Rado Marco Polo 11837 (1970-1979)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Rado Marco Polo is a charismatic representation of late 1960s and early 1970s Swiss design, combining a distinctive case shape with the brand's signature quirky elements. With its cushion-style profile and eye-catching rotating anchor logo, this timepiece offers a unique aesthetic that stands out from the typical round watches of the era. It is a wonderful example of Rado's creative approach to horology, blending robust engineering with an adventurous model name that evokes the spirit of exploration. Brand: Rado Model: Marco Polo Reference Number: 11837 Serial Number: 15892249 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated / Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest and attractive vintage appearance with wear consistent with its age, particularly on the case edges, while the dial remains remarkably clean and crisp. Dial and Hands The watch features a beautiful silver sunburst dial that catches the light dynamically. It is adorned with applied gold-tone hour markers, featuring a unique configuration of rectangular blocks at the cardinal points and circular studs for the remaining hours. The signature Rado anchor logo at 9 o'clock rotates freely against a striking red/purple background, a beloved feature for collectors. A gold-framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The gold-tone baton hands feature black inlays for contrast and legibility, and the dial is signed "Swiss Made" at the bottom. Case and Crystal The gold-plated case features a cushion or tonneau shape typical of the period, measuring 36mm which offers a substantial presence on the wrist due to the case geometry. The plating shows signs of vintage wear, with visible softening on the high edges and some surface marks throughout, adding to its authentic character. The stainless steel caseback is a screw-down type, deeply embossed with the iconic Rado water-sealed seahorse logo and reference numbers. The high-dome acrylic crystal is in clear condition, preserving the vintage profile of the watch. Movement Powering this timepiece is a high-quality Rado signed automatic movement with 25 jewels. The movement features a gold-tone finish and appears clean and well-maintained. Timegrapher testing indicates the watch is running between -23 and -25 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement running within acceptable vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap featuring reddish tones and contrast stitching that complements the gold case perfectly. It is secured by a gold-tone pin buckle, making it ready to wear immediately. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The most notable signs of age are found on the gold-plated case, which exhibits wear to the plating on corners and edges, along with general surface scratches from historical use. However, the dial is exceptionally well-preserved, showing no significant staining or damage. The movement is functioning reliably. Dimensions The case measures 36mm in diameter excluding the crown, with the cushion shape providing a slightly larger wearing experience than traditional round cases of the same dimension. Remarks The Rado Marco Polo is a delightful vintage piece that offers a lot of character for the enthusiast. Its combination of the rotating anchor, the specific "stud" hour markers, and the evocative model name makes it a conversation starter. This is a perfect entry point into collecting vintage Rado, offering the distinct styling the brand is famous for in a package that retains its original charm. History Rado, founded as Schlup & Co. in 1917, began selling watches under the Rado brand in the 1950s. They quickly established a reputation for innovative materials and distinctive designs. The rotating anchor logo, introduced in 1962, was originally intended to indicate when a service was needed (if the anchor stopped spinning), but it quickly became a beloved trademark. The Marco Polo line sits alongside other famous "explorer" themed Rado models like the Captain Cook and Voyager, representing the golden age of mechanical watch production before the Quartz crisis. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMP-0004