Rado - Montana - No reserve price - 11950 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Montana is a captivating representation of 1970s Swiss design, combining architectural case lines with a mesmerizing visual depth. Famous for their usage of hard materials and avant-garde shapes, Rado created the Montana to stand out on the wrist. This specific example features a stunning blue gradient dial viewed through a prism-like faceted crystal, creating a unique play of light that changes with every angle. Paired with the iconic rotating anchor logo and a robust stainless steel construction, this timepiece offers a distinct vintage aesthetic that appeals to collectors of unconventional and bold horology. Brand: Rado Model: Montana Reference Number: 11950 Movement: Automatic, Caliber ETA 2797 Dial: Gradient blue with applied block indices Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a very well-preserved dial and case, accompanied by timegrapher results indicating an active movement. Dial and Hands The dial is the centerpiece of this watch, featuring a rich blue tone that transitions in a gradient effect, enhancing the depth of the face. It is adorned with thick, applied rectangular indices that stand tall against the dial surface, matching the baton-style hands. The signature Rado anchor logo at the 12 o'clock position sits on a red background, a hallmark of the brand's automatic models. A date window is framed at the 3 o'clock position. The view of the dial is dramatically altered by the original faceted crystal, which splits the light and creates a prismatic visual effect that is highly sought after in vintage Rados. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion-shaped "TV" profile with a distinct horizontal brushing on the top surface and polished sides, highlighting the sharp architectural lines of the era. The case edges remain well-defined. The caseback features the detailed Rado seahorse medallion and the "Water-Sealed" engraving, which are crisp and clearly legible. The faceted crystal is a defining feature of this model, adding significant character to the watch's presence. Movement Powering the watch is a gold-plated automatic movement, based on the reliable ETA 2797 caliber. The rotor is signed with "RADO" and "25 JEWELS." The movement appears clean and visually maintained. Timegrapher testing indicates a rate of +40 to +44 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching at the lugs. The strap complements the black and steel tones of the watch head and offers a comfortable fit suitable for daily wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The case shows only minor handling marks consistent with careful use over the decades, retaining its original brushed finish. The dial is exceptionally clean with no visible staining or damage. The applied indices and hands are bright and free of corrosion. The crystal remains attractive with the faceting clear and sharp. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in width excluding the crown. Due to the square cushion shape and substantial case thickness, the watch wears larger than its numerical dimensions suggest, providing a significant presence on the wrist. Remarks The Rado Montana is a testament to the era when watch brands experimented boldly with form and light. The combination of the blue dial and the faceted crystal makes this a conversation piece that catches the eye immediately. It is a robust and stylish vintage watch that perfectly captures the funk and flair of the 1970s while remaining a reliable Swiss-made instrument. History Rado, founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, has always been a pioneer in materials and design. Throughout the mid-20th century, and particularly in the 1970s, the brand moved away from traditional round cases to explore geometric shapes and textured crystals. The Montana line exemplifies this period of creativity, offering a blend of futuristic styling and traditional Swiss engineering that has garnered a loyal following among vintage enthusiasts today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0035