Rado Manchester Sapphire 655466 (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This distinctive 1970s Rado Manchester presents a striking visual presence, defined by its clean silver sunburst dial and attractive red date display. Housed in a classic cushion case, it offers a superb combination of mid-century design and dependable mechanical performance, highlighted by the signature applied Rado anchor logo. Brand: Rado Model: Manchester Reference Number: 655466 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 2793, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices and red date display Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +18+21s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The dial is wonderfully preserved, featuring a clean silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. It is accented by applied faceted indices with black inserts, which perfectly match the sleek baton hands. A signature applied Rado anchor logo sits against a red background, complementing the striking red date numerals at the three o'clock position. The hands, including the sweep seconds hand, display clean surfaces with no visible corrosion, while all printing remains crisp and legible. Case and Crystal The stainless steel cushion case balances a polished top with brushed flanks, retaining reasonable definition along its sides. Honest wear is present, with noticeable scratches and scuffs visible on the polished bezel area. The watch is fitted with a signed Rado anchor crown displaying well-defined fluting. A domed crystal, noted as sapphire on the dial, protects the face and shows only minor surface wear consistent with age. Movement Inside beats the automatic Rado Caliber 2793, a 25-jewel movement that presents beautifully with clean gold-tone plating. The rotor and plates are well preserved, showing no visible corrosion or oxidation, and are properly engraved with Rado signatures. The timegrapher records +18+21s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap The watch is paired with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. It shows light wear and complements the classic vintage aesthetic of the timepiece. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial and hands are excellently preserved, standing out as the highlight of this timepiece. The stainless steel cushion case shows honest age-related wear, primarily in the form of noticeable scratches and scuffs on the polished top surfaces, while the brushed sides remain reasonably defined. The gold-tone automatic movement is remarkably clean and, supported by the recorded timegrapher result, is running strong and steady. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Rado Manchester offers a charming slice of 1970s watchmaking with its bold cushion case and distinctive red date display. The excellent condition of the sunburst dial makes it a highly enjoyable daily wearer for the vintage enthusiast. History Rado established a distinct design language during the 1960s and 1970s, moving away from traditional round cases to experiment with bold geometries and innovative materials. The Manchester model reflects this era of creativity, utilizing the popular cushion case silhouette that defined the decade. Powered by reliable ETA-based calibers, these timepieces were built to offer robust performance alongside their unique aesthetics. Today, vintage Rado models are appreciated by collectors for their character-rich dials, signature moving anchor logos, and unmistakable mid-century charm. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-MXX-0051