Rado - Golden Castle - No reserve price - 603.79 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Step into the daring design language of the 1970s with this striking Rado Golden Castle. Known for pushing the boundaries of traditional horology, Rado combined rich textures, unusual dial layouts, and their signature kinetic elements to create truly memorable timepieces. This specific model stands out with its highly unconventional vertical day and date aperture and applied castle emblem, offering a rare and captivating aesthetic for the discerning vintage enthusiast. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Castle Reference Number: 603.79 Serial Number: 9968351 Movement: Caliber 2879, 17 Jewels Swiss Automatic Dial: Vertically brushed champagne dial with applied indices, a vertical day and date window, and excellent overall preservation Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-Plated Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and a remarkably clean dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Golden Castle is a masterclass in 1970s texture and layout, featuring a rich champagne tone accented by pronounced vertical brushing. The dial is exceptionally clean and well-preserved, showing virtually no disruptive spots, moisture damage, or print loss. It is adorned with applied, faceted gold-tone baton indices featuring black center inserts, flanked by intact, evenly darkened lume pips at the outer edge. The signature Rado rotating anchor logo sits proudly below 12 o'clock against a red background, while a distinct applied golden castle emblem is positioned at 9 o'clock. The focal point of the layout is the highly unusual vertical day and date aperture situated at 6 o'clock, framed in gold tone. The original gold-tone baton hands feature matching black inserts and aged lume, perfectly complementing the dial's warm, sophisticated aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 37mm cushion-shaped case is crafted from gold-plated stainless steel and is topped with a prominent, light-catching fluted bezel. The case exhibits honest signs of vintage wear, presenting in good condition overall. Visual inspection reveals moderate surface scratches, handling marks, and localized gold-plating loss or rubbing along the lug edges and case flanks, which is entirely consistent with its era and regular use. The original signed Rado anchor crown remains fitted to the case. The crystal is clear and free of major visual obstructions, offering a pristine view of the intricate dial beneath. The stainless steel screw-down caseback features the iconic Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion, showing typical surface wear and some residual adhesive marks along the lower edge. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made ETA Caliber 2879 automatic movement, customized by Rado with a beautifully finished, gold-tone signed rotor. The 17-jewel mechanism presents cleanly in the macro photographs, with the caliber stamp clearly visible near the balance wheel. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a deviation of +33 to +36 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct gold-plated stainless steel mesh bracelet. The sliding adjustable clasp allows for a versatile and comfortable fit on the wrist. The bracelet exhibits surface wear and noticeable plating loss that matches the aging of the watch case, maintaining a cohesive and authentic vintage character throughout. Accommodate a wrist size of up to approximately 19 cm in circumference. Condition This Rado is presented in good vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable highlight, remaining incredibly sharp, clean, and beautifully preserved. The case, bezel, and bracelet show expected daily wear, including plating fade, rubbing, and surface marks, presenting an honest vintage aesthetic that collectors appreciate. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Accommodate a wrist size of up to approximately 19 cm in circumference. Remarks The Rado Golden Castle is a fantastic representation of mid-century design daring, blending a classic fluted bezel with a highly unusual vertical calendar display. The rotating anchor and applied castle logo add layers of charm and collectability to this distinctive piece, making it a superb conversation starter. History Rado has long been celebrated for its avant-garde approach to watchmaking, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s when the brand experimented wildly with case shapes, advanced materials, and dynamic dial layouts. The Golden Castle is a prime example of this fearless design language, offering a unique architectural twist on the traditional day and date complication while retaining Rado's signature rotating anchor, a proud symbol of their automatic winding technology. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGC-0001