Rado - Daymaster - No reserve price - 11754/1 - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Daymaster is a captivating example of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, offering a highly distinct visual presence born from decades of natural aging. Known for their robust automatic movements and distinctive design language, Rado created the Daymaster to serve as a practical, everyday companion featuring both day and date complications. This particular piece carries the unmistakable marks of its journey through time, presenting a heavily patinated dial that will appeal to collectors who value unique, unrepeatable character and the rugged charm of true vintage "wabi-sabi" aesthetics, all housed within a classic stainless steel case with a beautifully preserved seahorse caseback. Brand: Rado Model: Daymaster Reference Number: 11754/1 Movement: 30-Jewel Automatic Dial: Heavily patinated with significant surface flaking, applied faceted indices, and signature rotating anchor logo Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Fair vintage condition with heavy dial character and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial of this Daymaster presents a striking, heavily aged aesthetic. It exhibits significant surface flaking and paint loss across the entire face, revealing the brass-toned base metal beneath the original lighter finish in large, scattered patches. Despite this heavy wear, the dial retains its intricate original furniture, including applied faceted hour markers that catch the light beautifully. At twelve o'clock sits the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo set against a vibrant purple background, a signature touch of the brand. The lower half features a framed day aperture at six o'clock displaying the day in full, complemented by a framed date window at three o'clock. The faceted dauphine hands show age-consistent oxidation, spotting, and patina that perfectly match the rugged, timeworn character of the dial. The "daymaster" script and "SWISS MADE" text remain visible. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case features a classic 1960s silhouette with sweeping lugs and a polished smooth bezel. The case exhibits honest signs of wear, including surface scratches and minor handling marks consistent with its age, yet it retains good overall definition without appearing over-polished. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that shows light wear but provides a clear view of the dial. The original Rado anchor-signed crown is present and functional. Turning the watch over reveals a standout feature: the screw-down caseback bears the deeply stamped and highly detailed Rado twin seahorse "Water-Sealed" medallion. The caseback is also clearly engraved with the reference number 11754/1, along with the case and symbol patent numbers, set against a crisp textured background. Movement Powering this timepiece is a visually striking gold-tone Swiss automatic movement. The rotor is beautifully finished with radial brushing and is prominently stamped with the Rado anchor logo and "30 JEWELS". The baseplate is marked "SWISS", reflecting the caliber's heritage. The movement components present cleanly in the close-up photography, maintaining a bright and well-preserved appearance. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results show -25 to -30 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a period-correct black textured leather strap featuring a distinctive mottled pattern and white contrast stitching. The strap is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle and complements the rugged vintage appeal of the timepiece. Condition This Rado is presented in fair vintage condition, defined primarily by its heavily aged dial. The significant paint flaking and patina on the dial provide a highly unique, weathered character that stands in contrast to the relatively well-preserved stainless steel case. The case shows normal, honest vintage wear with surface scratches, while the intricate twin seahorse caseback medallion remains exceptionally crisp and detailed. The hands and indices display matching oxidation, completing the cohesive, time-tested aesthetic of this mid-century survivor. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks With its unmistakable dial aging and iconic Rado design elements, this Daymaster is a conversation piece. The combination of the rotating purple anchor, the practical day-date layout, and the beautifully preserved seahorse caseback make it a compelling addition for the collector who appreciates vintage watches with undeniable, unrepeatable character. History Rado has long been celebrated for its innovative approach to watch design and its early adoption of robust automatic movements. In the 1960s, the brand established a strong identity with features like the rotating anchor logo on the dial, originally intended to indicate when the watch needed servicing if it stopped spinning freely. The Daymaster line represented Rado's commitment to practical, everyday luxury, offering full day and date indications wrapped in sturdy, water-resistant cases. The twin seahorse medallion on the caseback became a symbol of the brand's reliability and water-sealed technology, cementing Rado's reputation during the golden era of Swiss mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RDJ-0001