Rado - Trident 300 - No reserve price - 2041293 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A captivating example of expressive 1970s design, this Rado Trident 300 embodies the bold and experimental aesthetic of its era. With its distinctive cushion case profile and striking two-tone dial configuration, this timepiece offers collectors a unique opportunity to acquire a character-rich vintage Rado that commands attention on the wrist while maintaining the robust mechanical integrity the brand is known for. Brand: Rado Model: Trident 300 Reference Number: 2041293 Serial Number: 11909 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 2798, 25 Jewels Dial: Two-tone gold and dark grey textured dial featuring the signature rotating anchor, showing visible age-related patina, spotting, and surface wear on the outer track Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and distinct dial patina Dial and Hands The dial of this Trident 300 is a fascinating study in contrast and texture, featuring a vertically brushed gold-tone center section surrounded by a deeply textured, dark grey outer ring. The dial is furnished with applied, faceted gold-tone hour markers, a framed day-date aperture at the three o'clock position, and the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo seated within a red circle at twelve o'clock. Printed typography includes the Rado name, the Trident logo, and the 300 designation. Careful visual inspection reveals distinct and heavy age-related patina across the dial. The dark outer track shows noticeable spotting, fading, and surface discoloration, while the central gold section exhibits generalized aging. The gold-tone baton hands display oxidation and the original luminescent material has darkened to a deep, earthy tone, matching the aged lume plots at the outer edges of the indices. Case and Crystal The 33mm gold-plated case features a classic 1970s cushion silhouette with a smooth, sloping bezel area that transitions into integrated-style lugs. The case exhibits honest signs of regular vintage wear, including surface scratches, micro-abrasions, and noticeable softening of the original factory lines. There is visible wear and slight fading to the gold plating, particularly along the sharpest edges and lug extremities, revealing the base metal beneath in small areas. The watch is fitted with a stainless steel screw-down caseback that remains in very good condition, proudly displaying the deeply stamped Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion alongside crisp reference and serial numbers. The crystal protects the dial adequately and presents with only minor, age-appropriate surface wear. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made automatic movement, clearly stamped with the ETA shield and caliber number 2798 beneath the balance wheel. The movement is proudly signed by Rado and features 25 jewels. The automatic winding rotor is a visual highlight, decorated with an intricate, engine-turned grid pattern and clearly engraved with the Rado nomenclature. The movement components display a warm, golden hue with light, age-consistent surface patina visible under macro inspection. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome brown textured leather strap that complements the vintage character of the timepiece. The strap features striking yellow contrast stitching that echoes the gold tones of the case and dial, and it is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This Rado is presented in good vintage condition, showcasing the authentic wear and character expected from a daily-worn timepiece of this decade. The case retains its fundamental cushion shape but shows expected surface scratches and localized plating wear. The dial is highly patinated, with significant spotting and aging clearly visible on the textured outer ring, providing a deeply vintage aesthetic that some collectors favor. The caseback engravings remain wonderfully crisp and well-preserved. Dimensions The case measures 33 mm in width, excluding the crown. Remarks The Rado Trident 300 is a fantastic representation of the transitional design language of the 1970s, blending traditional watchmaking with the funky, geometric styling that defined the era. The combination of the textured two-tone dial and the signature rotating anchor makes this a compelling piece for enthusiasts of unconventional vintage Swiss watches. History Founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, as Schlup & Co., the company eventually launched the Rado brand in the 1950s. Rado quickly distinguished itself through a commitment to unusual designs and, later, innovative materials. During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado produced a prolific array of distinctively shaped watches with evocative names, almost always featuring their patented free-swinging anchor logo on the dial as a symbol of their automatic movements. Models like the Trident 300 showcase the brand's willingness to experiment with textures, colors, and case geometries, securing Rado's legacy as one of the most creatively daring Swiss manufactures of the mid-20th century. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RTX-0004