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

Now available at auction from Second Vintage Embodying the bold and distinctive design language of the 1970s, this Rado Voyager is a captivating example of mid-century Swiss watchmaking. Known for their innovative case shapes and striking dials, Rado consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional aesthetics during this era. This particular Voyager showcases a robust cushion case and a beautifully textured dial, offering collectors a highly wearable and visually dynamic timepiece that captures the essence of retro-futuristic elegance. Brand: Rado Model: Voyager Reference Number: 11814 Serial Number: 43109464 Movement: 25 Jewels Swiss Automatic Dial: Silver vertically brushed dial with applied block indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial of this Rado Voyager is a masterclass in 1970s texture and depth, featuring a striking silver surface with a pronounced vertical brushing finish. The typography is clean and modern, with sans-serif printed text for the Rado and Voyager signatures. Applied, faceted block indices with black central inserts provide excellent contrast and legibility, complementing the matching baton hands. A signature element of the brand, the applied red and silver Rado anchor logo sits proudly below the twelve o'clock position. The dial features a vertically aligned day and date aperture at the six o'clock position, framed by a prominent stepped window. Upon close inspection, the dial remains in outstanding, clean condition, showing virtually no spotting, moisture marks, or discoloration, presenting a highly attractive and fresh aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel cushion case perfectly encapsulates the architectural trends of its era. The case features a visually appealing contrast between the brushed upper surfaces and the polished case flanks, with the transition lines remaining sharp and well-defined. The watch is fitted with its original Rado signed crown, clearly displaying the brand's anchor emblem. The domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and adds a warm, vintage distortion at the edges. The screw-down caseback features the iconic Rado seahorse medallion and "Water-Sealed" engraving, alongside the reference and serial numbers. The case exhibits honest, age-consistent signs of wear and handling marks, with some localized surface pitting visible on the flat center section of the caseback, which does not detract from the watch's excellent presence on the wrist. Movement Inside the case beats a robust Swiss automatic movement, beautifully finished with gold plating and featuring 25 jewels. The rotor is clearly stamped with the jewel count and Swiss origin, reflecting the reliable mechanical engineering Rado utilized during this period. The movement components appear clean and well-maintained. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances, running strong and steady. The timegrapher results show a deviation of +25 to +31 seconds per day, confirming the operational health and consistent performance of this classic automatic caliber. Strap The watch is presented on its original stainless steel brick-link bracelet, a highly sought-after component that completes the integrated aesthetic of the timepiece. The bracelet conforms comfortably to the wrist and is secured by its original folding clasp, which is proudly stamped with the Rado seahorse logo. The bracelet shows normal, age-appropriate wear and slight stretch consistent with decades of use. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the standout feature, remaining exceptionally clean and free of detrimental flaws. The stainless steel case retains its factory finishes and sharp geometry, displaying only moderate, honest surface scratches and the aforementioned minor pitting on the exterior caseback. The original signed crown and original signed bracelet further elevate the collector appeal of this highly original configuration. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in width, excluding the crown. The watch accommodates a wrist size of up to 18 cm. Remarks This Rado Voyager represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a distinctive and highly original 1970s timepiece. With its vertically brushed dial, prominent day-date display, and original signed components, it is a versatile and character-rich addition to any vintage watch collection. History Rado has long been celebrated for its avant-garde approach to watch design and material innovation. Emerging as a powerhouse of unique aesthetics in the mid-twentieth century, the brand carved out a distinct niche with models that defied conventional round-case norms. The Voyager line exemplifies this philosophy, offering reliable Swiss automatic movements housed in robust, creatively shaped cases. Today, these models are increasingly appreciated by collectors for their undeniable retro charm and enduring build quality. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RVX-0014