Rado Manhattan (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage Presented here is a sought-after 1970s Rado Manhattan, a striking vintage timepiece defined by its distinctive oversized square case geometry and bold architectural presence. The attractive vertically brushed silver dial pairs beautifully with the chunky stainless steel housing, delivering a highly charismatic wrist presence that collectors appreciate. Brand: Rado Model: Manhattan Movement: Mechanical Dial: Vertically brushed silver with applied indices Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -8-11s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The vertically brushed silver dial provides a brilliant, textured backdrop for the applied block indices, which feature black inserts for enhanced legibility. An applied Rado anchor logo sits prominently on the dial, while a practical day and date complication with an English day wheel is positioned at three o'clock. The dial surface remains remarkably clean, with no significant spotting or moisture damage visible. Time is indicated by black baton style hands. Upon close inspection, the hands show visible surface pitting and oxidation, adding authentic aging to the display. Case and Crystal The chunky stainless steel case features a distinctive 1970s square geometry. The design utilizes brushed top surfaces that transition into polished flanks, and the edges remain reasonably defined. The case exhibits light surface scratches and handling marks consistent with age and typical wear. The crystal mounts directly to the case without a traditional separate bezel, featuring a flat top profile with steeply beveled edges. The crystal is clear with no major scratches or chips visible. The knurled crown is correctly signed with the Rado anchor logo. Movement The watch is powered by a mechanical movement. On the timegrapher, it recorded a rate of -8-11s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap shows light creasing from use but remains highly wearable and complements the black accents on the dial and hands. Condition Good vintage condition. The watch presents very well overall, with a notably clean dial surface and a strong case shape. The stainless steel case shows expected light surface scratches and handling marks consistent with its age. The black baton hands display visible surface pitting and oxidation on close inspection. The leather strap exhibits light creasing from use. Supported by the recorded timegrapher result of -8-11s/day, the movement is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Rado Manhattan offers a fantastic opportunity to acquire a highly recognizable 1970s design. The combination of the clean vertically brushed dial, the bold square case, and the strong mechanical performance makes this a compelling addition to any vintage collection. History The Rado Manhattan was introduced during an era when watchmakers were aggressively experimenting with case shapes and bold visual identities. Known for its robust, oversized square design, the Manhattan quickly became a sought-after model for the brand. It represents a period of immense creativity at Rado, showcasing their commitment to distinctive geometry and striking dial textures. Today, the Manhattan remains a celebrated model among vintage enthusiasts who value unconventional and highly charismatic mid-century watchmaking. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0070