Rado - Golden City - No reserve price - 11916/1 - Men - 1970-1979

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado Golden City is a captivating and rare example of 1970s Swiss design, combining a distinctive TV-shaped case with a sophisticated charcoal gray sunburst dial. A standout feature of this timepiece is the red date wheel, which adds a vibrant pop of color against the monochromatic dial, complementing the iconic rotating red anchor logo. With its robust stainless steel construction and reliable automatic movement, this watch represents the golden era of Rado's innovative approach to watchmaking. Brand: Rado Model: Golden City Reference Number: 11916/1 Movement: Automatic, Caliber ETA 2793 Dial: Gray Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition Dial and Hands The charcoal gray dial features a stunning vertical sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light. It is adorned with applied block indices and the signature Rado rotating anchor logo in red at the 12 o'clock position. A unique and desirable feature is the date window at 3 o'clock, which displays the date in striking red numerals. The silver baton hands are clean and legible, retaining their original luminous material which has aged to a subtle cream tone. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case features a cushion or "TV" shape design that sits comfortably and prominently on the wrist. The case preserves its original lines with a polished finish, showing light surface scratches and handling marks consistent with careful vintage use. The signed crown features the Rado anchor logo. The acrylic crystal is clear and presents well, offering an unobstructed view of the dial. The caseback features the detailed "Water-Sealed" medallion with the Rado seahorse logo, a testament to the brand's engineering standards of the era. Movement Powering the watch is a Swiss-made automatic movement, identified as the ETA caliber 2793. The movement features 25 jewels and a gold-plated rotor signed by Rado. It is currently performing well, showing a rate of +14 to +18 seconds per day on the timegrapher, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching, which complements the sporty yet elegant nature of the cushion case. It is secured by a stainless steel pin buckle that suits the overall aesthetic of the timepiece. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved with no visible staining or damage. The case shows normal signs of wear with light surface scratches but no major dents or deep gouges. The movement is clean and running strong within acceptable vintage tolerances. Dimensions The case measures 35mm in diameter excluding the crown, making it a classic mid-sized vintage piece that wears slightly larger due to the cushion case shape. Remarks The Rado Golden City is a charming find for collectors who appreciate the funkier side of 1970s horology. The combination of the gray sunburst dial and the unusual all-red date wheel makes this reference particularly attractive. It serves as both a conversation piece and a wearable daily vintage watch. History Rado has long been recognized as a pioneer in materials and design within the Swiss watch industry. Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., the company began selling watches under the Rado brand in the 1950s. The Golden City line comes from an era when Rado was experimenting with distinct case shapes and water-sealing technologies, bridging the gap between traditional dress watches and the futuristic scratch-proof designs they would later become famous for. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGC-0002