Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Rado Marstron represents a fascinating era in horological history, bridging the gap between traditional mechanical watchmaking and the dawn of the quartz revolution. With its striking futuristic aesthetic and early electronic movement, the Marstron is a compelling piece of space-age design. This particular example showcases a captivating silver dial adorned with the iconic Rado anchor and a stylized globe motif, housed within a substantial and distinctive tonneau case. It stands as a remarkable artifact from a period of rapid technological advancement and daring aesthetic exploration in the watch industry. Brand: Rado Model: Marstron Reference Number: 71016219 Movement: Electronic Dial: Silver with vertical brushing, applied faceted markers, printed globe motif, and date window at 6 o'clock. Shows light age-consistent spotting. Case Size: 38 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear and a well-preserved dial. Dial and Hands The silver dial features a subtle vertical brushed texture that catches the light beautifully. Applied faceted block indices with central black inserts and luminescent plots mark the hours. The dial is distinguished by the applied Rado anchor logo in red and silver at 12 o'clock, the printed "MARSTRON" text at 9 o'clock, and a prominent black stylized globe motif centered in the lower half. A date aperture with a red numeral is positioned at 6 o'clock. The dial exhibits light, scattered spotting consistent with its age, adding character without detracting from its striking appearance. The faceted baton hands feature black central stripes and luminescent material, showing some surface aging. A slender, simple sweep seconds hand completes the handset. Case and Crystal The 38mm stainless steel case features a distinctive, robust tonneau shape characteristic of the era. The case displays a mix of brushed sunburst finishing on the upper surfaces and polished flanks. The lines remain well-defined, though the case shows honest signs of wear, including scratches, scuffs, and small dings throughout, consistent with regular use over the decades. The signed crown, featuring the Rado anchor, is partially recessed into the case side. The caseback is screw-down and features the Rado seahorse logo and the reference number 71016219. The crystal is domed and appears well-preserved, offering a clear view of the dial. Movement Powering this Marstron is an early Rado electronic movement, a fascinating piece of transitional horological technology. The movement features a balance wheel driven by electronic circuitry, including visible components like a transistor and resistors. The distinctive gold-tone bridge is signed "RADO ELECTRONIC." Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher result is -35-42s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting brown stitching, complementing the vintage aesthetic. The strap is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Rado Marstron is in good vintage condition. The case exhibits noticeable scratches, scuffs, and minor dings consistent with its age and use, retaining its original robust profile. The dial is well-preserved with light, even spotting that adds to its vintage charm. The hands show some surface oxidation. The electronic movement is operational. Dimensions Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Marstron is a captivating example of 1970s watch design and technological innovation. Its space-age aesthetic, combined with the intriguing electronic movement, makes it a compelling piece for collectors interested in the transitional period of horology. The distinctive dial details and substantial case presence ensure it remains a striking conversation piece on the wrist. History During the late 1960s and 1970s, the watch industry was in a state of flux, experimenting with new technologies to improve accuracy before the widespread dominance of quartz. Rado, known for its innovative designs and materials, embraced this era with models like the Marstron. These electronic watches utilized a traditional balance wheel but replaced the mainspring with a battery-powered electronic circuit to provide the impulse. The Marstron's bold, futuristic design perfectly encapsulated the forward-looking optimism of the space age, making it a distinctive and historically significant model within Rado's diverse archives. 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-RMX-0021