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

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Rado Voyager captures the essence of distinctive 1970s design with a style that remains both intriguing and wearable today. Celebrated for its vertically aligned day-date display and the mesmerizing rotating anchor at 12 o’clock, this model delivers a sense of playful sophistication that has become a hallmark of Rado. Its polished cushion-style stainless steel case and detailed black dial create a look that’s both elegant and unmistakably retro, making this Voyager a memorable and collectible conversation piece for those seeking an authentic vintage Rado on the wrist. Brand: Rado Model: Voyager Reference Number: 11814 Serial Number: 43100637 Movement: Automatic Dial: Black with vertical day-date Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition, with moderate signs of wear to the case and bracelet. Dial remains well-preserved. Timegrapher testing indicates -38 to -42s/day. Dial and Hands The black dial of this Voyager offers a striking canvas for the polished silver baton hour markers and hands, providing excellent legibility alongside an engaging vintage character. Notably, the vertical day and date apertures positioned at 6 o’clock introduce symmetry rarely found in period watches, further underscored by the iconic rotating Rado anchor symbol set against a purple disc just below 12 o’clock. The hands and indices show only light aging with consistent silver tone, pairing elegantly with the signature “Voyager” marking and adding to the timepiece’s balanced, sophisticated presentation. Case and Crystal The cushion-shaped stainless steel case, a silhouette popularized in the 1970s, measures a wearable 35mm and exhibits attractively contoured lines. The surfaces display some typical light scratches and marks, consistent with careful use, which add to the vintage character without detracting from overall presentation. The original, signed crown bears the Rado anchor motif. On the reverse, the caseback still displays the raised “Water Sealed” seahorse medallion and all pertinent engraving, with the reference and serial numbers remaining legible. The acrylic crystal is free of any deep damage and maintains a pleasant clarity for appreciating the distinctive dial. Movement Within beats a Rado-signed 25-jewel automatic Swiss movement, visible upon opening the caseback and distinguished by its gold-toned rotor. The movement appears tidy and has been tested on a timegrapher, returning a rate of -38 to -42 seconds per day, which indicates it is running within vintage tolerances and offering reliable vintage performance for a watch of this era. Strap Fitted is its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet, designed to flow with the cushion case and offering a distinct period-correct appeal. The bracelet closes securely with a signed folding clasp featuring the Rado anchor. There are minor surface marks and typical signs of wear in keeping with age. The bracelet as sized will fit wrists up to 19cm in circumference. Condition Overall, this Rado Voyager presents in good vintage condition. The case, while bearing some honest signs of wear and softening along the edges, remains structurally sound with its original lines visible. The dial is well-kept, retaining excellent color and print clarity, and the hands and indices show only light age-related toning. The movement winds and sets smoothly, and the bracelet remains comfortable and functional, showing moderate stretch consistent with age and use. Dimensions Case diameter: 35 mm (excluding crown). The cushion shape combines with the broad bracelet to give a bold but balanced presence on the wrist and a comfortable fit characteristic of its period. Remarks As a model, the Voyager demonstrates Rado’s dedication to adventurous design and technical innovation. This example stands out with its vertical day-date complication and lively moving anchor, making it a rare and appealing acquisition for anyone seeking a unique 1970s centerpiece from a brand known for pushing aesthetic boundaries. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado established a reputation for using innovative materials and striking designs. In the Voyager series, Rado provided a reliable yet stylish automatic watch line to appeal to international travelers and daily wearers alike. The reference offered here is a product of an energetic period in the brand’s history, reflecting the boldness and optimism of the 1970s with features that remain attractive to collectors and enthusiasts today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RVX-0008