Rado - McKinley - No reserve price - Automatic AS 1858 - Men - 1970

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Rado McKinley is a striking example of late 1960s to early 1970s design, combining a robust cushion case with a deeply saturated black dial. A less common model within the Rado vintage lineup, the McKinley offers the same charm as the Green Horse or Voyager series but with a distinct personality. Its presence on the wrist is defined by the contrast between the polished steel and the dark dial, accented by the brand's signature rotating anchor. This timepiece represents a fantastic entry point into the world of vintage Rado, featuring the quirky and beloved design elements that define the brand. Brand: Rado Model: McKinley Movement: Automatic AS 1858 Dial: Black Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition. The dial is excellent while the case shows honest wear from use. Timegrapher results indicate the movement is healthy. Dial and Hands The watch features a glossy black dial that remains in very good condition, providing a deep background for the applied block hour markers. These faceted silver-tone indices catch the light beautifully. At the 12 o'clock position sits the signature Rado anchor logo on a ruby-red background, which rotates freely as intended. A date window is framed in silver at the 3 o'clock position. The silver-tone baton hands display normal signs of aging to the luminous material. The "McKinley" text above 6 o'clock is printed in a unique stylized font that remains crisp and fully legible. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion-shaped "C-line" profile that wraps comfortably around the wrist. Measuring 36 mm in diameter, it offers a solid vintage stance. The case surfaces are polished but show visible scratches and marks consistent with a watch of this age that has been worn and enjoyed. The edges remain reasonably defined. The crown is signed with the Rado anchor logo. On the reverse, the screw-down caseback proudly displays the detailed triple seahorse medallion and "Water Sealed" engraving, which are deep and well-preserved. The acrylic crystal is intact with some light surface scratches visible under direct light. Movement Inside beats a Swiss-made automatic movement, signed Rado with 25 jewels. Detailed inspection of the movement reveals it is based on the reliable AS 1858 caliber, a workhorse mechanism of the era. The gold-plated rotor spins freely, and the movement is clean. Timegrapher testing shows the watch is running between +22 and +30 seconds per day, which indicates healthy movement function and is running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is paired with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap style complements the casual yet sporty nature of the cushion case and fits the lug width perfectly. It shows minor signs of wear but is soft and ready for immediate use. Condition This timepiece is in Good vintage condition. The highlight is undoubtedly the dial, which has survived the decades with very little deterioration. The case shows evident wear, including scratches and small dings on the bezel and sides, giving it an honest character. The movement is mechanically sound, winding and setting as expected. Dimensions Case diameter: 36 mm (excluding crown). Remarks The Rado McKinley is a charming alternative to the more ubiquitous circular case shapes of the 1960s. Its cushion case design bridges the gap between dress and sport, making it versatile for daily wear. The rotating anchor logo is always a conversation starter and a beloved feature for collectors. This specific example, with its sharp black dial and robust movement, is a testament to Rado's build quality during their golden era. History Rado, originally founded as the Schlup & Co. movement factory in Lengnau, Switzerland in 1917, launched its own brand of watches in the 1950s. The company quickly gained a reputation for innovation, particularly in the realm of scratch-resistant materials and water-resistant case designs like the "Water Sealed" technology featured on this model. The rotating anchor symbol was introduced to indicate an automatic movement, becoming one of the most recognizable logos in horology. The McKinley belongs to a period when Rado was experimenting with bold case shapes and reliable Swiss engineering, producing watches built to last a lifetime. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0026