Rado Kriens (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Rado Kriens is a striking example of the bold and experimental design language that defined the 1970s. With its captivating green gradient dial and signature faceted crystal, this timepiece offers a unique visual presence that plays with light from every angle. It represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a distinctive piece of Swiss design history that stands out from the traditional dress watches of the era. Brand: Rado Model: Kriens Serial Number: 262750 Movement: Automatic ETA 2824 Dial: Green Fumé Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear consistent with its age while the dial remains vibrant and attractive. Dial and Hands The dial features a mesmerizing green fumé finish that transitions from a lighter sunburst center to a darker green at the periphery. It is accented by substantial applied baton hour markers that add three-dimensional depth to the face. The signature Rado anchor logo rotates freely at the 12 o'clock position against a red background. A date window is vertically positioned at 6 o'clock preserving the dial's symmetry. The silver-tone hands contain luminous inserts that have aged naturally. The entire dial is viewed through an original faceted crystal which creates a prismatic effect characteristic of Rado's vintage design philosophy. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion-shaped profile that integrates smoothly with the lugs. The case exhibits visible scratches and contact marks throughout the polished and brushed surfaces which is consistent with honest vintage wear. The watch retains its original signed crown featuring the Rado anchor symbol. The screw-down stainless steel caseback displays the detailed Seahorse medallion and water-sealed engraving. The mineral crystal is faceted with geometric cuts and shows scratches and marks from use. Movement Powering the watch is a Swiss automatic movement based on the robust ETA caliber 2824. This 25-jewel mechanism features a Rado signed rotor and decorative finishing on the plates. The movement is clean and is running within vintage tolerances offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap featuring decorative stitching and a stainless steel buckle. The rich brown tone of the leather complements the green gradient of the dial creating a cohesive vintage look. Condition This timepiece is in Good vintage condition. The stainless steel case shows evident wear with scratches and scuffs present on the bezel and sides. The faceted crystal has scratches and minor nicks along the edges. The dial is well preserved with a strong color gradient and intact markers. The movement appears clean and free of corrosion. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in width excluding the crown. The cushion case shape allows it to wear slightly larger on the wrist than the dimensions suggest offering a comfortable fit for various wrist sizes. Remarks The Rado Kriens is a model that perfectly encapsulates the funky and futuristic aesthetic of the 1970s. The specific combination of the green sunburst dial and the geometric faceted crystal makes this watch a dynamic accessory that changes character under different lighting conditions. It is a charming choice for collectors who appreciate the unconventional side of Swiss horology. History Rado began as the Schlup & Co. clockwork factory in Lengnau Switzerland in 1917 before launching its own brand of watches in the 1950s. The company became world-renowned for its pioneering work in materials science particularly with the introduction of scratch-resistant tungsten carbide in the Diastar line. During the 1970s Rado continued to push boundaries with avant-garde designs that utilized unique case shapes and faceted crystals. The Kriens belongs to this creative period where the brand established itself as a leader in distinctive and durable design. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RKX-0005