Rado - Esel - No reserve price - 11822 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The 1970s represented a golden era for expressive watch design, and Rado was at the forefront of this aesthetic revolution. The Rado Esel is a captivating reflection of this period, combining a distinctive tonneau case profile with a striking horizontally brushed blue dial. Known for their material innovations and unconventional styling, Rado timepieces from this era carry a unique charm that resonates strongly with vintage collectors. This particular Esel stands as a genuine artifact of its time, showcasing the iconic rotating anchor logo and a robust stainless steel architecture. Brand: Rado Model: Esel Reference Number: 11822 Serial Number: 39682841 Movement: 25-Jewel Automatic Caliber Dial: Blue horizontally brushed dial showing visible perimeter finish loss Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Fair vintage condition with honest wear and visible dial aging Dial and Hands The striking blue dial is defined by a deep horizontal brushing technique that plays beautifully with the light, creating a linear texture across the surface. It features applied faceted silver-tone indices, a matching applied Rado wordmark, and the signature rotating anchor logo set against a red background at the twelve o'clock position. The date window at three o'clock is framed in polished metal and displays vibrant red numerals. Close inspection reveals significant and noticeable finish loss along the outer perimeter of the dial, extending prominently from the six o'clock position up through the eleven o'clock marker. In these areas, the blue top layer has peeled away, exposing the brassy yellow underlying material. The silver-tone baton hands feature dark blue central stripes and white tips, showing light age-related oxidation, while the simple sweep seconds hand remains bright and well-preserved. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel tonneau case exhibits classic 1970s proportions, featuring a broad cushion silhouette with hooded lugs. The case retains a clear distinction between the vertically brushed upper surfaces and the polished case flanks, though it displays a variety of honest surface scratches, scuffs, and handling marks accumulated over decades of wear. The prominent domed crystal extends high above the bezel and shows minor surface wear consistent with age. The original Rado-signed crown, bearing the anchor logo, remains intact and functional. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down stainless steel caseback stamped with the recognizable Rado seahorse medallion, along with crisp engravings of the reference number 11822 and serial number 39682841. Movement Inside the case beats a robust 25-jewel automatic caliber, characterized by a cleanly decorated rotor prominently signed with the Rado name and jewel count. The movement components appear visually tidy and well-preserved in the macro photography. Timegrapher results reflect current performance; the movement is running and operational, recording a variance of -60s to -64s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original Rado stainless steel flat-link style bracelet. The links carry a brushed finish that complements the case, showing moderate surface scratches and mild stretch consistent with its vintage nature. The folding clasp is deeply stamped with the Rado name and anchor logo, securing firmly to the wrist. The bracelet is sized to accommodate a wrist of up to 20 cm. Condition This Rado Esel is presented in fair vintage condition, reflecting a life of regular wear. The stainless steel case remains structurally sound with visible scratches and softened edges typical of an unpolished vintage tool watch. The most notable condition aspect is the dial, which exhibits substantial finish flaking and edge peeling along the left hemisphere, presenting a heavily patinated and raw vintage character. The original bracelet and signed crown add to its cohesive, well-traveled authenticity. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in width, excluding the original signed crown, providing a substantial yet comfortable footprint typical of vintage cushion designs. Remarks With its bold blue dial, striking red date numerals, and quintessential 1970s case geometry, this Rado Esel is a charming encapsulation of a daring design era. The prominent wear patterns tell the story of a well-loved timepiece, offering a deeply characterful addition for enthusiasts of eccentric vintage Swiss watchmaking. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado initially operated as the Schlup and Co. movement factory before launching watches under its own name in the mid-20th century. The brand quickly established a reputation for avant-garde design and an enduring focus on unconventional case shapes and materials. During the 1970s, Rado fully embraced the space-age aesthetic, producing a wide array of tonneau, cushion, and faceted watches that stood out boldly from traditional Swiss offerings. The Esel model remains a rare and fascinating footnote in the company's vibrant history, representing the creative freedom that defined Rado's golden era. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-REX-0001