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

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This uncommon Rado Esel immediately commands attention with its striking grey-to-brown gradient fumé dial and distinctive 1970s cushion case architecture. A sought-after configuration among vintage enthusiasts, this well-preserved example beautifully displays the bold design language of the era, complemented by its original flat-link stainless steel bracelet and reliable ETA 2824 automatic movement. Brand: Rado Model: Esel Movement: Automatic, ETA 2824 base, 25 jewels Dial: Grey-to-brown gradient (fumé) with applied indices and red date Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +35+37s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The dial is a striking and well-preserved fumé execution, transitioning beautifully from a light grey center to a deep brown at the outer edges. It features applied faceted indices with crisp white inserts, paired perfectly with matching baton-style hands and a sweeping second hand. A vibrant red date display at the three o'clock position adds an attractive pop of color, while the signature applied rotating Rado anchor logo sits prominently below twelve o'clock. The dial surface and hands remain in excellent preservation, showing clean surfaces with no visible spotting, damage, or oxidation. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a classic 1970s cushion shape with integrated lugs, contrasting polished upper surfaces against brushed lower sections. An integrated polished bezel area surrounds the crystal, following the sweeping geometry of the watch. The case displays honest wear, with moderate scratches and scuffs visible throughout the surfaces and bezel area, consistent with age and use. The domed acrylic crystal provides clear visibility, though it exhibits minor surface scratches and scuffs visible at certain angles, particularly near the edges. The watch is fitted with its signed crown, featuring the Rado anchor logo and defined fluting, which shows light wear. Movement Inside beats a reliable ETA 2824 base automatic caliber, featuring a decorated and signed rotor. The movement presents in excellent visual condition, with clean plates and bridges displaying no visible corrosion or damage. It bears the crisp engravings "RADO", "25 JEWELS", "SWISS 208", and "2824". The timegrapher records a rate of +35+37s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap The watch is fitted with its original signed stainless steel flat-link bracelet, a period-correct design that perfectly complements the cushion case. It secures via a signed Rado clasp featuring the anchor logo. The bracelet and clasp show moderate scratches and scuffs consistent with the wear on the case, and will accommodate a maximum wrist size of up to 19.5 cm. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial and hands have been exceptionally well-preserved, remaining clean and vibrant. The stainless steel case and original bracelet show honest moderate scratches and scuffs throughout, indicative of regular wear over the decades but retaining their distinctive structural geometry. The domed acrylic crystal has minor surface scratches, primarily near the edges. The movement is clean and well-preserved. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter (excluding the crown). Remarks This Rado Esel is a highly attractive example of 1970s design, distinguished by its beautiful grey-to-brown gradient dial and vibrant red date display. Complete with its original flat-link bracelet and a reliable automatic caliber, it offers a distinct and highly wearable configuration for the vintage enthusiast. History During the 1970s, Rado established a reputation for bold, unconventional case designs and striking dial treatments. The Esel model represents an uncommon and sought-after variant from this highly creative era of the brand's history. Utilizing the robust ETA 2824 movement architecture and featuring Rado's signature rotating anchor logo, watches from this period reflect the transition toward expressive, integrated styling that defined a generation of Swiss watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-EXX-0001