Rado - Mannheim - No reserve price - 954915 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Mannheim is a superb representation of 1970s horological design, blending a substantial cushion case with a highly refined, textured dial. Rado has long been celebrated for its distinctive case shapes and innovative styling, and the Mannheim perfectly captures the bold yet elegant aesthetic of its era. Finding one with such a remarkably preserved dial and its original signed bracelet makes this a compelling addition for collectors of mid-century Swiss design. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim Reference Number: 954915 Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2824 Dial: Vertically brushed silver dial with applied faceted indices and gold logo, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and a brilliantly preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial is a visual standout, featuring a striking vertically brushed silver surface that interacts beautifully with the light. It is adorned with applied, faceted baton indices featuring contrasting dark central inserts, which are perfectly matched by the original steel baton hands. Positioned at twelve o'clock is Rado's signature free-spinning anchor logo against a vibrant purple background. The lower half of the dial displays a prominent applied gold "M" logo above the elegant, stylized Mannheim script. A sharply defined date aperture at three o'clock reveals crisp red numerals. The dial is in phenomenal condition, remaining exceptionally clean with no visible spotting, moisture damage, or significant signs of degradation, presenting a crisp and vibrant face. Case and Crystal The 37 mm stainless steel cushion case exemplifies the architectural design language of its time, featuring a broad, flat upper surface with a subtle brushed finish that transitions into smoothly polished flanks. The case displays honest signs of wear, including superficial scratches, micro-abrasions, and minor handling marks consistent with regular vintage use, yet it retains its strong, unpolished factory profile. The original Rado-signed crown, bearing the distinctive anchor logo, sits flush against the case side. The crystal remains clear and free of any distracting deep scratches or impacts, providing a perfect view of the dial beneath. The screw-down caseback is crisply engraved with the iconic Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion and the reference number 954915. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust ETA Caliber 2824, a 25-jewel automatic movement renowned for its reliability. The movement is visually distinguished by a beautifully engine-turned Rado-signed rotor. Close inspection reveals the 2824 caliber designation clearly stamped on the base plate beneath the balance wheel. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a deviation of -22 to -25 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel mesh-style bracelet, which perfectly complements the chunky cushion case. The bracelet features a secure folding clasp that is proudly stamped with the Rado name and anchor logo, confirming its authenticity. The bracelet is in excellent functional shape and is sized to accommodate a wrist up to 19.5 cm. Condition This Rado Mannheim is in good vintage condition overall. The case exhibits normal, honest wear with visible surface scratches that speak to its history, without compromising the integrity of its shape. The dial is the undeniable highlight, having survived the decades in near-immaculate condition with crisp printing and bright applied furniture. The movement is clean and operational, and the original bracelet remains sturdy and highly wearable. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm Wrist Size: 19.5 cm Remarks This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire an uncommon and visually striking Rado Mannheim. The combination of the vertically brushed dial, the red date wheel, and the original signed mesh bracelet creates a timepiece with immense character and wrist presence. It is a highly wearable piece of 1970s horological history. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado initially operated as the Schlup & Co. watchmaking factory before launching its own brand in the 1950s. By the 1960s and 1970s, Rado had established itself as a pioneer of unconventional case designs and scratch-resistant materials. The Mannheim model is a testament to the brand's adventurous spirit during this period, utilizing heavy cushion cases and dynamic dial textures to stand out in a crowded Swiss watch market. Today, these vintage Rado models are highly appreciated by collectors for their unapologetic style and enduring build quality. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0042