Rado Conway 625.7947.4 (1970-1979)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The 1970s represented a golden era of experimental watch design, and Rado was at the forefront of this stylistic revolution. The Conway model perfectly captures the architectural boldness of the decade, combining a robust stainless steel cushion case with an unconventional vertical day-date display. With its signature rotating anchor logo and heavily textured dial, this timepiece offers a highly charismatic wearing experience that remains deeply appealing to collectors of vintage Swiss oddities. Brand: Rado Model: Conway Reference Number: 625.7947.4 Serial Number: 2095035 Movement: Automatic Caliber 2789-1, 17 Jewels Dial: Silver vertically brushed dial with applied indices, showing light age-related spotting and honest vintage character Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with well-preserved factory brushing and honest signs of wear Dial and Hands The dial features a striking silver base with a pronounced vertical brushed finish that catches the light beautifully. Furniture includes applied faceted baton hour markers featuring central black stripes, paired with matching black-striped baton hands and a slender sweep seconds hand. At the twelve o'clock position sits the signature Rado red anchor logo, while applied, stylized "RADO" and "Conway" typography flank the center. A highly distinctive vertical day-date aperture is positioned at six o'clock. Visual inspection reveals light, age-consistent spotting and minor surface dust scattered across the dial face, most notably near the nine o'clock area. This honest patina confirms the originality of the dial without detracting from its highly attractive vintage aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel cushion case boasts a fantastic 1970s profile, characterized by a sunburst brushed upper surface that contrasts sharply with the polished sloping bezel surround and polished case flanks. The transition lines between the brushed and polished surfaces remain distinct, exhibiting honest handling marks and superficial scratches consistent with decades of normal wear. The original crown is correctly signed with the Rado anchor motif. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down caseback prominently featuring the crisp Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion, along with clearly legible reference and serial numbers. The watch is fitted with a raised acrylic crystal that presents minor surface wear commensurate with age. Movement Powering this Conway is the Swiss-made automatic Caliber 2789-1, a reliable ETA-based movement equipped with 17 jewels. The movement is visually clean, featuring a gilded Rado signature on the oscillating weight. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher result reads -55 to -60 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on its original stainless steel folded-link bracelet. The folding clasp is proudly stamped with both the Rado brand name and the anchor logo. The bracelet exhibits moderate stretch and light surface wear appropriate for its vintage, comfortably accommodating a wrist size of up to 18 cm. Condition Graded as good vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully on the wrist with a strong, era-correct architectural presence. The stainless steel case retains clear factory finishes despite standard handling wear, and the dial exhibits honest, unpolished aging that appeals directly to purist vintage collectors. Dimensions The case width measures 36 mm excluding the crown. Remarks A quintessential example of funky 1970s Rado design, this Conway blends durable stainless steel construction with quirky, character-rich dial details. The vertical day-date layout and distinctive case geometry make it a standout piece for any enthusiast of mid-century Swiss design. History Rado has long been celebrated for its avant-garde approach to watchmaking, particularly during the mid-twentieth century when the brand embraced unconventional materials and daring aesthetics. The Conway line encapsulates the era's transition into bold, geometric case shapes and experimental dial layouts, cementing Rado's enduring reputation for producing memorable and highly distinctive timepieces that broke away from traditional Swiss conservatism. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RCX-0018