Rado - Voyager - No reserve price - 11814 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Rado Voyager stands as a testament to the brand's innovative approach to design and engineering during the mid-twentieth century. Known for their robust cases and distinctive styling, Rado timepieces from this era capture a unique blend of functionality and flair. This particular Voyager, with its striking tonneau case and dynamic dial layout, offers collectors a quintessential example of vintage Rado charm, characterized by its bold aesthetic and reliable mechanical heart. Brand: Rado Model: Voyager Reference Number: 11814 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied block indices, showing light, even aging Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and an attractive, well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Voyager is a captivating silver sunburst, offering a dynamic interplay of light. It features prominent applied block indices with black center stripes, adding substantial depth and legibility. The signature Rado rotating anchor logo is positioned at 12 o'clock, set against a vibrant purple background. The typography is crisp, with "RADO" applied at 9 o'clock and "VOYAGER" printed at 3 o'clock. A vertical day-date aperture is prominently placed at 6 o'clock, framed by a faceted metallic border. The dial shows light, even aging consistent with its vintage, with minor spotting visible under close inspection, particularly near the edges, adding to its authentic character. The faceted hands are well-preserved, complementing the indices perfectly. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel tonneau case exhibits a strong, substantial presence on the wrist. The case features a brushed finish on the upper surfaces, transitioning to polished flanks, maintaining much of its original factory profile. The lugless design emphasizes the smooth, sweeping lines of the case. The caseback is a screw-down type, deeply engraved with the Rado seahorse logo and "Water-Sealed" text, along with the reference number 11814. The case shows honest signs of wear, including superficial scratches and minor dings, indicative of its age and previous use. The crown is signed with the Rado anchor. The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal that is clear, allowing an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this Voyager is a robust 25-jewel automatic movement, visible in the provided images. The movement features a gold-tone finish and is signed "RADO" on the bridge. The rotor sweeps smoothly over the caliber, which appears clean and well-maintained. The balance wheel and hairspring are clearly visible, indicating a healthy mechanical heart. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher reads -25 to -30 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a black textured strap featuring contrasting white stitching, complementing the vintage aesthetic of the timepiece. Condition This Rado Voyager is in good vintage condition. The case retains its strong lines with honest signs of wear. The dial is well-preserved, showing light, age-consistent patina. The movement is clean and operational. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Voyager is a striking example of 1970s watch design, offering a robust case and a dynamic dial. Its distinctive aesthetic and reliable automatic movement make it a compelling choice for vintage enthusiasts. History Rado, originally founded as Schlup & Co. in 1917, began using the Rado name in the 1950s. The brand quickly became known for its innovative materials and distinctive designs. The Voyager line, introduced in the mid-20th century, was designed to be a durable and stylish companion for the modern traveler, embodying Rado's commitment to robust engineering and bold aesthetics. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RVX-0004