Rado - Daymaster - No reserve price - 11754 - Men - 1960-1969

Now available at auction from Second Vintage Rado has long been celebrated for its distinctive design language and innovative approach to mid-century watchmaking. The Daymaster stands out as a prime example of the brand's creative calendar displays, seamlessly integrating a prominent day-of-the-week aperture at the bottom of the dial while retaining the classic date window at three o'clock. This specific layout, combined with the signature rotating anchor logo, offers a highly legible and visually engaging experience. Watches from this era capture the optimistic design ethos of the mid-twentieth century, making this Daymaster a compelling acquisition for enthusiasts of unique vintage complications and distinctive Swiss styling. Brand: Rado Model: Daymaster Reference Number: 11754 Serial Number: 31750575 Movement: Automatic, 30 Jewels Dial: Silvered dial featuring an even stardust patina, distinctive six o'clock day window, and applied faceted indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive dial aging Dial and Hands The dial presents a classic silvered base that has developed a distinct and attractive stardust patina over the decades. Close inspection reveals even, tiny spotting across the surface, providing a textural depth that collectors often appreciate in unrestored vintage pieces. The dial furniture is elaborate, featuring applied, multi-faceted indices with a unique ridged design that catches the light beautifully. At twelve o'clock, the signature Rado anchor logo sits within a purple-red circle, designed to pivot with the movement of the wearer. The typography is sharply printed, with the Daymaster name rendered in a stylized, sweeping font. The calendar functions are a focal point, featuring red numerals in the framed date window at three o'clock and bold red text in the sweeping, curved day window at six o'clock. The original faceted dauphine hands show gentle aging consistent with the rest of the dial. Minor localized marks and vintage character are visible under macro inspection, confirming the honest, original state of the display. Case and Crystal The thirty-six millimeter stainless steel case features a classic profile with polished flanks and a smooth polished bezel. The lug profile retains its essential shape with honest signs of wear, surface marks, and fine scratches indicative of regular use over the decades. The watch is fitted with a signed crown bearing the Rado anchor logo. The domed acrylic crystal covers the dial and exhibits visible stress marks and crazing along its outer edges, most notably near the crown, alongside typical light surface wear. The screw-down caseback is heavily detailed, featuring the engraved Rado twin seahorse emblem, the Water-Sealed script, and the reference and patent numbers. The caseback shows noticeable scratches and tool marks from previous openings, standing as a testament to its vintage journey. Movement Powering this Daymaster is a Swiss automatic movement, visually distinguished by a gold-tone rotor stamped with the Rado name, the anchor logo, and the thirty jewel count. The plates and visible components present cleanly in the provided photographs. Running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance (see timegrapher), the movement is recording a variance of +25s to +30s/day. Strap The watch is paired with a black textured leather strap featuring an intricate woven pattern and contrasting white stitching with subtle iridescent accents along the edges. The strap is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle, complementing the dimensions and style of the case. Condition The watch is presented in good vintage condition. It shows moderate, honest signs of wear across the case, including surface scratches and caseback tool marks. The dial exhibits a prominent but even stardust patina with minor spotting, giving it a strong vintage character. The crystal displays edge crazing and wear. Overall, it remains a handsome and well-preserved example of a classic Rado calendar watch. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks With its charming calendar layout and the ever-appealing kinetic anchor logo, the Daymaster is a quintessential mid-century Rado. The honest aging of the dial and the distinctive case dimensions make it an excellent talking piece and a versatile addition to any collection focused on unique vintage designs. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado initially operated as the Schlup & Co. watchmaking factory before adopting the Rado name in the 1950s. The brand quickly gained a reputation for pioneering distinct aesthetic directions and durable designs. The introduction of the rotating anchor logo on the dial became a brilliant hallmark, originally intended to signal an automatic movement while adding a touch of kinetic flair. The Daymaster series capitalized on the era's demand for practical calendar watches, offering bold, readable displays that broke away from traditional layouts, cementing Rado's legacy as a brand unafraid to challenge conventional watchmaking norms. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RDX-0008