Presented for auction by Second Vintage Capturing the bold and distinctive design language of the 1970s, this Rado Cornell is a superb example of mid-century Swiss watchmaking. Rado has long been celebrated for its unconventional case shapes and robust engineering, and this timepiece perfectly encapsulates that ethos. With its striking cushion case, heavily textured dial, and the brand's signature kinetic anchor logo, this watch offers an immense amount of vintage character. It is a highly wearable, conversation-starting piece that brings the architectural styling of its era straight to the modern wrist. Brand: Rado Model: Cornell Reference Number: 11916 Movement: Automatic Dial: Silver vertically brushed dial with applied faceted indices, showing excellent preservation and crisp typography. Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a highly attractive dial. Dial and Hands The dial of this Cornell is a visual standout, defined by a deep, striking vertical brushed finish that plays beautifully with the light. Applied steel indices feature faceted edges and contrasting black center inserts, which are perfectly matched by the steel baton hands bearing identical black striping. At the twelve o'clock position sits Rado's iconic free-spinning anchor logo, set against a vibrant purple and red background disc. The typography is crisp and well-preserved, featuring a serif Rado font and a sans-serif Cornell script, alongside the Swiss Made designation at the bottom. A framed date window at three o'clock displays striking red numerals. Under intense magnification, the dial remains exceptionally clean, showing only the absolute faintest micro-spotting consistent with its age, presenting as a highly attractive and well-preserved vintage face. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel cushion case exemplifies the robust and geometric styling of the decade. The upper surface of the case features a pronounced radial sunburst brushing, which transitions sharply into polished case flanks. The watch retains its original Rado signed crown, bearing the anchor emblem. The raised acrylic crystal features a flat top with distinct beveled edges, exhibiting minor surface wear consistent with age while maintaining excellent clarity. Turning the watch over reveals a polished screw-down caseback deeply engraved with the Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion and the reference number 11916. The case shows honest signs of wear, including surface scratches and softening on the polished sections, firmly placing it in good, authentic vintage condition without appearing abused. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss automatic movement, beautifully finished with a gold-tone rotor proudly engraved with the Rado signature, the anchor logo, and a 25 Jewels designation. Close inspection of the mechanism reveals a clean architecture with the balance wheel and jewel bearings clearly visible. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Timegrapher results indicate a performance of +39 to +42 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel folded-link bracelet, which perfectly complements the cushion case design. The folding clasp is distinctly stamped with the Rado name and the raised anchor logo. The bracelet exhibits moderate stretch and surface wear consistent with decades of use, retaining its structural integrity and accommodating a wrist size of up to 18 cm. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable highlight, remaining incredibly crisp with its vertical brushing fully intact. The stainless steel case and bracelet show expected, honest handling marks, surface scratches, and minor scuffs typical of a watch that has been enjoyed over the decades. The acrylic crystal is clear with only light superficial wear. Overall, it is a handsomely preserved survivor from a highly creative era of watchmaking. Dimensions The stainless steel cushion case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The integrated style bracelet is sized to fit a wrist of up to 18 cm. Remarks This Rado Cornell is a fantastic representation of retro-futuristic Swiss design. The combination of the heavy vertical dial brushing, the pop of red in the date wheel, and the kinetic anchor logo creates a dynamic wearing experience. It offers substantial wrist presence despite its classic dimensions, making it an excellent daily vintage wearer for the discerning collector who appreciates era-specific styling. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland in 1917 as Schlup and Co., the company eventually launched the Rado brand in the 1950s. Rado quickly distinguished itself from traditional Swiss marques by embracing avant-garde designs and eventually pioneering the use of ultra-durable materials. During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado became famous for its bold, architectural case shapes and the introduction of the moving anchor logo on the dial, a clever visual indicator that the watch was powered by an automatic winding mechanical movement. The Cornell line represents this era of fearless design, offering robust steel construction paired with highly detailed, textured dials. 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). 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. 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: RAD-RCX-0019