Rado - Manhattan - No reserve price - RAD-RMX-0005 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Rado Manhattan is a true icon of late 1960s and 1970s horological design, famous for its distinctive square case and innovative construction. This example captures the funky, modernist aesthetic of the era with its bold geometric presence and integrated bracelet, making it a compelling choice for collectors of avant-garde vintage timepieces. Brand: Rado Model: Manhattan Movement: Automatic Dial: Silver with heavy patina Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of age with significant patina on the dial, while the movement is running within vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The silver dial features prominent applied block hour markers that create a distinct three-dimensional effect typical of the period. The surface exhibits heavy, uniform "stardust" patina and spotting consistent with age, giving the watch a unique vintage character. At the 3 o'clock position, a framed day-date window is present. The signature rotating Rado anchor logo sits at 9 o'clock against a red background. The baton-style hands show signs of aging and oxidation, matching the condition of the lume plots labeled "T Swiss Made T" at the bottom of the dial. Case and Crystal The oversized square stainless steel case is the defining feature of the Manhattan model. It appears to be in original condition, retaining its sharp geometric lines and thick profile. Visible surface scratches and marks from wear are present throughout the case and bezel, consistent with a life well-lived. The caseback features the detailed Rado Seahorse medallion and "Water Sealed" engraving, which remains crisp and clearly legible. The acrylic crystal fits flush with the case profile and shows surface scratches. The crown is signed with the Rado anchor symbol. Movement Powered by a Rado automatic movement, the watch is currently functioning well. Timegrapher testing shows a rate of approximately -14s to -20s per day, which indicates healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with its original vintage Rado stainless steel multi-link bracelet. It features a signed folding clasp with the Rado branding. The bracelet exhibits moderate stretch and surface wear consistent with the case but remains comfortable and secure on the wrist. Fits up to 18cm wrist Condition This timepiece is in Good vintage condition. It presents an honest, lived-in appearance with significant patina on the dial and general wear on the case and crystal. The visible aging on the dial is extensive, often referred to as tropical or stardust patina. The mechanical performance is solid, and the watch retains all its original styling cues. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in width excluding the crown. Due to the square geometry, the watch wears significantly larger than its dimensions suggest, offering a wrist presence comparable to a 36mm or 38mm round timepiece. Remarks This Rado Manhattan is a bold statement piece that encapsulates the experimental design language of the 1970s. While showing its age cosmetically, it retains the structural integrity and unique charm that have made this reference a cult classic among vintage enthusiasts. History Introduced in the mid-1960s, the Rado Manhattan was marketed as a revolutionary "water-sealed" square watch, representing a significant engineering challenge at the time. Rado utilized a unique snap-back compressor case design to achieve water resistance in a non-round shape. The model represents Rado's long-standing commitment to material innovation and unconventional design, bridging the gap between dressy elegance and robust utility. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0005