Rado - Mannheim - No reserve price - ETA 2824 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A quintessential example of 1970s watchmaking design, this Rado Mannheim 702 captures the bold aesthetic and innovative spirit of the era. Known for their distinctive case shapes and striking dials, Rado's vintage pieces continue to draw the attention of collectors seeking both character and reliable Swiss mechanics. This particular model, with its captivating gradient dial and robust cushion case, represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a distinctive piece of Rado's storied history. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim Movement: Automatic ETA 2824 Dial: Gradient golden-brown dial, applied indices, rotating anchor logo, showing even, attractive age-consistent patina Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition, showing honest wear consistent with age, featuring a beautifully patinated dial. Dial and Hands The dial of this Rado Mannheim is a true highlight, featuring a striking gradient effect that transitions from a bright golden center to a deep, rich brown at the edges. It displays a fine, sunburst-like texture that catches the light beautifully. The dial exhibits an even, attractive age-consistent patina across its surface, adding genuine vintage character without detracting from its legibility. Applied, faceted block indices with black central stripes mark the hours, complementing the baton-style hour and minute hands, which also feature matching black inserts. A slender central seconds hand sweeps across the dial. At 12 o'clock, the signature Rado rotating anchor logo sits prominently against a red background, while the applied Rado name and the distinctive "M" for Mannheim are clearly visible. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel cushion-shaped case exemplifies the robust and distinctive design language of the 1970s. It features a prominent brushed finish on the upper surfaces that contrasts nicely with the polished sides. The case shows honest signs of wear, with superficial scratches and minor marks consistent with normal use over the decades, retaining its original geometry and sharp transitions. The crystal is clear, providing an unobstructed view of the captivating dial beneath, with only very light surface wear visible under close inspection. The Rado-signed crown sits neatly against the case flank. The screw-down caseback is adorned with the Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion, remaining clearly defined despite some expected surface scratches. Movement Powering this Mannheim is a reliable Swiss automatic movement, clearly stamped with the Rado name and "25 Jewels" on the decorated rotor. Close inspection reveals the caliber markings ETA 2824, a highly regarded and robust workhorse movement of the era. The movement exhibits perlage decoration on the base plates and a distinctive cross-hatch pattern on the rotor. Operational condition. Timegrapher results reflect current performance; the movement is running and operational, showing a deviation of -60s to -68s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct stainless steel bracelet that complements the cushion case perfectly. The flat links feature a brushed finish, matching the case top. The folding clasp is proudly stamped with the Rado name and anchor logo, confirming its authenticity. The bracelet shows wear consistent with the case, adding to the overall cohesive vintage presentation of the timepiece. Condition This Rado Mannheim is in good vintage condition. The case and bracelet show normal signs of wear, including superficial scratches and marks expected from a watch of this age, but nothing that detracts from its overall strong presence. The dial is the standout feature, displaying a beautiful, even patina that enhances its vintage appeal. The rotating anchor logo functions as intended. The movement is operational, and the caseback medallion remains crisp. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 17.5 cm Remarks This watch offers a fantastic blend of bold 1970s design and reliable Swiss mechanics. The gradient dial is particularly striking, and the presence of the original signed bracelet completes the package. It is a highly wearable and characterful vintage piece. History Rado, founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., initially produced watch movements before launching its own brand in the 1950s. The company quickly gained a reputation for innovative designs and the use of unconventional materials. During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado released a plethora of distinctively named models, often featuring bold case shapes and striking dials, like the Mannheim series. The signature rotating anchor logo, introduced in 1962, became a hallmark of their automatic watches, symbolizing the moving rotor within. Today, vintage Rado watches from this era are celebrated for their unique aesthetic and enduring build quality. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMX-0051