Rado - Marstron Electronic Date - No reserve price - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This sought-after Rado Marstron embodies the imaginative spirit of 1970s space-age horology. Characterized by its striking vertically brushed silver dial adorned with a unique atom graphic, this timepiece represents a fascinating era of transitional watchmaking. Powered by an early electronic balance-wheel movement, it offers collectors a highly distinctive aesthetic combined with historically significant technology, all preserved in excellent overall condition. Brand: Rado Model: Marstron Movement: Electronic balance-wheel (13 Jewels) Dial: Vertically brushed silver with atom graphic and red date display Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: +19s+22s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The striking space-age design remains in outstanding condition, centered around a vertically brushed silver finish. Crisp black printing forms the distinctive text and atom graphic, perfectly complemented by applied faceted indices featuring black and yellow accents. A vibrant applied Rado anchor logo sits on a red background, while the date window at the 6 o'clock position displays striking red numerals. The dial shows no visible staining, spotting, or damage. The original baton hands feature black central stripes and luminous material, accompanied by a sweep seconds hand. Under macro inspection, the hands show minor oxidation consistent with gentle, honest aging. Case and Crystal The thick cushion-style stainless steel case presents a well-preserved 1970s chunky geometry, featuring a mix of polished and brushed surfaces. The edges remain well-defined, showing only light superficial scratches consistent with careful wear. No significant dents or deep dings are visible. An integrated smooth polished bezel frames the dial, exhibiting light hairline scratches matching the rest of the case. The watch is fitted with a signed crown bearing the Rado anchor logo, retaining defined knurling in good condition. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, remaining clear with no significant scratches, crazing, or cracks visible. Movement Inside beats an electronic balance-wheel movement, engraved with "Rado Electronic" and "Thirteen 13 Jewels". Likely belonging to the ESA Dynotron family, this transitional caliber represents a fascinating period in horological development. The plates and bridges are clean, showing no visible corrosion, and a battery is currently installed. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher records a rate of +19s+22s/day. Strap The watch is paired with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. This strap complements the dial accents beautifully and appears to be in new or very lightly used condition. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The vertically brushed silver dial is exceptionally clean, while the original hands display only minor, age-appropriate oxidation. The thick cushion case retains its defined edges and original polished and brushed finishes, showing only light superficial scratches from careful wear. The electronic movement is clean and operational. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Marstron stands out through its highly distinct space-age dial graphics and vibrant red date display at 6 o'clock. The combination of a well-preserved cushion case and a transitional electronic balance-wheel movement makes this a compelling find for enthusiasts of 1970s design. History The Rado Marstron emerged during a period of rapid technological and stylistic experimentation in the Swiss watch industry. As the 1970s introduced bold, space-age aesthetics, brands like Rado embraced futuristic case geometries and imaginative dial graphics. The Marstron specifically highlighted the transition between traditional mechanical watchmaking and the impending quartz technology by utilizing an electronic balance-wheel movement, typically derived from the pioneering ESA Dynotron family. These movements used a battery to power a traditional balance wheel, creating a unique hybrid technology. Today, models like the Marstron are appreciated by collectors for perfectly encapsulating the adventurous design language and mechanical curiosity of their specific era. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-MXX-0026