Rado - Marco Polo - No reserve price - 11817 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Rado Marco Polo is a striking testament to the brand's adventurous design language during the mid-twentieth century. Known for pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking with unconventional case shapes and distinctive dial furniture, Rado created timepieces that immediately capture the eye. This Marco Polo model perfectly encapsulates that era, featuring a bold cushion case, the iconic freely rotating anchor logo, and a highly textured dial that plays brilliantly with the light. It is a captivating vintage piece that offers both robust mechanical performance and an undeniable presence on the wrist, appealing to collectors who appreciate character and distinctive retro aesthetics. Brand: Rado Model: Marco Polo Reference Number: 11817 Serial Number: 34580230 Movement: 25-Jewel Automatic Dial: Silver vertically brushed dial with applied faceted gold-tone indices and signature rotating anchor, in exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and a remarkably well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Marco Polo is a visual delight, defined by a stunning silver surface with a pronounced vertical brushing that creates a dynamic interplay of light. It is adorned with applied, highly faceted gold-tone indices featuring intricate cross-hatching, alongside bold rectangular markers at the six and twelve o'clock positions. At nine o'clock sits Rado's signature rotating anchor logo set against a vibrant red circular background. The three o'clock position features a date window framed by a stepped gold-tone border, displaying the date in striking red typography. The original gold-tone baton hands are detailed with black central inserts, ensuring excellent legibility. Carefully inspecting the dial reveals exceptional preservation, remaining remarkably clean and free from moisture damage, heavy spotting, or discoloration. All printed text, including the Rado branding and "Swiss Made" designation, remains perfectly crisp and intact. Case and Crystal The 36 mm gold-plated cushion case exemplifies the bold geometric styling of its era. It features a brushed finish on the upper surfaces that transitions into polished case flanks. A distinctly faceted acrylic crystal sits above the dial, adding immense depth and a jewel-like quality to the watch face. The original Rado anchor-signed crown is present and well-preserved. Turning the watch over reveals a stainless steel screw-down caseback deeply engraved with the Rado Water-Sealed twin seahorse medallion, alongside the reference number 11817 and serial number 34580230. The case remains in good vintage condition, exhibiting honest signs of wear, including surface scratches and minor scuffing along the polished sides and bezel edges, which is entirely consistent with a gold-plated timepiece of this vintage. The structural integrity of the case remains strong with well-defined lines. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust Rado-signed 25-jewel automatic movement. The gold-tone plates and bridges present beautifully, while the rotor proudly bears the Rado branding and logo. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate an excellent +9 to +12 seconds per day. The movement remains in exceptionally clean visual condition, operating with the reliable mechanical character expected from a premium Swiss caliber of this period. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring contrasting gold-tone stitching. This careful pairing perfectly complements the gold-plated case and the intricate gold-tone accents found on the dial, ensuring a cohesive and sophisticated aesthetic on the wrist. Condition This Rado Marco Polo is presented in good vintage condition. The dial and hands are exceptionally preserved, offering a near-flawless visual experience under the faceted crystal. The gold-plated case displays normal, honest wear with surface marks and light scratches that reflect its history and age, without detracting from its bold overall presence. The movement is remarkably clean and running with outstanding precision. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The cushion case design provides a substantial and highly wearable footprint, wearing slightly larger than traditional round cases of the same measurement. Remarks Combining a highly textured dial, faceted markers, and the signature rotating anchor, this Marco Polo is a quintessential example of Rado's creative peak. The exceptional condition of the dial makes this a particularly compelling opportunity for vintage enthusiasts seeking a watch with genuine mid-century character and reliable mechanical performance. History Rado has long been celebrated as an innovator in the Swiss watch industry, particularly noted for its pioneering use of scratch-resistant materials and highly distinctive, futuristic designs. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the brand released a variety of models with evocative travel and exploration-themed names, such as the Marco Polo. These watches were designed to appeal to a newly globalized audience, combining robust automatic movements with water-resistant cases and avant-garde styling, cementing Rado's legacy as one of the most daring watchmakers of the twentieth century. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-MPX-0003