Rado - Royal Elegance - Sans prix de réserve - 263790 - Homme - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Rado Royal Elegance captures the highly expressive and avant-garde design language that defined the brand during the mid-century era. Featuring a mesmerizing textured dial and a dramatic faceted crystal, this timepiece is a masterclass in light play and geometric styling. Paired with its original integrated-style mesh bracelet and powered by a robust Swiss automatic caliber, it represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a beautifully preserved and visually striking vintage Rado with unique corporate presentation provenance. Brand: Rado Model: Royal Elegance Reference Number: 263790 Serial Number: 263790 Movement: Automatic ETA 2824 Dial: Silver cross-hatch textured dial with applied indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of use Dial and Hands The dial is a visual triumph, featuring an intricate, finely woven cross-hatch texture that shifts beautifully under varying lighting conditions. It is adorned with applied, faceted baton indices featuring black central channels that provide excellent legibility against the silver backdrop. The applied RADO typography sits proudly beneath the twelve o'clock position, while the elegant "Royal Elegance" script graces the lower half. A framed date aperture at three o'clock displays the date in a striking red typeface, adding a subtle touch of color. The matching pencil-style hands are particularly notable, featuring a unique knurled texture along their centers with highly polished bevels. Upon close inspection, the dial remains in exceptionally clean condition, completely free of moisture damage, spotting, or discoloration, presenting a flawless vintage aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel cushion case perfectly encapsulates 1970s horological design. It features a beautiful contrast of finishes, with a vertically brushed sunburst effect on the upper lug surfaces and a highly polished circular bezel ring framing the dial. The case flanks transition smoothly into a polished finish, maintaining sharp, well-defined factory lines and honest, light signs of careful wear. The watch retains its original Rado-signed crown, complete with the brand's iconic anchor logo. Protecting the dial is a spectacular faceted crystal, a signature Rado element from this era, which features a flat center surrounded by angled facets that catch the light dynamically. The screw-down caseback displays the Rado seahorse medallion alongside a crisp Japanese kanji presentation engraving commemorating twenty years of service at the Bank of the Ryukyus. Movement Inside beats a reliable and beautifully finished Swiss automatic movement, utilizing the legendary ETA 2824 caliber as its base. Close inspection of the movement reveals a clean, rhodium-plated finish with a finely engine-turned rotor proudly signed by Rado and denoting 25 jewels. The caliber markings and 2824 stamp are clearly visible beneath the balance wheel. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show a deviation of +2 to +5 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel mesh bracelet, which flows seamlessly from the cushion case. The fine mesh construction offers a remarkably comfortable drape on the wrist and complements the textured dial perfectly. It is secured by a sturdy fold-over clasp that is deeply signed with the RADO brand name. The bracelet remains in excellent condition with no stretching or distortion to the links. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The case retains strong geometry and original finishing techniques, showing only light, superficial handling marks consistent with careful occasional wear. The faceted crystal is remarkably clear and well-preserved. The dial and hands are pristine, showing no signs of degradation, making this a highly attractive piece for discerning collectors. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown). Accommodate a wrist size of up to approximately 20 cm in circumference. Remarks With its mesmerizing dial texture, architectural crystal, and superb overall preservation, this Rado Royal Elegance is a standout piece. The added history of its Japanese banking presentation engraving gives it a unique character, while the dependable ETA-based movement ensures it is ready to be enjoyed as a reliable daily wearer or a prized collection piece. History Rado established itself in the mid-20th century as a fearless pioneer of watch design, utilizing unconventional materials, bold case shapes, and striking dial textures. During the 1970s, the brand became famous for its use of faceted crystals and highly stylized dials that challenged traditional Swiss watchmaking aesthetics. The Royal Elegance line was positioned as a premium offering, combining these dramatic design elements with high-quality automatic movements. Due to their striking appearance and exceptional build quality, Rado watches of this era were frequently selected as prestigious corporate gifts, a legacy proudly carried by this specific example. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RXX-0009