Rado Manchester 653209 (1970-1979)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This classic 1970s Rado design features a striking blue dial with an applied anchor logo and faceted indices, housed in a distinctive polished cushion-shaped case. Brand: Rado Model: Manchester Reference Number: 653209 Movement: Automatic ETA caliber 2783 Dial: Deep blue with vertical brushing, applied indices, and red date Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -15-19s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The vibrant and well-preserved deep blue dial is defined by a subtle vertical brushing effect. It features crisp white printed text, an applied Rado anchor logo, and faceted indices that catch the light beautifully. A red date display at 3 o'clock adds a sharp pop of color. The dial shows no significant spotting or damage visible. The original baton hands feature luminous inserts and show expected age-related visible oxidation and spotting on their metal surfaces. The luminous material appears intact but naturally aged. Case and Crystal The polished stainless steel cushion-shaped case offers a distinctive 1970s geometry. It displays honest vintage wear, with light to moderate surface scratches consistent with age and use, though no major dents or deep gouges are visible. The crown is correctly signed with the Rado anchor logo and shows light wear. A flat sapphire crystal protects the dial and remains clear with no major scratches or chips. The caseback is detailed with the recognizable Rado seahorse medallion. Movement Inside is a gold-plated automatic ETA 2783 movement. The caliber presents a clean appearance with no obvious signs of corrosion or heavy wear, and the rotor is intact and correctly signed by Rado. The timegrapher records a rate of -15-19s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a complementary black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. It appears to be in very good condition with minimal wear. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial is excellently preserved, while the original hands show visible oxidation and spotting. The polished stainless steel case presents honest wear with light to moderate surface scratches, free from major dents. The sapphire crystal is clear. The automatic movement is clean and performing very strongly according to the timegrapher results. Dimensions 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Manchester offers a highly attractive combination of a vibrant blue brushed dial and bold 1970s cushion case styling. The presence of the original signed crown and the reliable ETA movement make it a compelling choice for collectors of distinctive vintage timepieces. History During the 1970s, Rado established a strong reputation for producing watches with unconventional case shapes, striking dials, and early adoption of scratch-resistant materials like sapphire crystals. The Manchester model reflects this design philosophy with its prominent cushion case and dynamic dial elements. Powered by the reliable ETA 2783 automatic caliber, a widely respected movement of the era, this timepiece represents the adventurous and confident styling that defined Rado during a highly creative period in Swiss watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-MXX-0049