Rado - Voyager - No reserve price - 1941298 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of 1970s design language, this Rado Voyager perfectly encapsulates the era's bold aesthetic with its distinctive tonneau case and unique vertical day-date display. Rado has long been celebrated for its avant-garde approach to watchmaking, and this Voyager stands as a testament to that legacy. Featuring the iconic rotating anchor logo and a beautifully textured dial, this timepiece offers a substantial presence on the wrist while maintaining an air of refined sophistication. It is a striking vintage piece that appeals to both seasoned collectors and those looking for a distinctive daily wearer. Brand: Rado Model: Voyager Reference Number: 1941298 Movement: Automatic Caliber ETA 2789, 25 Jewels Dial: Vertically brushed silver dial with faceted textured indices, in stunningly clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably pristine dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial is a standout feature of this timepiece, presenting a beautifully preserved vertically brushed silver surface that catches the light with dynamic elegance. It is in stunningly clean condition, entirely free of visible spotting, moisture damage, or heavy patina, showcasing an exceptional level of preservation. The dial is adorned with applied, sharply faceted block indices that feature a distinctive cross-hatched texture on their top surfaces, adding exceptional depth to the layout. At the twelve o'clock position sits Rado's signature rotating anchor logo set against a deep red background, functioning exactly as intended. The unique vertical day and date aperture at six o'clock is framed by a pronounced stepped border, providing excellent visual balance. The black baton hands feature crisp central striping that perfectly complements the indices and the sharp black printed minute track at the dial's periphery. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel tonneau case embodies the robust and sculptural design ethos of the 1970s. The case features a high-polish finish on its broad upper surfaces that transitions into vertically brushed flanks. The transition lines remain distinct, though the case exhibits honest, age-consistent micro-scratches and light handling marks indicative of normal wear over the decades. There are no deep gouges or signs of aggressive over-polishing, allowing the original geometry to shine through. The original Rado-signed crown, bearing the distinct anchor motif, is present and sits flush against the case side. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado seahorse emblem, the Voyager name, and water-sealed text, displaying typical surface scratches from previous wear and resting. The watch is fitted with a domed crystal that perfectly contours to the cushion case, remaining clear and free of significant visual distortions or deep scuffs. Movement Powering this Voyager is a robust Swiss-made automatic ETA Caliber 2789 movement, clearly stamped beneath the balance wheel. The movement features 25 jewels and is finished in a rich golden tone, with the rotor exhibiting an intricate grid-pattern engraving alongside the Rado branding. Visually, the movement appears exceptionally clean, with the gears, plates, and jewel bearings presenting brilliantly under inspection. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -11 to -15 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a high-quality black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching that perfectly complements the monochromatic elements of the dial. The strap is supple, appears in excellent condition, and is fastened by a classic polished stainless steel pin buckle, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. Condition This Rado Voyager is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable highlight, remaining flawlessly clean and vibrant without the typical degradation often found in watches of this age. The case retains its factory-intended tonneau silhouette, showing only superficial, honest wear marks that do not detract from its striking wrist presence. The engraved caseback is fully legible, and the signed crown adds to the piece's originality. Mechanically, the movement presents beautifully and is running with impressive precision. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The tonneau shape and integrated lug design provide a substantial yet incredibly comfortable footprint, allowing the watch to sit broadly and securely across a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks This Voyager is a brilliant representation of Rado's mid-century design prowess, combining an unconventional case shape with a highly detailed, textured dial. The vertical day-date configuration is a quirky and charming complication that sets this model apart from standard calendar watches of the era. Its exceptional dial condition and strong mechanical performance make it an ideal candidate for any serious vintage enthusiast looking for a charismatic and reliable addition to their collection. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup and Co. and later transitioning to the Rado brand in the 1950s, the company quickly built a reputation for producing highly durable and visually distinct timepieces. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Rado embraced unconventional shapes, robust automatic movements, and innovative materials, setting themselves apart from traditional Swiss manufacturers. The Voyager line was introduced as a versatile, robust daily wearer aimed at the international traveler, combining elegant dial executions with sturdy cases. The signature rotating anchor on the dial, originally intended as a service indicator for the automatic winding mechanism, has since become one of the most beloved and recognizable hallmarks in vintage watch collecting. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-VXX-0009