Rado - Purple Sabre - No reserve price - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This distinctive Rado Purple Sabre is a recognized collector favourite, sought after for its bold 1970s styling and unique dial furniture. Featuring a vibrant blue sunburst dial accented by red details and the charismatic rotating anchor logo, this timepiece delivers exceptional vintage character and strong mechanical performance. Brand: Rado Model: Purple Sabre Movement: Automatic ETA caliber 2798, 25 jewels Dial: Vibrant blue sunburst with applied faceted indices, red accents, and rotating anchor Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel with base metal bezel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +18+20s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The striking and well-preserved dial features a vibrant blue sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. Applied faceted indices are detailed with red accents, complementing the signature rotating Rado anchor logo positioned at 12 o'clock and the applied shield on crossed sabres logo above the six o'clock position. A clean day-date window sits at 3 o'clock, and the dial shows minimal signs of aging or degradation. The original baton hands feature red central stripes and luminous material that displays consistent aging, with minor surface oxidation visible under magnification. Case and Crystal The 36 mm case displays honest vintage wear, retaining brushed upper lug surfaces and polished flanks. There are moderate scratches and handling marks consistent with age, though the edges remain reasonably defined. The fluted bezel exhibits significant plating loss, revealing the brass and gold-tone base metal underneath, along with edge wear and a softening of the fluted pattern. The flat acrylic crystal is generally clear, presenting minor surface scratches visible at certain angles. The watch is fitted with a signed crown bearing the Rado anchor logo, showing good definition of both the logo and the knurling. Movement Inside the case beats the reliable ETA caliber 2798 automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels. The movement displays a handsome gold-tone finish on the plates and rotor, maintaining a clean overall appearance with no visible corrosion or significant tool marks. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher records a strong current rate of +18+20s/day. Strap The watch is paired with a period correct stainless steel mesh bracelet that perfectly suits the 1970s aesthetic. The bracelet shows normal wear and flexibility, securing with a generic clasp that bears a triangle logo rather than a Rado signature. It accommodates a maximum wrist size of up to 20 cm. Condition Good vintage condition. The watch presents a beautiful and highly preserved dial alongside a case that shows expected, honest wear. The most notable sign of age is the significant plating loss and softening on the fluted bezel. The hands display minor oxidation, and the case and crystal bear moderate scratches from regular use. The clean automatic movement is currently running with excellent consistency. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks This Purple Sabre offers a fantastic opportunity to acquire a highly distinctive vintage Rado. The combination of the brilliant blue sunburst dial, the playful rotating anchor, and a robust automatic movement makes it a compelling addition to any collection of 1970s mechanical watches. History During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado established a reputation for fearless design, innovative materials, and memorable model branding. The Purple Sabre emerged during this highly creative period, distinctively marked by its unique dial text and crossed sabres logo. Today, models from this era are celebrated by collectors who appreciate the brand's willingness to experiment with bold colors, dynamic dial furniture, and robust Swiss mechanical calibers. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-PSX-0002