Rado Daymaster 11754 (1965)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Here is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a rare and sophisticated Rado Daymaster, a model that perfectly encapsulates the mid-century charm of Swiss watchmaking. This timepiece stands out with its highly desirable "full day" complication positioned at six o'clock and a distinctive red date wheel, features that set it apart from the more common models of the era. With its robust "Water-Sealed" case construction and the iconic rotating anchor logo, this Daymaster is a testament to Rado's commitment to durability and design. It is a collector-grade example that combines technical prowess with a stunning silver aesthetic, making it a compelling addition to any vintage collection. Brand: Rado Model: Daymaster Reference Number: 11754 Serial Number: 31162587 Movement: Automatic, Caliber AS 1700/01 Dial: Silver sunburst with day and date complications Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1965 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents a sharp case and a remarkably clean dial, offering a very attractive overall appearance suitable for daily wear or collection. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in remarkable preservation, radiating a clean and bright finish that plays beautifully with the light. It features faceted diamond-shaped hour markers that add a touch of elegance and depth. The signature Rado anchor logo sits on a purple background at the 12 o'clock position, adding a splash of color and brand heritage. Uniquely, this model displays the full day of the week in a curved window at 6 o'clock and the date in red numerals at 3 o'clock. The silver dauphine hands are sharp and legible, complementing the classic mid-century design language. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 36mm and retains its original profile with sharp lines on the lugs. The surface shows normal handling marks and scratches consistent with a vintage piece of this age, adding to its honest character. The crown is signed with the Rado anchor symbol. The caseback is a highlight, featuring the deep and crisp relief of the Rado Seahorse logo and the "Water-Sealed" engraving, emphasizing the brand's pioneering waterproofing technology. The acrylic crystal is clear and features an internal magnifier for the date, ensuring excellent legibility. Movement Powering this timepiece is a high-grade Rado automatic movement with 30 jewels, based on the robust AS 1700/01 caliber. The movement features a gold-colored rotor and is clean in appearance. Timegrapher testing indicates a daily rate of -29s to -35s/day, which indicates a running movement that is functioning within operating parameters for a vintage mechanical watch of this era. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring a lizard grain pattern and contrasting white stitching. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the stainless steel case perfectly, giving the watch a sporty yet dressy look that is ready to wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the standout feature, showing almost no signs of aging, which is rare for a watch from the 1960s. The case shows honest wear with surface scratches visible upon close inspection, particularly on the caseback and lugs, but retains its structural integrity and sharp edges. The engravings on the caseback remain deep and clearly clearly visible. Dimensions With a case diameter of 36mm excluding the crown, this watch sits comfortably on the wrist, offering a classic vintage proportion that works well for modern standards. The lug design ensures a snug fit, making it suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Rado Daymaster is a less commonly seen sibling to the Green Horse line, distinguished by its specific day-date layout. The combination of the red date wheel, the "smile" day window, and the faceted markers creates a visually engaging face that is highly sought after by Rado enthusiasts. This specific reference 11754 is a prime example of 1960s design excellence. History Rado, founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., began selling watches under the Rado brand name in the 1950s and quickly gained a reputation for innovation in materials and water resistance. The introduction of models like the Daymaster in the 1960s showcased the brand's ability to integrate practical complications like the day and date into robust, waterproof designs. The "Water-Sealed" branding on the back refers to the brand's patent-pending case compression systems, which were advanced for the time and helped establish Rado as a leader in durability. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RDJ-0002