Rado - Automatic - No reserve price - 603.7925.4 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A beautifully preserved example of mid-century Swiss design, this Rado Automatic captivates with its remarkable textured woven dial and distinctive tonneau case geometry. Combining reliable automatic performance with avant-garde aesthetics, this timepiece stands as a testament to Rado's innovative approach to watchmaking during the golden era of mechanical horology, offering a highly textural and visually dynamic wrist presence. Brand: Rado Model: Automatic Reference Number: 603.7925.4 Serial Number: 9250411 Movement: Rado signed 17-jewel automatic Dial: Silver woven-texture dial with applied faceted indices, red anchor medallion, and exceptionally clean, pristine preservation Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Stunning vintage condition with excellent case proportions and a flawless dial presence Dial and Hands The dial of this timepiece is an absolute triumph of vintage design, featuring a mesmerizing geometric basket-weave texture that catches the light with striking depth. Clean sans-serif black typography spells out the brand and automatic designation, perfectly balancing the intricate background. The dial furniture includes highly polished, applied faceted baton indices featuring black central inserts, alongside a framed day-date aperture at the three o'clock position. Rado's signature rotating anchor logo sits proudly on a vibrant red circular medallion below the twelve o'clock marker. Upon careful inspection, the dial exhibits absolutely outstanding preservation. It remains exceptionally clean and visually fresh, completely free of any noticeable age spots, moisture marks, or surface degradation. The matching straight baton hands retain their black central stripes and present beautifully, showing no distracting oxidation and ensuring excellent legibility. Case and Crystal The 34 mm stainless steel case showcases a robust tonneau profile that perfectly encapsulates the design ethos of its era. The case architecture highlights a sophisticated interplay of finishes, with horizontally brushed upper surfaces contrasting sharply against the bright polished sloping chamfers and polished flanks. The lug profile remains impressively sharp, retaining its factory geometry and crisp transitions. The original Rado-signed crown, featuring the iconic anchor logo, is correctly seated against the polished case flank. Honest, light superficial scratches are visible under close magnification, entirely consistent with careful handling and vintage wear, yet the watch exhibits no heavy dings or structural loss. The crystal offers an unobstructed view of the intricate dial beneath, remaining smooth and free of major abrasions. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down stainless steel caseback deeply engraved with the Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion, flanked by sharply defined reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is a richly finished, Rado-signed automatic caliber. The movement displays beautiful golden plating throughout, highlighted by intricate engine-turning on the winding rotor which clearly bears the Rado engraving alongside the 17 Jewels Swiss designation. The jewels, gears, and plates appear impeccably clean, reflecting a well-sealed and carefully maintained life. Running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -9 to -15 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome dark brown crocodile-embossed leather strap, accented by thick white contrasting stitch work. It is secured by a classic polished stainless steel pin buckle. The strap complements the vintage aesthetic beautifully and exhibits very minimal wear, providing a comfortable and immediate fit. Condition Presented in stunning vintage condition, this Rado is a spectacular find for collectors of textural mid-century dials. The woven dial is flawlessly preserved, entirely avoiding the spotting and discoloration that often afflicts highly textured vintage faces. The unpolished tonneau case stands strong with sharp chamfers and only minor, age-appropriate handling marks. The movement is remarkably clean, and the deep caseback engravings remain wonderfully crisp. Dimensions The watch measures 34 mm in diameter excluding the crown. Thanks to the integrated tonneau-style lugs and broad shoulder profile, the case offers a substantial and highly tailored presence on the wrist that wears beautifully. Remarks This Rado Automatic perfectly captures the adventurous and highly textural design language that defined the era. The intricate weave of the dial catches the light dynamically from every angle, making it a constant joy to observe. It is a highly charismatic timepiece that seamlessly blends mid-century architectural case design with sophisticated horological finishing. History Established in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado quickly built a formidable reputation for pioneering unusual materials and striking, futuristic designs. Throughout the mid-twentieth century, the brand pushed the boundaries of traditional watch aesthetics, frequently utilizing unique dial textures, bold case geometries, and their iconic rotating anchor logo to differentiate their timepieces from more conservative Swiss competitors. This dedication to visual innovation, coupled with robust, reliable engineering, cemented Rado as a truly unique and enduring pillar of the Swiss watchmaking industry. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RAX-0001