Rado - Alpineum - No reserve price - K313693 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Rado is celebrated for its distinctive design language and innovative approach to watchmaking, particularly during the mid-20th century. The Alpineum line represents a fascinating era for the brand, combining robust case designs with striking dial executions. This particular example showcases Rado's ability to create visually compelling timepieces that stand out from the crowd, featuring a mesmerizing faceted crystal and a beautifully aged dial. It is a fantastic representation of vintage Rado's unique character. Brand: Rado Model: Alpineum Reference Number: K313693 Movement: Automatic, ETA Caliber 2824, 25 Jewels Dial: Gold-tone dial with vertical brushing, applied indices, and Rado anchor logo, showing even, attractive aging and some surface marks. Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition, showing normal wear and an attractive, honest presentation. Dial and Hands The dial of this Rado Alpineum is a striking gold-tone with a vertical brushed finish that catches the light beautifully. The signature Rado anchor logo sits prominently below 12 o'clock. The applied, faceted hour markers feature white inserts, matching the design of the baton hands. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The dial exhibits an even, warm aging across its surface, with some minor spotting and surface marks visible under close inspection, consistent with its vintage nature. The hands show light oxidation, adding to the authentic, unpolished character of the watch. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case features a robust, tonneau-style shape typical of the era, with brushed upper surfaces and polished flanks. The case shows honest signs of wear, including light scratches and minor nicks, indicating it has been enjoyed but not over-polished. The original Rado-signed crown is present, showing some wear to the logo. The standout feature is the faceted acrylic crystal, which adds incredible depth and a unique visual distortion to the dial. The crystal shows some light surface scratches but remains clear and highly reflective. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado seahorse logo and the reference number K313693, showing some typical opening marks and light wear. Movement Powering this Alpineum is a Rado-signed automatic movement, based on the reliable ETA Caliber 2824. The 25-jewel movement features a decorated rotor and is clearly stamped with the caliber number under the balance wheel. The movement presents cleanly, with the gilt Rado branding on the rotor standing out against the rhodium-plated components. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher result is +26s to +35s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a textured black leather strap with contrasting white stitching. The strap features a geometric, almost reptilian pattern, complementing the vintage aesthetic of the timepiece. It is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Rado Alpineum is in good vintage condition. The case retains its original shape and finishes, showing normal, honest wear for its age. The dial has developed a warm, even patina with some minor surface marks, and the faceted crystal, while showing light scratches, remains a fantastic focal point. The movement is clean and operational. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Alpineum is a wonderful example of 1970s watch design, offering a unique aesthetic with its faceted crystal and distinctive dial. It is a charming and wearable vintage piece that captures the essence of Rado's creative era. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., Rado initially produced watch movements before launching its own brand in the 1950s. The company quickly became known for its innovative designs and pioneering use of scratch-resistant materials. Models like the Alpineum highlight Rado's experimental approach during the 1960s and 70s, a period when the brand solidified its reputation for producing distinctive, forward-thinking timepieces that diverged from traditional Swiss watchmaking norms. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RAK-0003