Rado - Cornell - No reserve price - 11916 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A classic and well-preserved example of Rado's distinctive 1970s design language, this Cornell immediately draws the eye with its striking grey radial brushed dial and signature rotating anchor logo. Housed within a polished cushion case, the watch presents a wonderful balance of bold period aesthetics and crisp, highly legible details, highlighted by an attractive red date display. Brand: Rado Model: Cornell Reference Number: 11916 Movement: Automatic, 25 jewels Dial: Grey radial brushed with applied indices and red date Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: 28s+30s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The exceptionally clean and vibrant grey dial features a beautiful radial brushed finish that catches the light wonderfully. It is detailed with an applied Rado anchor logo set against a red background, complementing the striking red date numerals positioned at 3 o'clock. The applied faceted indices are finished with white inserts, perfectly matching the crisp white printed text. The original baton style hands also feature white inserts and display appropriate mild aging, with some light oxidation visible on the metal edges under magnification. No significant spotting, staining, or damage is visible on the dial surface. Case and Crystal The stainless steel cushion-shaped case is presented with a polished finish, retaining its preserved overall geometry. It shows honest vintage wear, with light surface scratches and scuffs consistent with age and normal use, but remains free of any major dents or deep gouges. The case is fitted with its original signed crown, which features the Rado anchor logo and displays well-defined knurling. The reverse features the classic seahorse caseback engraving. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, remaining clear with no major cracks or chips, though it exhibits some minor surface micro-scratches typical of acrylic materials. Movement Inside is a visually clean automatic movement featuring gold-toned plates and a matching rotor. The caliber is engraved with "RADO", "25 JEWELS", and "SW", showing no obvious signs of heavy corrosion or damage, though there are some light surface marks present on the rotor. The recorded timegrapher reading is 28s+30s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring a textured pattern and white contrast stitching. It shows signs of light use and pairs beautifully with the grey dial. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The dial is beautifully preserved and vibrant, while the original hands show only mild, expected oxidation under magnification. The polished cushion case displays honest age-related wear, including light surface scratches and scuffs, but maintains a strong overall shape without deep gouges. The domed acrylic crystal has minor micro-scratches but is clear and fully intact. The automatic movement is visually clean and running strong and steady, supported by the timegrapher results. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter (excluding the crown). Remarks This Rado Cornell is a highly attractive vintage piece that delivers strong 1970s character. The exceptionally clean grey radial brushed dial, paired with the distinctive cushion case and signature red date display, makes this a compelling choice for collectors of mid-century Swiss design. History Rado established a highly distinctive visual identity during the 1960s and 1970s, moving away from traditional round cases to embrace bold, geometric shapes and innovative materials. The Cornell model reflects this dynamic era of watchmaking, utilizing the popular cushion case silhouette that defined the decade's aesthetic. Features like the rotating anchor logo on the dial and the seahorse engraving on the caseback became hallmarks of the brand, symbolizing Rado's commitment to robust automatic movements and durable case construction. Today, these expressive 1970s Rado timepieces are appreciated by enthusiasts for their unique charm and enduring build quality. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-CXX-0014