Rado Elegance 396.5049.4 (1978)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Presenting a beautiful execution of mid-century Swiss design, this Rado Elegance captures the essence of refined sophistication. Defined by its striking blue textured dial and distinctive geometric case, this timepiece offers a wonderful blend of dress watch proportions and unique vintage character. It is a superb addition for the discerning collector seeking a distinctive manual-winding Rado with immense wrist presence and an engaging visual appeal. Brand: Rado Model: Elegance Reference Number: 396.5049.4 Serial Number: 51740635 Movement: Manual Winding Dial: Blue textured dial with applied silver-tone baton markers Case Size: 29 mm Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1978 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, running within vintage tolerances at -25 to -30 seconds per day. Dial and Hands The watch features a captivating deep blue dial distinguished by a refined vertical brushed texture that plays beautifully with the light. Applied silver-tone baton hour markers provide an elegant contrast against the dark background. The original slim silver-tone hands are impeccably preserved, maintaining the minimalist aesthetic of the Elegance line. The dial is pristine, featuring the classic Rado typography and the Elegance script, presenting exceptionally well under the crystal. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case boasts a unique geometric silhouette, merging a tonneau profile with gently angled corners for a highly distinctive look. The polished bezel frames the dial perfectly, while the case maintains strong lines and original finishing. The signed Rado crown, featuring the iconic anchor logo in relief, remains crisp and easily operable. The caseback displays its horizontal factory brushing along with deep, legible engravings of the Rado logo, reference, and serial numbers. The crystal is clear and free from distracting marks, offering an unobstructed view of the stunning dial. Movement Inside this timepiece is a reliable manual winding caliber, offering an intimate and engaging daily winding experience. The timegrapher results indicate a rate of -25 to -30 seconds per day, which indicates healthy movement operation and reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a tasteful black textured leather strap featuring contrasting white side stitching. This carefully chosen pairing enhances the vintage appeal of the watch while providing a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist, culminating in a classic steel buckle. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The watch is very well preserved for its age, showing only light wear and minor handling marks visible. The case remains well-defined with acceptable vintage wear. The dial and hands show very good overall preservation. The overall appearance is clean, attractive, and well above average for a vintage piece. The timegrapher readings confirm it is running within vintage tolerances, making it a highly honest and wearable collector piece. Dimensions The elegant geometric case measures 29 mm in width excluding the crown. The sophisticated proportions allow it to sit beautifully on the wrist, serving as a refined dress watch with a distinctively vintage footprint. Remarks This Rado Elegance is a testament to the brand's adventurous yet sophisticated design language during the late 1970s. The combination of the deep blue textured dial and the uniquely shaped stainless steel case makes it a true conversation piece. It represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a distinctive and highly attractive Swiss manual-winding dress watch in highly commendable preservation. History Rado has long been celebrated for pushing the boundaries of watch case design and material innovation. The Elegance line emerged as the brand's answer to the demand for ultra-refined, slim dress watches, offering a stark contrast to their chunky tool watches of the era. By utilizing reliable manual-winding movements and creative dial textures, Rado created sophisticated timepieces that appealed to a cosmopolitan audience. Today, these elegantly shaped vintage Rado models are increasingly appreciated by collectors for their pure, uncompromised aesthetics. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-REX-0003