Rado - Ticino - No reserve price - 8227430A - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Immerse yourself in the bold and expressive design language of the 1970s with this striking Rado Ticino. During an era defined by adventurous aesthetics and experimental watchmaking, Rado distinguished itself through unconventional case geometries and mesmerizing dial executions. This Ticino perfectly captures that avant-garde spirit, boasting a dynamic tonneau case and a breathtaking textured gradient dial that dances beautifully under any lighting condition. It is a testament to Rado’s fearless approach to mid-century horology, offering collectors a highly evocative and robust vintage timepiece. Brand: Rado Model: Ticino Reference Number: 8227430A Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2824, 25 Jewels Dial: Vertical textured golden amber gradient dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and beautifully preserved Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably vibrant dial and sharp case architecture Dial and Hands The dial of this Rado Ticino is a visual masterpiece, featuring a pronounced vertical brushed texture that interacts dynamically with light. It is finished in a stunning golden-amber gradient, often referred to as a fumé or vignette effect, which darkens elegantly toward the outer edges. The dial is exceptionally clean, showing no signs of moisture damage, spotting, or print loss, representing an outstanding level of preservation. It is adorned with applied faceted block indices featuring white central stripes and luminescent pips, complemented by the applied Rado typography and the brand’s signature free-rotating anchor logo set against a vibrant crimson background. The elegant script "Ticino" text graces the lower half, while a framed date window at three o'clock displays striking red numerals. The faceted baton hands match the indices with their white striping and aged lume inserts, showing only very light, honest aging consistent with the watch's vintage pedigree. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case features a distinctive, faceted tonneau profile that sits with substantial presence on the wrist. A visual loupe inspection reveals sharp factory lines and a beautiful contrast between the horizontally brushed upper hood and the high-polish sloping flanks. The case transitions smoothly into the integrated-style lugs, maintaining its crisp architectural geometry. Honest handling marks and fine surface scratches are present, entirely consistent with good vintage condition, but the case remains free of heavy gouges or over-polishing. The original Rado-signed crown is securely fitted. The domed acrylic crystal is in excellent condition, offering an unobstructed view of the vibrant dial beneath. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down caseback featuring the iconic Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion, flanked by stars and clearly deeply stamped with the reference number 8227430A. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly reliable Swiss ETA Caliber 2824 automatic movement, clearly stamped beneath the balance wheel. The movement features 25 jewels and is fitted with a beautifully engine-turned, Rado-signed rotor. The plates and bridges appear clean and well-maintained. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher results show an impressive +3 to +9 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with the original Rado stainless steel bracelet characterized by its flat, brushed links that complement the tonneau case perfectly. The bracelet is secured by its original folding clasp, which proudly bears the deeply stamped Rado name and anchor logo. The bracelet is generously sized and will accommodate a wrist up to 19cm. Condition This Rado Ticino is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable focal point, remaining exceptionally clean with its vibrant gradient and vertical texture perfectly intact. The stainless steel case retains its sharp, original chamfers and brushed finishes, showing only authentic, age-appropriate wear. The original signed crown, signed clasp, and beautifully preserved caseback medallion all contribute to the highly original state of this collector-grade timepiece. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 19 cm Remarks Finding a vintage Rado Ticino with a dial this well-preserved is a rare occurrence. The combination of the golden fumé dial, the robust ETA 2824 movement, and the sharp stainless steel case makes this an incredibly appealing acquisition for enthusiasts of 1970s design. It is a highly wearable statement piece that offers reliable daily performance alongside its undeniable vintage charm. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado built its reputation on pioneering unconventional designs and utilizing highly durable materials. While they later became famous for their scratch-resistant ceramics, their mid-century catalog is celebrated for its sheer creativity, utilizing bold colors, faceted crystals, and unique case shapes. The Ticino model represents a golden era of Rado’s design history, where the brand embraced the funky, expressive aesthetics of the 1970s while maintaining the rigorous standards of Swiss mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RTA-0002