Rado - Voyager - No reserve price - 11814 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A captivating example of seventies design, this Rado Voyager captures the bold, architectural aesthetic of its era. With its distinctive cushion case, striking vertical day and date display, and the iconic rotating anchor logo, this timepiece offers a compelling blend of idiosyncratic Swiss watchmaking and robust daily wearability. It stands as a testament to a highly creative period in horological history, presenting a unique profile on the wrist. Brand: Rado Model: Voyager Reference Number: 11814 Serial Number: Unmarked Movement: Rado signed ETA caliber 2789 automatic, 25 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices, showing visible spotting, moisture marks, and age-related wear Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and visible dial patina Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial features a striking layout with a vertical day and date aperture positioned at six o'clock, framed by a heavy faceted metallic window. Applied block indices with black central stripes provide excellent legibility, perfectly matched by the baton hands. The dial is adorned with an applied Rado text logo at nine o'clock and the signature rotating Rado anchor against a purple background at twelve o'clock. Upon close inspection, the dial exhibits clear signs of age and environmental exposure. There is visible spotting, moisture marks, and localized staining, most notably around the nine o'clock index and the left hemisphere of the dial. The outer minute track shows minor degradation, and the small luminous plots have aged, with some appearing degraded or missing. The hands present with light oxidation and dust consistent with the age of the timepiece. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel cushion case exemplifies classic seventies geometry, featuring a vertically brushed upper surface that transitions into polished sloping flanks. The case retains its original contours but displays honest signs of wear, including surface scratches, scuffs, and minor nicks along the polished edges and bezel area. The original Rado signed crown, featuring the anchor motif, remains crisp and well-defined. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion, the Voyager name, and the reference 11814, showing standard handling marks. The crystal exhibits light surface wear but provides a clear and unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Inside beats a Rado signed 25-jewel automatic movement, based on the reliable ETA caliber 2789. The movement is visually well-preserved, featuring a gold-tone rotor and base plates, with the caliber markings clearly stamped beneath the balance wheel. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher records a deviation of +25 to +30 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original period-correct stainless steel brick-link bracelet. The bracelet matches the aesthetic of the case perfectly and is secured by a fold-over clasp prominently stamped with the Rado seahorse emblem. It shows stretch and lateral play consistent with decades of use, along with typical desk-diving marks on the clasp. The bracelet accommodates a wrist size of up to 17.5cm. Condition Good vintage condition. The case and bracelet show normal, honest vintage wear with surface scratches and softened edges. The dial displays clear signs of age, including spotting, moisture marks, and staining that collectors should note. The movement remains operational and visually clean. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 17.5 cm Remarks This Rado Voyager is a charismatic survivor from a highly experimental era of watch design. The unique vertical day and date configuration and the iconic moving anchor logo make it a distinct conversation piece for enthusiasts of vintage Swiss automatics. History Rado has long been celebrated for its avant-garde approach to case design and materials, truly coming into its own during the mid-twentieth century. The Voyager line represented the brand's commitment to robust, everyday timepieces that did not sacrifice distinct visual identity. Incorporating water-resistant features and reliable automatic calibers, the Voyager became a staple of Rado's catalog, beloved for its quirky yet highly functional aesthetic that remains highly collectible today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-VXX-0010