Rado - Manchester Sapphire - No reserve price - 657466 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Rado Manchester Sapphire represents a brilliant era of 1970s watchmaking, combining bold architectural case design with striking aesthetic details. Known for their robust builds and distinctive faceted crystals, vintage Rado timepieces from this period command attention on the wrist. This particular example stands out with its dynamic sunburst dial, signature anchor logo, and an exceptionally well-preserved case that perfectly captures the avant-garde spirit of the era. Brand: Rado Model: Manchester Sapphire Reference Number: 657466 Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2782 Dial: Silver sunburst texture with applied faceted indices, presenting in stunningly clean condition with minimal signs of age. Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Stunning vintage condition with excellent case preservation and a remarkably clean dial. Dial and Hands The dial features a crisp silver sunburst texture that plays beautifully with the light. Applied faceted baton indices with black central inserts provide excellent legibility and depth. The typography is precise, pairing a printed sans-serif Manchester with an elegant script Sapphire. At the three o'clock position, a framed date window displays striking red numerals. The signature applied Rado anchor logo sits prominently below twelve o'clock against a rich red background. The dial is exceptionally clean, showing only the faintest micro-dust under high magnification, completely free from moisture damage or significant spotting. The matching baton hands feature central black stripes that perfectly echo the indices, accompanied by a sweeping center seconds hand. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel cushion case features a compelling architectural presence with hooded lugs and a bold, sweeping profile. The case exhibits a beautiful transition between the finely brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished bezel ring and case flanks. The factory lines remain sharp and well-defined, showing only honest, light handling marks consistent with careful vintage wear. The original signed crown featuring the Rado anchor is present. The screw-down caseback is a notable highlight, featuring the iconic gold-tone Rado Water-Sealed medallion with the seahorse motif and deep, crisp engravings. The watch is fitted with a striking faceted crystal that elevates the dial, showing sharp bevels and excellent clarity. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust 25-jewel automatic movement, identifiable by the caliber 2782 stamp visible beneath the balance wheel. The movement features a rich gold-tone finish and is clearly signed by Rado on the rotor, alongside a 011 bridge stamp. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates a performance of -6 to -12 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching and a red lining. The strap complements the bold geometry of the case and the subtle red accents on the dial, securing with a classic stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Rado Manchester Sapphire is presented in stunning vintage condition. The dial is outstandingly preserved, free from notable spotting or moisture damage, retaining its factory sunburst brilliance. The faceted crystal is in excellent shape, enhancing the visual depth of the watch without distracting scratches. The stainless steel case retains its intended geometry with sharp transitions between polished and brushed finishes, bearing only minor, superficial wear marks. The caseback medallion remains crisp and fully intact, completing a highly attractive vintage presentation. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures exactly 35 mm in diameter when excluding the signed crown. The cushion case architecture and integrated lug design provide a substantial presence that wears comfortably on the wrist. Remarks This Rado is a fantastic representation of 1970s design language, offering a highly wearable case shape and a dial that plays beautifully with the light. The combination of the faceted crystal, the red date wheel, and the dynamic anchor logo makes this a highly collectible and visually engaging vintage piece. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup and Co. and later transitioning to the Rado brand in the 1950s, the company quickly built a reputation for pioneering case designs and scratch-resistant materials. During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado introduced a series of highly distinctive models characterized by bold shapes, faceted crystals, and the signature rotating anchor logo. The Manchester Sapphire model is a prime example of this innovative era, reflecting the brand's commitment to durability and avant-garde aesthetics that challenged traditional watchmaking norms of the time. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMS-0007