Rado Marstron 11912 (1970-1979)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A captivating piece of 1970s horological innovation, this Rado Marstron represents the fascinating transitional era of electronic watchmaking. Combining a bold cushion case with a striking deep green dial and a highly unusual electro-mechanical movement, this timepiece offers collectors a unique blend of retro-futuristic design and significant technical history. It stands as a testament to a brief but highly inventive period before quartz fully dominated the industry. Brand: Rado Model: Marstron Reference Number: 11912 Movement: 13-Jewel Electronic Dial: Deep green dial with applied faceted block indices, showing light edge wear and minor age-consistent spotting Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear and a well-preserved electronic movement Dial and Hands The dial presents a rich, deep green surface that serves as a dramatic backdrop for the highly distinctive applied faceted block indices, which catch the light brilliantly from multiple angles. At twelve o'clock, the signature Rado anchor logo sits atop a subtle purple-hued backing, positioned above crisp white printed brand typography. The lower half of the dial features the Marstron name alongside the distinctive "Z" symbol denoting the electronic movement, with a striking red-numeral date window positioned symmetrically at six o'clock. The time is indicated by black baton hands featuring white central inserts, paired with a slender metallic sweep seconds hand. Careful inspection reveals light, age-consistent spotting across the dial surface and minor dust accumulation near the extreme periphery. The hands exhibit subtle oxidation typical of the era, maintaining an authentic and highly attractive vintage aesthetic without detracting from the watch's striking visual presence. Case and Crystal The 38mm stainless steel cushion case exemplifies the bold, experimental design language of the 1970s. It features a broad, highly polished bezel area that slopes down to meet the brushed flanks, creating a substantial and comfortable presence on the wrist. The watch is fitted with a signed Rado crown bearing the anchor motif. The raised crystal features a flat top with distinctively beveled edges, complementing the faceted nature of the dial indices. The case remains in good vintage condition, displaying honest surface scratches, handling marks, and minor edge wear consistent with decades of wear. The crystal shows some light edge abrasions and minor surface wear. The screw-down caseback is well-preserved, proudly displaying the crisp Rado triple seahorse medallion, the Marstron name, and the 11912 reference engraving. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made Rado electronic caliber, a fascinating piece of transitional technology that utilizes a battery-powered transistor circuit to drive a traditional mechanical balance wheel. The movement is proudly stamped with the Rado Electronic branding on a brass-toned bridge and is marked as having thirteen jewels. The visual interplay of the traditional gear train, the prominent copper coils, and the early electronic components provides a wonderful view into the engineering of the era. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. +35s+40s/day. Strap The watch is paired with a black leather strap featuring prominent, thick beige contrast stitching that adds a robust, vintage-inspired character to the overall presentation. The strap is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle and exhibits light signs of handling, remaining supple and ready for immediate wear. Condition This Rado Marstron is presented in good vintage condition. The case retains its original geometry with normal surface scratches and honest wear marks expected from a 1970s timepiece. The dial is highly legible and visually striking, showing only minor age-related spotting and light peripheral wear. The electronic movement remains remarkably clean and operational, preserving the mechanical integrity of this unique reference. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 38 mm in width, excluding the signed crown. Remarks Finding a functional early electronic watch with this level of aesthetic character is a rare treat. The Marstron perfectly captures the space-age optimism and design experimentation of its time, making it an excellent conversation piece and a worthy addition to any collection focused on unusual vintage designs or horological technological milestones. History During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Swiss watch industry explored various methods to improve accuracy before quartz technology became universally affordable. Electro-mechanical watches like the Rado Marstron utilized battery power to oscillate a traditional balance wheel, eliminating the need for a mainspring while retaining the sweeping seconds hand and mechanical heartbeat of a traditional watch. These transitional pieces were produced for only a short window of time, making them highly sought-after artifacts of a rapidly changing era in watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-MXX-0004