Rado Spacewing 6051193 (1970-1979)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage Discover a distinct piece of horological history with this Rado Spacewing, a model that perfectly encapsulates the futuristic design language of the 1970s. Known for their unconventional case shapes and usage of high-quality materials, Rado created the Spacewing as a tribute to the era's fascination with space exploration. This example features a striking deep navy blue dial contrasted by chunky applied indices and the iconic rotating anchor logo, making it a compelling choice for collectors of eccentric vintage timepieces. Brand: Rado Model: Spacewing Reference Number: 6051193 Movement: Automatic Dial: Navy Blue Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents honest signs of age with a well-preserved dial and characterful case wear. Dial and Hands The dial is a deep, matte navy blue that provides a stark and legible background for the thick, multi-faceted applied hour markers. At the 12 o'clock position sits the signature Rado rotating anchor logo against a red background, a beloved feature among enthusiasts. A unique detail is the date window at 3 o'clock which displays the date in red numerals. The hands are baton-style with central lume strips that have aged naturally. The text "SpaceWing" is printed crisply at the 6 o'clock position. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures a substantial 38mm and features a cushion or "C-shape" design typical of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The top surface of the case features a sunburst brushed finish, while the sides are polished, creating an attractive interplay of light. The crown is recessed into the case profile and is signed with the Rado anchor symbol. The screw-down caseback prominently displays the Rado "Water Sealed" medallion featuring three seahorses. The acrylic crystal is high-domed, showing some surface marks and crazing near the edges consistent with its vintage nature. Movement Powering this timepiece is a gold-plated Rado automatic movement, based on the reliable ETA 2797 caliber. The rotor is signed "RADO 25 JEWELS" and features decorative perlage on the movement bridges. Timegrapher testing indicates a variance of approximately +27 to +35 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black textured strap featuring a crosshatch pattern and white contrast stitching. It is secured by a steel pin buckle and complements the sporty yet avant-garde aesthetic of the watch head. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case retains its original geometry but shows surface scratches and marks throughout, particularly on the polished sides and bezel area, consistent with normal wear over the decades. The dial is in very good condition with no major blemishes. The crystal shows signs of age with visible marks. The movement is clean and functioning within expected parameters for a watch of this era. Dimensions With a case width of 38mm, the watch offers a significant wrist presence that feels modern despite its vintage production date. The cushion shape allows it to wear comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Rado Spacewing is a testament to the brand's commitment to standing out from the crowd. Its bold case architecture and specific dial details, such as the red date wheel, make it a conversation starter. This is a watch for the collector who appreciates the "Space Age" design ethos and Rado's unique place in watchmaking history. History Rado, founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, established itself as a pioneer in material science and design during the mid-20th century. While the brand is often associated with the first scratch-proof watch, the Diastar, models like the Spacewing demonstrate their versatility in steel sports watches. The 1970s was a period of experimentation for the brand, resulting in some of the most memorable and collectible shapes in their archive. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RSX-0010