Rado - Cornell - Ingen mindstepris - 11916 - Mænd - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage

This is a quintessential example of 1970s watchmaking character, showcasing Rado's distinctive approach to case architecture and dial design. The Rado Cornell captures the essence of mid-century retro-futurism with its robust tonneau case and striking visual contrasts. Known for their daring aesthetics and durable builds, vintage Rado timepieces offer incredible charm for the discerning collector. This Cornell model, with its beautiful sunburst dial and vibrant red accents, presents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a character-rich, highly wearable piece of Swiss horological history.

Brand: Rado
Model: Cornell
Reference Number: 11916
Movement: Automatic 30 Jewels
Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices, red date display, and light oxidation on the hands
Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1970s
Condition: Good vintage condition with an exceptionally clean dial and honest case wear

Dial and Hands
The dial of this Cornell is a visual delight, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that remains remarkably clean and vibrant, catching the light beautifully from every angle. It is adorned with applied, faceted block indices that feature black central stripes and small, aged luminous pips at their outer edges. At the twelve o'clock position sits the iconic Rado anchor logo set against a striking red background, balancing perfectly with the vibrant red numerals of the date display located at three o'clock. The typography is crisp, with "RADO" printed in a bold serif typeface and "CORNELL" in an elegant, sweeping font at six o'clock. The flat baton hands mirror the indices with matching black stripes; however, the hands do exhibit noticeable surface oxidation, spotting, and aging to the metal finish, which stands in contrast to the highly preserved dial surface below them.

Case and Crystal
The 35mm stainless steel tonneau case exemplifies the bold design language of its era. The upper surface of the case features a distinct, heavy horizontal brushing that frames the dial, transitioning sharply into highly polished case flanks. The case retains strong, well-defined architectural lines, though it displays a completely honest array of surface scratches, scuffs, and handling marks consistent with regular vintage wear. The original signed crown, featuring the Rado anchor motif, is present and sits snugly against the case side. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that remains largely clear, showing only minor surface wear visible under harsh lighting. The screw-down stainless steel caseback is a highlight, deeply engraved with the Rado twin seahorse emblem, "Water-Sealed" script, and the Cornell model designation.

Movement
Inside beats a robust Swiss automatic mechanical movement, beautifully finished in a rich gold tone. The rotor is proudly stamped with the Rado signature and notes the impressive 30 jewels utilized in the caliber. The movement visually presents as clean and well-maintained. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Timegrapher results show -30 to -36 seconds per day.

Strap
The watch is presented on its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet, which perfectly complements the tonneau case. The fold-over clasp is prominently signed with a deeply embossed Rado seahorse logo. The bracelet exhibits normal signs of use, including typical vintage stretch and surface scratching, but remains structurally sound and highly attractive on the wrist.

Condition
This Rado Cornell is in good vintage condition. It is a highly honest piece that shows it was worn and enjoyed, yet carefully preserved. The dial is the standout feature, remaining exceptionally clean and bright, while the hands show clear age-related oxidation. The stainless steel case and bracelet display expected surface wear and scratches but retain their structural integrity and original finishing techniques.

Dimensions
The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in width, excluding the signed crown. Its tonneau shape provides a substantial and comfortable footprint, wearing with the distinct, slightly oversized presence characteristic of 1970s cushion-case designs.
Accommodate a wrist size of up to approximately 18 cm in circumference.

Remarks
With its dynamic silver sunburst dial, pops of cherry red, and unmistakable tonneau silhouette, this Rado Cornell is a fantastic conversation piece. It perfectly bridges the gap between a robust everyday vintage wearer and a funky, design-forward collectible. The deep engravings on the caseback and the signed bracelet clasp add to the completeness and appeal of this charming vintage package.

History
Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado initially operated as the Schlup & Co. watchmaking factory before launching under the Rado brand name in the 1950s. By the 1960s and 1970s, the company had carved out a unique niche in the Swiss watch industry, heavily prioritizing unconventional materials, extreme durability, and avant-garde case shapes. Models like the Cornell were born during this highly creative period, offering reliable automatic movements housed in robust, water-resistant cases with styling that aggressively departed from traditional round dress watches. Today, vintage Rados from this era are celebrated for their fearless design language and enduring build quality.

Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent).
Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age.
Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description.
If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.

/ Second Vintage

SKU: RAD-CXX-0001