic character. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the signed Rado crown. Remarks This Rado Voyager is a delightful representation of the brand's creative design era. The combination of the cushion case, the unusual vertical day-date configuration, and the signature anchor logo makes it a fantastic conversation piece that wears comfortably on the wrist. It is a testament to the adventurous spirit of mid-century Swiss watchmaking. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., Rado began producing watches under its own name in the 1950s. The brand quickly became renowned for its innovative use of materials and avant-garde designs. The Voyager line was introduced as a versatile, robust everyday watch, often featuring distinctive case shapes and reliable automatic movements. Rado's commitment to unique aesthetics, symbolized by their anchor logo, solidified their place in Swiss watchmaking history as pioneers of unconventional and highly recognizable design. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RVN-0001