Rado - Esel - No reserve price - 3968101 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This captivating Rado Esel embodies the adventurous and highly stylized design language of 1970s Swiss watchmaking. Characterized by its robust tonneau case and a mesmerizing blue textured dial, this timepiece captures the essence of a bold era in horology. Powered by a reliable ETA-based automatic movement, it offers collectors a striking blend of vintage aesthetics and enduring mechanical dependability, making it a compelling addition to any curated selection of mid-century timepieces. Brand: Rado Model: Esel Serial Number: 3968101 Movement: Automatic ETA 2824, 25 Jewels Dial: Blue crosshatch textured dial with applied indices, showing visible edge wear between the nine and eleven o'clock positions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with strong mechanical presentation and honest dial aging Dial and Hands The dial is a striking visual centerpiece, featuring a deep blue hue finished with a sophisticated crosshatch linen texture that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied, faceted silver-tone indices and the signature rotating Rado anchor logo set against a vivid red background at twelve o'clock. The applied Rado typography and printed white text remain crisp. The baton hands feature striking blue central channels and white painted tips, perfectly matching the dial's aesthetic. A framed date aperture at three o'clock displays distinctive red numerals. While the central portion of the dial is vibrant and well-preserved, careful visual inspection reveals localized flaking and surface degradation along the extreme outer edge between the nine and eleven o'clock positions, representing honest environmental aging over the decades. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel tonneau case showcases a classic cushion profile typical of the era. It features a vertically brushed upper surface that transitions sharply into polished, beveled flanks. The original signed Rado anchor crown is present and retains excellent definition. The case exhibits normal signs of handling and surface scratches consistent with regular vintage wear, yet it maintains its structural integrity without over-polishing. The screw-down caseback is deeply and crisply stamped with the iconic Rado seahorses and "Water-Sealed" medallion. The watch is fitted with a flat crystal that displays minor surface wear and light scratches near the periphery. Movement Inside beats a robust and highly regarded Swiss automatic movement, clearly stamped as an ETA caliber 2824. The automatic rotor is handsomely decorated with an engine-turned pattern and features the gold-filled Rado signature alongside "25 Jewels" text. The movement presents exceptionally cleanly, with the balance wheel, ruby jewels, and gear train displaying a bright, well-preserved mechanical luster that indicates thoughtful care and a healthy operational state. Strap The watch is paired with a period-correct stainless steel bracelet featuring a flat, multi-link design that perfectly complements the tonneau case architecture. The brushed links articulate smoothly and show moderate vintage wear, securing the timepiece comfortably and stylishly to the wrist. Condition Good vintage condition. The stainless steel case remains structurally sound with visible, honest handling marks and surface scratches. The ETA automatic movement is clean, bright, and fully operational. The striking blue linen dial retains its deep color and intricate texture, though it presents with specific, visible edge degradation on the left side, adding a distinct and authentic vintage character to this 1970s survivor. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Esel is a charismatic example of 1970s design, highlighted by its richly textured blue dial and the reliable performance of its ETA-based automatic caliber. It stands as a highly wearable and visually engaging vintage piece. History Rado has long been celebrated for its avant-garde approach to watchmaking and distinctive visual styling. During the 1970s, the brand produced an array of highly stylized, robust automatic watches that captured the bold, space-age aesthetic of the era. The Esel model, with its signature rotating anchor logo and striking dial textures, stands as a testament to Rado's creative spirit, offering collectors a unique slice of mid-century Swiss horological history. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-REX-0005