Rado Scheidegg 71014 (1970-1979)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage The 1970s represent a golden era of experimental Swiss watchmaking, and Rado was at the forefront of this design revolution. The Rado Scheidegg, likely named after the famed Swiss mountain pass, embodies the brand's fearless approach to aesthetics with its bold tonneau case and highly textured, stardust-like dial. Featuring the iconic free-spinning anchor logo that became synonymous with Rado's automatic models, this watch delivers undeniable retro charm. Complete with its original signed steel bracelet and a reliable automatic caliber, this Scheidegg is a charismatic and highly wearable piece of vintage horology for the discerning collector. Brand: Rado Model: Scheidegg Reference Number: 71014 Movement: 25-Jewel Automatic Dial: Silver heavily textured dial with rotating anchor logo, showing noticeable age-consistent spotting and honest vintage patina 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 dial of this Scheidegg is defined by its dramatic, granular stardust texture, rendered in a metallic silver tone. It features striking applied faceted hour markers with distinct double black accents, providing excellent visual depth. At twelve o'clock, the dial proudly displays the signature Rado rotating anchor logo set against a red background, positioned above the applied Rado text. The model name Scheidegg is distinctly printed in blue on the lower half. A framed date window sits at the three o'clock position, featuring a striking red numeral font. The broad baton hour and minute hands feature dark central striping, contrasted by a vibrant red sweep seconds hand. The dial exhibits clear signs of vintage aging, including noticeable spotting, generalized patina, and mild discoloration across the surface. This heavy patina blends with the factory texture, creating a highly specific, aged aesthetic that speaks to the true vintage nature of the watch. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel tonneau cushion case perfectly captures the architectural design trends of its era. It features a flat upper surface finished with distinct sunburst radial brushing, which sharply transitions into heavily polished, sloping case flanks. The case remains robust but shows honest signs of daily vintage wear, including various surface scratches, minor scuffs, and small dings along the polished edges and bezel area. The winding crown is correctly signed with the embossed Rado anchor logo. Flipping the watch over reveals the screw-down stainless steel caseback, featuring the prominently stamped Water-Sealed Rado seahorse medallion surrounded by stars. The caseback engravings remain deep and legible, accompanied by normal surface wear and some pitting marks visible on the inner caseback edge. The watch is fitted with a thick, domed crystal that presents cleanly, showing only minor superficial handling marks while offering excellent optical clarity of the textured dial below. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made, Rado-signed 25-jewel automatic movement. The caliber is beautifully finished, featuring Côtes de Genève striping across the signed rotor and perlage detailing on the base plates. Running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance (see timegrapher). The timegrapher results reflect a daily deviation of -55 to -60 seconds per day. The movement operates smoothly, and the red date wheel snaps correctly during setting. Strap The watch is paired with its original stainless steel flat-link bracelet, integrating seamlessly with the hooded lug design of the tonneau case. The fold-over clasp is deeply stamped with the Rado text and the matching anchor logo, confirming its authenticity. The bracelet exhibits typical signs of vintage use, including moderate stretch, surface scratches across the links, and light scuffing on the clasp. It is sized to accommodate a wrist up to 17.5 cm. Condition This Rado is presented in good vintage condition. It is an honest, unrestored example that proudly displays its history. The dial shows significant, evenly distributed spotting and heavy surface patina. The stainless steel case retains its original brushed and polished finishes but exhibits standard scratches and wear marks consistent with decades of use. The original signed bracelet remains functional and intact, albeit with age-appropriate stretch and surface wear. The movement is fully operational, and beautifully preserved. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 17.5 cm Remarks With its unmistakable chunky tonneau profile and highly textured dial, the Rado Scheidegg is a quintessential 1970s statement piece. The contrasting red accents, striking blue text, and the charming kinetic element of the rotating anchor make this a visually fascinating watch on the wrist. It remains a sturdy and character-rich option for collectors of unusual vintage Swiss designs. History Founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, as Schlup & Co., Rado adopted its current name in the 1950s and quickly became recognized for its forward-thinking approach to watch design and material durability. During the 1960s and 1970s, the brand produced a wide array of automatic timepieces named after famous cities, mountains, and global landmarks, outfitting them with reliable Swiss movements and distinctive styling. The brand introduced the free-rotating anchor logo on the dials of its automatic watches, a clever feature meant to mirror the swinging motion of the movement's rotor. Models like the Scheidegg reflect the bold geometric experimentation of the era, cementing Rado's legacy as one of the most creatively daring manufacturers of the twentieth century. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RCX-0015