Rado Conway 030840 (1970-1979)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado Conway is a superb example of 1970s Swiss design, combining a robust cushion-shaped case with an elegant, minimalist aesthetic. Known for their innovative approach to watchmaking, Rado produced the Conway line as a reliable and stylish daily wearer, and this particular example stands out due to its exceptional state of preservation. With its signature rotating anchor logo and crisp silver sunburst dial, this timepiece offers a perfect blend of vintage charm and wearable versatility, making it a compelling choice for collectors looking for a distinct mid-century profile. Brand: Rado Model: Conway Serial Number: 030840 Movement: Automatic Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Stunning vintage condition. The watch appears exceptionally preserved with a very well-preserved dial and minimal wear to the case, presenting a strong and fresh overall appearance. Dial and Hands The dial is a highlight of this timepiece, featuring a pristine silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied baton-style hour markers, which appear to feature black inlays for added contrast. The date window is framed at the 3 o'clock position. A signature feature of vintage Rado mechanical watches, the rotating anchor logo on a red background sits below 12 o'clock and adds a dynamic touch of color to the monochromatic face. The baton hands are well-preserved, complementing the clean, legible layout of the "Swiss Made" signed dial. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinct cushion or C-shape design characteristic of the 1970s, measuring 36mm in width. The polished surfaces are in remarkable condition, showing sharp lines and retaining their original geometry with only minimal handling marks. The signed crown features the Rado anchor logo. The screw-down caseback is crisp and deeply etched with the iconic Rado Seahorse medallion and water-sealed branding, along with the serial and reference stampings which remain clearly legible. The crystal is clear and free from distracting marks. Movement Powering the watch is a Rado-signed automatic movement, marked with the caliber reference Swiss 312 on the gold-toned rotor. This 17-jewel mechanism is clean and presents well visually, offering reliable vintage performance. The movement is running within vintage tolerances, and the rotor spins freely, winding the mainspring efficiently as intended. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching, which complements the sporty yet dressy nature of the steel case. The strap is in excellent, unworn condition and is paired with a polished steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is flawless to the naked eye, with no visible staining or oxidation. The stainless steel case retains its high-polish finish with sharp edges, indicating it has seen very little use or has been expertly preserved over the decades. The seahorse engraving on the caseback is deep and unworn. Dimensions The case measures 36mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic mid-size fit that sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes thanks to the cushion case profile. Remarks This Rado Conway is a fantastic representation of the brand's golden era of mechanical watchmaking before the quartz crisis fully took hold. The combination of the "Conway" model heritage, the playful rotating anchor, and the pristine condition makes this a highly desirable piece for enthusiasts of 70s steel sports watches. History Rado, founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. in Lengnau, Switzerland, eventually launched under the Rado brand name in the 1950s. By the 1970s, when this Conway was produced, Rado had established itself as a pioneer in materials and distinct design languages. The Conway series served as a robust line of automatic watches that sat alongside the famous Golden Horse and Green Horse models, offering durability and Swiss precision in a package that has aged remarkably well. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RCX-0007