Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Rado Mannheim is a delightful representation of 1970s watch design, combining a distinctive cushion case shape with the brand's iconic eccentric flair. With its signature rotating anchor logo and a unique "M" designation on the dial, this timepiece offers collectors a blend of conversation-starting aesthetics and reliable Swiss engineering. It stands as a testament to Rado's golden era of experimental design, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts of vintage horology. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim Reference Number: 954384 Movement: Automatic Caliber 2797 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices and rotating anchor Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest aesthetic with visible signs of wear to the case consistent with its age, while the dial remains remarkably clean and attractive. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the centerpiece of this watch, preserved in attractive condition with a light, even vertical brushing texture that catches the light beautifully. It features tall, applied baton indices with distinctive dark blue or black center inlays that provide excellent legibility and contrast. At the 12 o'clock position sits the famous Rado anchor logo on a ruby-colored background, which rotates freely as the wrist moves. A gold-tone applied "M" logo sits above the Mannheim script at 6 o'clock. A date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring a distinctive red date wheel which adds a vibrant pop of color to the monochrome palette. The baton-style hands match the indices perfectly. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion or "TV-shape" design that is quintessential to the 1970s. The case shows general surface scratches and signs of wear throughout, consistent with honest vintage usage, yet the geometry remains distinct. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor logo, tucked neatly into the case side. The caseback is the screw-down type, featuring the detailed Rado seahorse medallion and "Water-Sealed" engraving, with the reference number 954384 clearly visible. The crystal is acrylic and is in presentable condition. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Rado-signed automatic movement, based on the reliable ETA caliber 2797. The gold-toned rotor is engraved with "Rado" and "25 Jewels." The movement appears clean and free of corrosion, offering vintage performance and running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching, which complements the sporty yet elegant nature of the dial. The strap is in very good condition and ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in Good vintage condition. While the stainless steel case exhibits visible surface scratches and wear marks typical of a watch from this era, it retains its structural integrity and charm. The dial is the highlight, remaining crisp and largely free of aging, providing a fresh appearance on the wrist. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in width excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage fit that sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes due to the cushion case design. Remarks The Rado Mannheim is a model that captures the funk and solidity of 1970s Swiss watchmaking. The combination of the rotating anchor, the specific red date numerals, and the applied "M" logo makes this a detail-rich dial that is fun to observe. It is a robust and stylish daily wearer for the vintage enthusiast. History Rado, founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., began selling watches under the Rado brand name in the 1950s. They quickly established themselves as pioneers in the use of scratch-proof materials and unique designs. The Mannheim line belongs to a period where Rado experimented heavily with case shapes and branding, utilizing high-quality ETA-based movements to ensure longevity. The rotating anchor symbol was introduced to indicate an automatic movement and has since become one of the most recognizable logos in the watch world. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1-3 days after purchase. The watch will be securely packaged and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. Please review the pictures carefully before bidding. We strive to showcase the watch from multiple angles for an accurate representation. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. The watch will be delivered in fully functional working condition. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: RADISA7400000