Rado - Manhattan - No reserve price - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Rado Manhattan stands as a striking testament to the bold, architectural design language of the late 1960s and early 1970s. With its commanding square profile and highly articulated bracelet, this timepiece captures the essence of mid-century modernism. Rado’s commitment to distinctive styling and robust engineering is fully realized in this model, making it a compelling acquisition for collectors of unique vintage Swiss watches. Brand: Rado Model: Manhattan Movement: Automatic Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices, showing honest vintage patina and light spotting Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear and attractive patina Dial and Hands The dial features a striking silver sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light, complemented by applied faceted block indices containing central aged luminous plots. The dial furniture includes the signature applied Rado anchor logo set against a purple background, alongside applied serif "RADO" lettering and sharply printed sans-serif "MANHATTAN" text. A framed day-date aperture is positioned at three o'clock, displaying a prominent red day and black date. Careful inspection reveals honest age-consistent patina, including light surface spotting and minor edge wear that authenticates its vintage character. The baton hands feature matching aged luminous material and exhibit noticeable surface oxidation and speckling when viewed under a loupe, confirming their original, untouched state. Case and Crystal The 34mm stainless steel case features a bold, architectural square design with broad, polished flat surfaces and sharp, defined edges. The case retains strong factory lines and a crisp lug profile, with honest handling marks and superficial scratches present across the polished bezel and case flanks. The caseback displays the deeply embossed Rado twin-seahorse "Water-Sealed" medallion, which remains crisp and highly legible. The watch is fitted with a tall, stepped acrylic crystal that prominently features the subtle Rado anchor logo etched precisely in its center. The crystal shows light surface wear consistent with standard vintage use but remains highly transparent. Movement While no movement images are provided for visual inspection, the automatic caliber powering this Rado is a reliable workhorse of the era. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +25 to +30 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on its original Rado-signed stainless steel multi-link bracelet, manufactured by the renowned bracelet maker NSA. The clasp features the Rado text and anchor logo, while the inner folding mechanism is correctly stamped with NSA and Swiss Made markings. The bracelet exhibits excellent articulation, comfortably conforming to the wrist, and shows normal vintage wear consistent with the case. Condition This Rado Manhattan is in good vintage condition, presenting an unpolished and highly original aesthetic. The heavy stainless steel case remains thick and structurally sharp, while the dial and hands display authentic, age-appropriate patina, oxidation, and spotting. The presence of the original etched crystal and the correct signed NSA bracelet adds significant collector appeal to the overall package. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The included original stainless steel bracelet will accommodate a wrist size of up to 18 cm. Remarks The combination of the striking square case, the intricate original NSA bracelet, and the signature Rado design elements make this a highly wearable and conversational vintage piece. The presence of the original etched crystal and correctly signed components highlights its honest preservation and makes it a standout representation of 1970s watchmaking. History Introduced in the mid-to-late 1960s, the Rado Manhattan was designed to reflect the towering, geometric skyscrapers of its namesake city. During an era of rapid design experimentation, Rado distinguished itself by creating watches with unconventional shapes and robust, water-resistant cases. The Manhattan became a celebrated model for the brand, embodying the distinctive, forward-thinking aesthetic that defined Rado's most creative and structurally ambitious period. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0009