Rado - Mannheim - No reserve price - Caliber 2783 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A striking example of 1970s design language, this Rado Mannheim captures the bold aesthetic of its era with an impressive cushion case and a beautifully detailed dial. Known for their robust builds and distinctive styling, Rado timepieces from this period offer exceptional character and wrist presence. This particular Mannheim stands out with its pristine vertically brushed silver dial, accented by vibrant blue track details and the brand's signature rotating anchor logo, making it a truly captivating vintage find. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim Movement: Automatic, Caliber 2783, 25 Jewels Dial: Vertically brushed silver with applied faceted indices and blue accents, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably well-preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in vintage texture and detail, featuring a vertically brushed silver base that catches the light beautifully. Applied faceted block indices are detailed with central blue accents, perfectly complementing the fine blue printed minute track that frames the outer edge. At the twelve o'clock position, the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo sits over a deep red background, functioning exactly as intended. Below, the applied gold-tone 'M' and crisp cursive 'Mannheim' script add a touch of refined typography. A framed date window at three o'clock displays striking red numerals. The baton hands feature crisp white central sections that contrast highly against the silver dial. The dial is in stunning condition, remaining exceptionally clean and entirely free of spots, moisture marks, surface damage, or discoloration, presenting a flawless face for the discerning collector. Case and Crystal The 36 millimeter stainless steel cushion case exemplifies bold vintage styling. The case architecture features a highly polished prominent top bezel that transitions cleanly into vertically brushed side flanks, retaining sharp transitions and well-defined factory lines. The original Rado anchor-signed crown is present and operates smoothly. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the classic Rado seahorse motif and 'Water-Sealed' script, showing only light, honest surface wear consistent with careful handling. A prominent domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, offering excellent clarity and slight vintage distortion at the extreme edges without any distracting deep scratches or chips. Movement Inside this Mannheim beats a robust Rado signed 25-jewel automatic movement. The gold-plated rotor and beautifully finished bridges present exceptionally clean, with crisp engravings and no visible signs of rotor rub or moisture intrusion. The caliber 2783 stampings are clearly visible under the balance wheel. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show an impressive +8 to +12 seconds per day, confirming its outstanding mechanical health and readiness for regular wear. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct black textured leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap complements the bold cushion case perfectly and is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle, showing minimal signs of wear and remaining highly pliable. Condition This Rado Mannheim is presented in excellent vintage condition. The case retains strong geometry with clear distinctions between the brushed and polished surfaces, showing only minor, age-appropriate handling marks. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, completely free of the spotting or degradation often found in watches of this era. The hands and applied furniture remain bright and untarnished. The movement is remarkably clean and running with excellent precision. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 36 millimeters in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The cushion shape provides a substantial presence on the wrist, wearing slightly larger than its dimensions suggest due to the robust lug profile and prominent domed crystal. Remarks Finding a Rado Mannheim in such remarkably clean condition is a rare opportunity for enthusiasts of 1970s design. The combination of the vertically brushed dial, subtle blue accents, and the dynamic cushion case makes this a highly wearable and conversation-starting timepiece. It represents a fantastic entry into vintage collecting or a worthy addition to an established portfolio. History Rado has long been celebrated for its avant-garde approach to watchmaking, often experimenting with unconventional case shapes and materials during the mid-twentieth century. The Mannheim model reflects the brand's dedication to robust, water-resistant automatic watches designed for the modern professional. Featuring the signature rotating anchor logo, which originally served as a visual indicator of movement lubrication, this timepiece embodies the innovative spirit and distinctive aesthetic that defined Rado's golden era of mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-MXX-0009