Rado - 990 - No reserve price - 11767 - Men - 1960-1969

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Rado 990 is a striking example of mid-century Swiss design, perfectly capturing the era's transition into bold, geometric watchmaking. With its distinct square profile and the brand's signature rotating anchor logo, this timepiece offers a highly characterful aesthetic. Powered by a robust 30-jewel automatic movement, it represents a fantastic opportunity for collectors seeking a uniquely styled vintage dress watch with unmistakable vintage charm. Brand: Rado Model: 990 Reference Number: 11767 Movement: Automatic AS 1700/01, 30 Jewels Dial: Dark grey sunburst with applied faceted indices, showing minor surface spots and oxidized hands Case Size: 30 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with attractive dial preservation and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dark grey dial features a beautiful sunburst finish that catches the light dynamically across its surface. It is adorned with applied, faceted block indices featuring distinctive horizontal brightwork, adding significant depth to the display. At twelve o'clock sits the iconic free-spinning Rado anchor logo, mounted over a vibrant purple jewel base. A framed date aperture at three o'clock displays the date with a striking red numeral on a white disc. The stylized applied "990" text sits proudly above six o'clock. Condition-wise, the dial is well-preserved, exhibiting only minor, age-related surface spotting visible under close inspection. The original baton hands feature central luminous strips that have aged to a dark patina, while the metal surfaces of the hands themselves show visible oxidation and spotting consistent with decades of life. Case and Crystal The 30 mm stainless steel case features a bold square geometry with sharp, architectural lugs. The upper surfaces retain a brushed finish that contrasts appealingly with the polished case flanks and chamfers. The crown is correctly signed with the raised Rado anchor logo. The case is in good vintage condition, presenting honest signs of wear including surface scratches, minor dings, and slight edge softening commensurate with regular historical use. The domed acrylic crystal exhibits light surface scratches visible under certain angled lighting, yet it remains structurally sound and highly legible. Movement Inside the case beats a 30-jewel automatic movement, proudly featuring a gold-tone rotor signed with the Rado name and anchor emblem. Close inspection of the base plate reveals the AS 1700/01 caliber stamp beneath the balance wheel, confirming its reliable Anton Schild heritage. The movement components appear visually clean and well-maintained. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Recording +40 to +46 s/d on the timegrapher. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring contrasting white and brown stitching near the lugs, securing with a standard stainless steel buckle. The strap pairs excellently with the dark tones of the dial. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case retains its fundamental square geometry and contrasting finishes despite showing honest surface wear and handling marks. The dial remains a strong visual focal point with its brilliant sunburst texture, while the hands display expected vintage oxidation. Dimensions Case Size: 30 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado 990 is a fantastic representation of the brand's willingness to experiment with shape and texture. The combination of the square case, the dynamic grey sunburst dial, and the mechanical novelty of the rotating anchor logo makes this a highly engaging vintage piece on the wrist. History Rado has long been celebrated for its avant-garde approach to watchmaking, frequently utilizing unconventional case shapes and pioneering new materials. During the mid-twentieth century, the brand distinguished itself with bold, architectural designs that stood in stark contrast to traditional round dress watches. The 990 series exemplifies this era of horological creativity, blending reliable Swiss mechanical engineering with an unmistakable aesthetic that continues to captivate vintage enthusiasts today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-JAX-0001