Rado - Golden Sabre - No reserve price - 11046 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Golden Sabre is a definitive example of 1970s Swiss design, combining bold architectural lines with the brand's signature durability and flair. Distinguished by its faceted crystal and intricate dial details, this timepiece represents an era when Rado was heavily experimenting with light reflection and geometric case shapes. The Golden Sabre stands out not just for its crossed-swords nomenclature, but for its robust construction and the playful, animated rotating anchor logo that has become a hallmark of the manufacturer. This is a watch that captures the funky, avant-garde spirit of vintage horology while remaining an elegant daily wearer. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Sabre Reference Number: 11046 Serial Number: 41764500 Movement: Automatic Caliber 2798 Dial: Silver sunburst with faceted applied indices Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Running and operational, offering healthy and reliable vintage performance (see timegrapher). Dial and Hands The dial features a radiant silver sunburst finish that remains crisp and bright, interacting dynamically with the light. It is adorned with substantial, high-profile applied block indices that are faceted to catch reflections from every angle. At the 12 o'clock position sits the iconic Rado rotating anchor on a red background, while the lower half of the dial displays the applied "Golden Sabre" text and the distinctive crossed swords logo in red and gold. The baton-style hands are fitted with black central inserts for contrast and are complemented by aged tritium lume, which has warmed to a charming creamy tone on the small outer plots. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, balancing the layout. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case utilizes a tonneau-style silhouette with a flat, integrated lug profile that sits comfortably on the wrist. The upper surfaces feature a factory-brushed finish that transitions sharply into polished case sides, demonstrating excellent preservation of the original geometry. The defining feature is the faceted crystal, which creates a prismatic effect over the dial, adding depth and character unique to Rado's design language. The crown is signed with the anchor logo, and the screw-down caseback features the deeply embossed Seahorse and Water Sealed medallion, along with clear reference and serial engravings. Movement Powering the watch is a gold-plated Rado automatic movement, identified as the Caliber 2798. The rotor is signed with "Rado" and "25 Jewels," featuring a striped finish. The movement appears clean and free of visible oxidation, with the balance wheel assembly and regulation components in good visual order. Timegrapher results reflect a very healthy movement state, running between +6 and +13 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original period correct stainless steel flat-link bracelet, which reinforces the integrated look of the case. The bracelet features a brushed finish on the outer links with polished center accents, leading to a deployant clasp explicitly stamped with the Rado logo and text. It is sized to accommodate a wrist circumference of approximately 19cm. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The case retains its sharp architectural lines with only minor superficial handling marks consistent with careful use. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, showing no significant spotting or degradation. The faceted crystal is clear, allowing the dial details to shine through without obstruction. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size for the era that wears slightly larger due to the case shape and faceted crystal. The bracelet length is generous, fitting a wrist up to 19cm. Remarks The Golden Sabre is a testament to Rado's commitment to unconventional design and robust engineering. With its faceted crystal, rotating anchor, and specific "Sabre" branding, it offers a collecting experience that differs significantly from standard round dress watches of the period. History Rado, founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, established itself as a pioneer in materials and design innovation during the mid-20th century. The Golden Sabre line emerged during a prolific period in the 1960s and 1970s when the brand introduced scratch-resistant materials and unique models like the Diastar and Manhattan. The Golden Sabre specifically highlighted the brand's ability to merge water-resistant "seahorse" capabilities with high-style, jewelry-like aesthetics, solidifying Rado's reputation as a maker of watches that were both durable and visually striking. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGS-0005