Rado Starliner 999 11778/1 (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This classic Rado Starliner 999 pairs a striking black dial with applied gold-tone indices, delivering a highly attractive contrast that defines its visual presence. Retaining its original signed anchor crown and the classic seahorse caseback engraving, this 1970s timepiece offers a distinctive and well-preserved wearing experience. Brand: Rado Model: Starliner 999 Reference Number: 11778/1 Serial Number: 3439422 Movement: Mechanical, 25 Jewels Dial: Black with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +11+14s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The dial presents a clean black surface that serves as a deep backdrop for the applied gold-tone indices and matching Rado logo. The printed text remains crisp, while the signature rotating anchor logo displays minor patina. Well-preserved with striking contrast, the dial is complemented by gold-tone baton hands. These hands show visible oxidation and patina on their metal surfaces, with aging present on the luminous material, matching the honest character of the watch. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a polished finish throughout, including the smooth integrated bezel. It displays moderate surface scratches and scuffs consistent with age and use, maintaining an honest vintage wear profile. The caseback engravings, featuring the classic Rado seahorse, are somewhat faint but remain legible. The watch is fitted with its original crown, signed with the Rado anchor logo and showing good definition on the knurling. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, exhibiting light surface scratches visible under certain lighting angles, but remaining free of major cracks or chips. Movement The mechanical movement features 25 jewels and is stamped with the Rado signature. The plates and bridges appear generally clean, with no obvious signs of severe corrosion, while the gold-tone rotor shows some spotting and tarnishing. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher records a rate of +11+14s/day. Strap The watch is paired with a black textured leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. This modern strap appears to be in near-new condition, providing a comfortable and stylish complement to the dark dial. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial remains excellent and highly legible, while the hands show expected oxidation and aging to the luminous material. The stainless steel case and bezel exhibit moderate surface scratches and scuffs typical of authentic use. The domed acrylic crystal shows only light surface scratches. The movement is visually clean with some tarnishing on the rotor, and timegrapher readings indicate very strong performance. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm across, excluding the crown. Remarks The high-contrast black and gold-tone dial makes this Starliner 999 an immediate standout on the wrist. With its original signed anchor crown and classic seahorse caseback, it remains a highly attractive and functional example of 1970s Rado design. History During the 1970s, Rado continued to build its reputation for distinctive case designs and memorable branding. The Starliner series represents a period of confident styling from the brand, often characterized by bold dials, applied markers, and the signature rotating anchor logo. These models remain appreciated by collectors for their recognizable mid-century aesthetic and reliable Swiss mechanical foundations. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-SXX-0012