Rado - Meilen - No reserve price - 633.3111.4 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage Rado is celebrated for its avant-garde case designs and robust engineering during the mid-twentieth century, and this Meilen is a striking testament to that legacy. Featuring a bold faceted case and a highly textured gradient dial, this timepiece captures the essence of retro-futuristic watchmaking. Its robust automatic movement and distinctive aesthetic make it a compelling choice for collectors seeking a character-rich vintage Swiss watch with undeniable wrist presence. Brand: Rado Model: Meilen Reference Number: 633.3111.4 Serial Number: 42921308 Movement: Automatic caliber ETA 2824, 25 jewels Dial: Gradient sunburst bronze with textured outer minute track and applied indices, in excellent clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and a remarkably preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial is a visual standout, featuring a captivating gradient sunburst finish that transitions from a warm golden-bronze at the center to a deep brown at the periphery. A highly detailed stepped outer chapter ring displays fine concentric ridging, hosting applied faceted baton indices with white center accents. The typography is crisp, with an applied silver-tone Rado logo and the signature rotating anchor emblem set against a red background at twelve o'clock. The date aperture at three o'clock displays striking red numerals. The dial remains in stunning condition, free of noticeable stains, moisture marks, or print loss, showing only the faintest signs of natural age under high magnification. The baton hands feature black bases and luminous inserts that have aged to a consistent, mild patina, complemented by a sleek sweeping seconds hand. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel case exemplifies Rado's daring geometric design language, characterized by a bold cushion-like silhouette with dramatic, sharp facets. The upper case surfaces retain their strong, factory-style heavy brushing, which contrasts brilliantly with the highly polished sloping flanks and chamfers. The transitions between the brushed and polished areas remain crisp and well-defined, indicating careful preservation and honest wear. The original Rado-signed crown, featuring the anchor logo, is present and sits cleanly against the case. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the iconic Rado three-seahorse Water Sealed medallion, alongside the reference number 633.3111.4 and serial number 42921308. The crystal provides a clear, distortion-free view of the dial, showing minimal surface wear. Movement Powering this Meilen is a robust Swiss automatic movement, clearly stamped with the ETA shield and caliber number 2824 beneath the balance wheel. The movement is beautifully finished, featuring a gold-toned rotor decorated with a distinct crosshatch engine-turned pattern and engraved with Rado 25 Jewels. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances, running strong and steady. The timegrapher results reflect a consistent output of plus 20 to plus 22 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a black textured leather strap featuring a distinct scale pattern and prominent white contrast stitching. The strap offers a secure and comfortable fit, complementing the bold geometric presence of the stainless steel case. Condition This Rado Meilen is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean and vibrant, standing as a primary highlight of the piece. The stainless steel case retains its sharp architectural lines and original brushed finishes, exhibiting only light, honest handling marks consistent with careful occasional wear over the decades. The engraved caseback remains deep and fully legible. The movement is remarkably clean and visually impressive. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the signed crown. The faceted, lugless cushion design provides a substantial and highly wearable profile that sits prominently on the wrist. Remarks This timepiece represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a highly distinctive vintage Rado with exceptional dial finishing and a reliable ETA-based automatic caliber. The combination of the textured gradient dial, sharp geometric case, and strong mechanical health makes it a versatile and visually striking addition to any vintage watch collection. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado built its reputation in the mid-twentieth century on creating watches that pushed the boundaries of traditional design and material science. During the 1960s and 1970s, the brand became synonymous with scratch-resistant materials, bold faceted cases, and dynamic dials. The Meilen model perfectly encapsulates this era of daring Swiss watchmaking, blending robust mechanical reliability with an unmistakable, space-age aesthetic that continues to captivate vintage enthusiasts today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-MXX-0025