Rado - Manchester Sapphire - No reserve price - 653114 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Rado Manchester Sapphire is a striking example of the brand's adventurous design language from the 1970s, combining robust materials with distinctive aesthetic flair. Characterized by its faceted sapphire crystal and bold cushion case, this timepiece offers a unique presence on the wrist that is unmistakably Rado. With its interesting dial patina and original bracelet, this watch represents a charming entry into the world of vintage Swiss design. Brand: Rado Model: Manchester Sapphire Reference Number: 653114 Movement: Automatic Dial: Grey with heavy stardust patina Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest, worn aesthetic with a heavily patinated dial that adds significant character to the piece. Dial and Hands The dial presents a grey base that has developed a heavy, uniform "stardust" patina across the entire surface, creating a unique speckled texture consistent with genuine vintage aging. It features chunky applied silver indices, complemented by a distinctive outer minute track with vibrant red accents at the hour markers. The signature Rado anchor logo is present at the 12 o'clock position, and a framed date window is located at 3 o'clock. The silver baton hands are intact and match the overall aesthetic of the dial. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a tonneau or cushion shape typical of the era, with hooded lugs that integrate seamlessly with the bracelet. The case shows visible scratches and signs of wear throughout, consistent with its age and use, but retains its original geometry without signs of over-polishing. The defining feature is the faceted sapphire crystal, which catches the light dramatically; it appears well-preserved, showcasing Rado's pioneering use of scratch-resistant materials. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor symbol. Movement Powering the watch is a Swiss-made automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels and a gold-plated finish. The rotor is signed by Rado. The movement is clean and visually presentable. On the timegrapher, the watch is currently running at approximately -15 to -17 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel link bracelet. It features a signed Rado clasp with the anchor logo. The bracelet shows moderate stretch and wear consistent with the case but remains functional and comfortable. It is sized to fit a wrist circumference of approximately 19 cm. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case shows expected surface scratches from decades of wear, it remains structurally sound. The dial has aged significantly with a heavy, uniform patina that transforms the look of the watch, appealing to collectors who appreciate "tropical" or stardust aging effects. The movement is functioning well within acceptable vintage tolerances. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size for the period that wears slightly larger due to the cushion case shape and faceted crystal profile. Remarks The Rado Manchester Sapphire is a testament to the era when Rado established itself as the master of materials and unconventional design. This specific example, with its faceted glass and heavy dial patina, offers a rugged, lived-in charm that sets it apart from pristine safe queens, making it a perfect daily companion for the vintage enthusiast. History Rado, founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, became world-renowned in the mid-20th century for its pioneering use of hard materials, most notably with the introduction of the scratch-proof DiaStar in 1962. The Manchester Sapphire continues this lineage, utilizing sapphire crystal technology to protect the dial while offering a futuristic aesthetic that defined the 1970s. This model sits within Rado's history of creating highly durable, waterproof, and stylish automatic watches for the modern man of the era. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMS-0001