Rado - Spacewing - No reserve price - 748505-1 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Rado is celebrated for its bold, futuristic designs that defined the space-age aesthetic of mid-century horology. The Spacewing perfectly captures this era of innovation, offering a highly distinctive silhouette that breaks away from traditional watchmaking norms. With its dynamic rotating anchor logo and sleek cushion case, this timepiece represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a character-rich and mechanically sound vintage Rado that commands immediate attention on the wrist. Brand: Rado Model: Spacewing Reference Number: 748505-1 Movement: Automatic ETA caliber 2783, 25 jewels Dial: Dark grey sunburst with applied faceted indices and rotating anchor logo, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with a remarkably well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The watch features a striking dark grey dial with a refined sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. At twelve o'clock sits the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo, set against a vibrant red circular background. The hours are marked by applied, faceted silver-tone baton indices with white central inserts, complemented by a crisp white printed minute track along the outer edge. The "RADO" text is applied, while "Spacewing" is elegantly printed in a stylized sans-serif font at six o'clock. A framed date aperture is positioned at three o'clock. Carefully assessing the dial reveals a remarkably well-preserved surface, free of significant spotting, moisture damage, or print loss, presenting an exceptionally clean and attractive face. The polished steel baton hands feature matching white inserts and are accompanied by a slender sweeping seconds hand. Case and Crystal The 34mm stainless steel cushion case exemplifies the futuristic design language of the era. It features a smooth, polished bezel that transitions into the gently curving flanks of the case. The original crown is correctly signed with the Rado anchor emblem. The case exhibits honest signs of wear, including superficial surface scratches and minor handling marks consistent with its age, yet it retains a strong and well-defined profile without heavy over-polishing. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the classic Rado seahorse medallion, the "Water-Sealed" designation, and the reference number 748505-1. The crystal is clear and well-maintained, offering an unobstructed view of the pristine dial beneath. Movement Powering this Spacewing is a Rado-signed automatic movement, based on the reliable ETA caliber 2783. The movement features a beautifully finished gold-tone rotor proudly stamped with "RADO" and "25 JEWELS". Close visual inspection of the movement reveals the caliber number 2783 stamped clearly near the balance wheel, alongside base plate markings 211 and 2797. The movement presents very cleanly, with bright plates and components. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +57 to +61 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black textured leather strap. The strap features prominent white contrast stitching that perfectly complements the white accents on the dial, and it is secured by a standard stainless steel tang buckle. Condition This Rado Spacewing is presented in good vintage condition. The dial is the absolute standout feature of this piece, remaining exceptionally clean, vibrant, and free of the degradation often found in watches from this period. The stainless steel case shows normal, honest wear with visible surface scratches, but it maintains its structural integrity and original charm. The movement is clean, operational, and visually well-preserved. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This timepiece is a quintessential example of Rado's adventurous mid-century design philosophy. The combination of the dark sunburst dial, the playful rotating anchor, and the comfortable cushion case makes this Spacewing a highly wearable and conversation-starting addition to any vintage collection. History During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado established itself as a pioneer of unconventional watchmaking, leaning heavily into the global fascination with space exploration and modernism. The brand became famous for utilizing unique case shapes, early scratch-resistant materials, and their signature kinetic anchor logo, which was originally designed to indicate when the watch required servicing based on its rotation. The Spacewing line was introduced as part of this avant-garde push, offering consumers a watch that felt entirely forward-looking. Today, these models are cherished by collectors who appreciate the distinctive, space-age styling and robust mechanical reliability that defined Rado's golden era. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RSX-0025