Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Rado Manchester Sapphire embodies the bold, experimental design language that defined the 1970s Swiss watch industry. With its substantial cushion case and striking architectural dial elements, the timepiece captures the essence of an era where traditional watchmaking met futuristic aesthetics. The signature rotating anchor on the dial serves as a dynamic focal point, a beloved hallmark of Rado's mid-century catalog that continues to captivate collectors today. Brand: Rado Model: Manchester Sapphire Reference Number: 11006 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 2797, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, displaying excellent preservation with minor hand oxidation Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and a highly attractive dial Dial and Hands The dial features a brilliant silver sunburst finish that radiates beautifully from the center, providing a dynamic backdrop for the heavy applied furniture. Prominent applied faceted block indices with black painted center stripes mark the hours, perfectly complemented by a crisp blue printed outer minute track. At the twelve o'clock position sits the iconic applied Rado rotating anchor logo against a deep red background. A silver-framed date window at three o'clock displays the date in a striking red typography. The dial itself remains exceptionally clean, showing only the faintest microscopic signs of age without any distracting spots or moisture damage. The original baton hands feature matching black inserts and exhibit visible surface oxidation and natural age-consistent patina on their metal surfaces, adding authentic vintage character to the overall excellent presentation. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel tonneau-shaped cushion case presents a robust and distinctly 1970s profile. The polished top surfaces and sweeping flanks show honest, moderate surface scratches and handling marks consistent with decades of normal wear, though the case retains its fundamental geometry and bold presence. The watch retains its original Rado-signed crown, featuring the distinct anchor motif. The screw-down caseback is deeply stamped with the classic Rado seahorse medallion, "Water-Sealed" text, and the 11006 reference number, displaying typical tool marks and surface wear from previous openings. The prominent crystal sits slightly above the bezel with clean surfaces and beveled edges, offering an unobstructed view of the dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is the impressive gold-tone Rado caliber 2797 automatic movement, clearly marked with 25 jewels. The movement plates and the gracefully sweeping rotor show a bright, clean finish, reflecting good internal preservation. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher records a deviation of +45s to +50s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a highly distinctive black textured leather strap featuring a scale-like pattern. The strap is detailed with prominent white contrast stitching and unique iridescent purple and green sealed edges, secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition The timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case shows expected surface scratches and handling marks throughout its polished surfaces, representing honest wear without severe impacts. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved and stands out as a pristine highlight of the watch, while the hands show natural, age-appropriate oxidation. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in width, excluding the crown. Remarks A bold and highly charismatic example of Rado's adventurous design ethos, combining a robust steel cushion case with an incredibly sharp and sophisticated sunburst dial. History Rado is celebrated worldwide for its pioneering approach to unconventional materials and striking, futuristic case shapes during the 1960s and 1970s. The Manchester Sapphire line represents the brand's dedication to robust, everyday luxury with a distinct visual identity. Featuring the signature free-swinging anchor logo, these timepieces reflect a period of immense creativity in Swiss watchmaking and remain highly sought after by enthusiasts of vintage avant-garde design. 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-MJX-0002