Rado - Spacewing - No reserve price - 740741 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Rado Spacewing stands as a captivating testament to the bold, futuristic design language that defined the mid-century watchmaking era. Embracing the optimism of the space age, this timepiece features a distinctive cushion case and a highly dynamic dial configuration that immediately draws the eye. With its signature rotating anchor logo and striking use of color, this Spacewing offers collectors a beautifully preserved slice of Rado's innovative heritage, blending robust stainless steel construction with undeniable vintage charm. Brand: Rado Model: Spacewing Reference Number: 740741 Movement: Swiss automatic, 25 jewels Dial: Vertically brushed silver dial with applied faceted indices, blue minute track, and red date display, presenting in excellent, clean condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and a remarkably well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Rado Spacewing is a masterclass in texture and subtle color contrast, featuring a striking vertical brushed silver finish that catches the light beautifully from every angle. It is adorned with applied, faceted baton indices featuring central black stripes, which perfectly match the polished baton hands to provide excellent legibility. A standout element is the iconic applied Rado rotating anchor logo situated at the twelve o'clock position, set against a vibrant red background. The outer edge of the dial is framed by a finely printed blue minute track, adding a sophisticated pop of color that pairs wonderfully with the bright red numerals in the framed date window at three o'clock. Upon close inspection, the dial remains in exceptionally clean condition, free from distracting spots, stains, or moisture marks, showing only the faintest, most attractive signs of honest vintage aging. The typography, including the applied Rado text and the sans-serif Spacewing signature, remains crisp and fully intact. Case and Crystal The 35 millimeter stainless steel cushion case exemplifies the robust and imaginative architecture of 1970s Rado. The case features a beautiful interplay of finishes, with brushed upper surfaces that transition sharply into highly polished case flanks. The lug profiles remain thick and well-defined, indicating a life of careful wear. The watch is fitted with a domed crystal that perfectly complements the sweeping lines of the bezel, showing minor surface wear consistent with age but remaining clear and unobtrusive to the dial below. The original signed Rado crown, featuring the distinctive anchor motif, sits flush against the case side. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down stainless steel caseback stamped with the crisp Rado triple seahorse medallion, reference numbers, and Water-Sealed text, all remaining deeply engraved and highly legible. Movement Powering this Spacewing is a beautifully finished, gold-plated Swiss automatic movement featuring twenty-five jewels. The movement is proudly stamped with the Rado signature on the rotor, which displays a refined brushed finish. The bridges and internal components present a clean and well-maintained visual appearance. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The movement exhibits a timegrapher result of +44 to +48 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on a handsome black leather strap featuring an elegant alligator grain pattern and contrasting white perimeter stitching. This strap pairs perfectly with the black accents on the dial and hands, providing a comfortable and period-appropriate aesthetic. It is secured by a classic stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Rado Spacewing is offered in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undisputed highlight, remaining incredibly fresh and free from localized damage or notable degradation. The stainless steel case exhibits honest, superficial scratches and handling marks typical of normal wear, yet it retains its strong original geometry and sharp transitions between the brushed and polished surfaces. The caseback engravings remain wonderfully crisp, and the overall presentation is highly attractive for a collector seeking a well-preserved space-age timepiece. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 millimeters in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The cushion-shaped profile provides a substantial yet highly wearable presence, sitting comfortably on the wrist while maintaining a classic vintage footprint. Remarks Finding a Rado Spacewing with such a beautifully preserved dial and sharp case lines is a true delight. The interplay of the vertical silver brushing, the blue minute track, and the red date wheel creates a visual dynamic that is both incredibly retro and timelessly stylish. This is a highly charismatic piece that offers immense character and historical charm for the discerning vintage enthusiast. History During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado established itself as a pioneer of unconventional case designs, durable materials, and evocative naming conventions. The Spacewing was born during an era obsessed with space exploration and technological advancement, reflecting this cultural zeitgeist through its forward-thinking cushion case and futuristic aesthetic. Rado's commitment to creating distinctive, hard-wearing watches with unique visual identities cemented the brand's legacy, and models like the Spacewing continue to be celebrated today for their daring design and robust Swiss engineering. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-SXX-0005