Rado - Mannheim - No reserve price - 347917 - Men - 1973

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Mannheim is a distinctive example of 1970s Swiss design, characterized by its bold cushion case and the iconic rotating anchor logo on the dial. The watch captures the transition of the era with a blend of architectural indices and a clean, sunburst silver finish that plays beautifully with the light. With its "Water-Sealed" caseback featuring the triple seahorse medallion, this timepiece represents the robust engineering and avant-garde styling that Rado is celebrated for among vintage collectors. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim Reference Number: 347917 Movement: Automatic ETA 2797 Dial: Silver sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch appears very well preserved with sharp case lines and a clean dial, indicating minimal use over the decades. Dial and Hands The dial features a striking silver sunburst finish that remains bright and clean. It is adorned with thick, faceted applied indices that add depth and texture to the face. The signature Rado anchor logo on a red background sits at 12 o'clock, complementing the applied "RADO" text. At 6 o'clock, the gold-tone "M" logo and "Mannheim" script provide a touch of elegance. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The baton-style hands are silver with dark centers, providing excellent legibility against the light dial. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a classic 1970s cushion or "TV" shape, showcasing a mix of finishes with vertical brushing on the top surface and polished sides. The edges remain well-defined, suggesting the watch has not been over-polished. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor symbol. The screw-down caseback features the detailed relief of three seahorses and the "Water-Sealed" text, along with the reference number 347917, all of which are crisp and clearly visible. The acrylic crystal is in clear condition, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering the watch is a gold-plated Rado signed automatic movement, based on the reliable ETA caliber 2797 with 25 jewels. The rotor is signed "RADO 25 JEWELS SWISS," and the movement appears clean and free of oxidation. The watch is currently running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher results showing -27-33s/day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching, which complements the monochrome aesthetic of the dial and case. The strap is in excellent condition and ready to wear. Condition This timepiece is in Excellent vintage condition. The case shows only light wear and handling marks consistent with its age, preserving its original geometry. The dial is exceptionally clean with no visible staining or damage. The hands and applied markers are in very good condition. Overall, the watch presents a clean, attractive, and well-above-average appearance for a vintage piece from this period. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in width excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage fit that sits comfortably on the wrist due to the cushion case design. Remarks The Rado Mannheim is a charming example of the brand's expansive catalog from the 1970s, offering a unique look that differs from the more common Diastar models. The combination of the brushed steel case, the "M" insignia, and the high-quality automatic movement makes this a desirable piece for enthusiasts of retro Swiss horology. History Rado, founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., began selling watches under the Rado brand in the 1950s and quickly became known for their innovative use of materials and distinct designs. The Mannheim model is part of Rado's geography-inspired series from the 1960s and 70s, named after the German city. This era was a golden age for Rado design, where they experimented with case shapes and branding elements like the rotating anchor, symbolizing the automatic movement within, which has since become a hallmark of the brand. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0024