Rado - Manchester Sapphire - No reserve price - 65667 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Embodying the bold, retro-futuristic design language of the 1970s, this Rado Manchester Sapphire is a striking testament to an era of unbridled horological creativity. Known for pushing the boundaries of conventional watch shapes, Rado delivered a visually captivating timepiece that merges a robust, architectural case with a highly refined dial. The signature rotating anchor logo and the vibrant red date display add distinctive character to this mid-century classic, making it a compelling acquisition for collectors who appreciate avant-garde vintage styling and robust mechanical performance. Brand: Rado Model: Manchester Sapphire Reference Number: 65667 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Grey sunburst with applied faceted indices, rotating anchor logo, and red date display; exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial of this Manchester Sapphire is a masterclass in mid-century texture and contrast, featuring a brilliant grey sunburst finish that remains exceptionally clean and well-preserved. The surface is free from significant moisture damage, spotting, or discoloration, presenting a highly attractive face. It is adorned with applied, faceted steel hour indices featuring black center inserts that provide excellent legibility. A finely printed blue outer minute track frames the dial perfectly, adding a subtle touch of color. At the 12 o'clock position sits Rado’s iconic rotating anchor logo set against a red background, while a sharp, red-rouletted date wheel is positioned at 3 o'clock. The original steel baton hands mirror the design of the indices with matching black stripes, complemented by a sweeping central seconds hand, all remaining in superb visual condition. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case features a distinctive cushion or helmet-style silhouette that wears with substantial presence on the wrist. The case geometry is defined by its smooth, polished upper shroud that transitions into brushed side flanks. The metal displays honest vintage wear, including fine surface scratches, handling marks, and minor scuffs consistent with decades of use, yet it retains its bold, unpolished architectural lines. A prominent domed crystal protects the dial, enhancing the vintage aesthetic and magnifying the dial details beneath. The screw-down stainless steel caseback is deeply and crisply engraved with Rado’s signature "Water-Sealed" seahorse medallion, maintaining excellent definition. Movement Powering this timepiece is a beautifully preserved, gilt-finished 25-jewel automatic movement. The caliber is proudly stamped with the Rado signature and presents a clean, bright appearance with no visible signs of moisture intrusion or oxidation on the rotor or bridges. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates an impressive result of +6 to +7 seconds per day with strong amplitude, ensuring highly reliable daily operation. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct stainless steel bracelet featuring a flat-link construction that perfectly complements the robust case design. The bracelet exhibits normal surface wear, minor stretch, and fine scratches commensurate with the age of the watch, accommodating a wrist size of up to 17 cm comfortably. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial stands out for its remarkable preservation, remaining crisp and vibrant. The stainless steel case and bracelet show honest, age-consistent wear with typical surface marks, but no severe impacts or structural damage. The mechanical health is outstanding, making this a highly wearable and attractive vintage package. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 17 cm Remarks A quintessential example of Rado's fearless 1970s design philosophy, the Manchester Sapphire pairs an unapologetically bold case with a sophisticated, highly legible dial. The combination of the grey sunburst finish, red date wheel, and dynamic rotating anchor makes this a standout piece that captures the essence of the era's horological innovation. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado quickly established a reputation for producing highly durable and aesthetically unique timepieces. By the 1960s and 1970s, the brand became synonymous with the use of unconventional materials and striking, space-age case designs. The introduction of the rotating anchor logo became a hallmark of their automatic watches, symbolizing the swinging motion of the winding rotor. Models like the Manchester Sapphire highlight Rado's dedication to creating watches that were not only mechanically reliable but also visually distinct from traditional Swiss offerings. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMA-0006