Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, this Rado 990 embodies the bold, architectural aesthetic of its era. Featuring a distinctive square case profile and the brand's signature rotating anchor logo, this timepiece offers collectors a fantastic blend of mechanical intrigue and retro-futuristic charm, perfectly capturing the experimental design language of the late 1960s and 1970s. Brand: Rado Model: 990 Reference Number: 11785-1 Serial Number: 14721719 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silvered dial with applied faceted indices, day-date complication, and free-spinning red anchor logo, showing age-consistent spotting and patina Case Size: 30 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive dial patina Dial and Hands The silvered dial features a subtle vertical brushed finish that catches the light beautifully, serving as a dynamic backdrop for the applied dial furniture. Distinctive faceted square and rectangular hour markers feature horizontal grooved detailing, adding significant depth and texture to the display. At the twelve o'clock position sits Rado's iconic rotating anchor logo, rendered in a vibrant magenta-red over a metallic base. The three o'clock position houses a framed day-date aperture, uniquely displaying the day as both a numeral and a three-letter abbreviation alongside the date. The time is indicated by faceted baton hands with black central inserts, complemented by a slender sweeping seconds hand. Upon close inspection, the dial exhibits a very honest vintage character, displaying noticeable, even spotting and warm patina across the surface, particularly visible under the acrylic crystal. All printed text, including the Rado branding and the 990 designation, remains crisp and fully legible. Case and Crystal The 30 mm stainless steel square case is a testament to the era's adventurous geometry, featuring pronounced, stepped lugs that seamlessly integrate into the overall block-like architecture. The case displays a pleasing contrast between the polished flat bezel surfaces and the horizontally brushed top and bottom lug hoods. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, presenting a classic vintage distortion at extreme viewing angles. The case flanks and bezel exhibit honest signs of wear, with surface scratches, handling marks, and gentle softening of the sharpest factory edges, entirely consistent with a watch that has been enjoyed over the decades. The original crown, proudly signed with the Rado anchor emblem, remains fitted. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Rado logo, reference 11785-1, and serial number 14721719, showing typical superficial scratches from previous wear and resting. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made Rado automatic caliber featuring 25 jewels. The movement is handsomely finished with a gold-tone rotor and matching bridges, bearing the engraved Rado signature, the anchor logo, and the jewel count. The mechanical layout remains clean and visually well-preserved. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The movement is currently recording +59 to +62 seconds per day on the timegrapher. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct, black textured Saffiano-style leather strap. The strap is detailed with contrasting white perimeter stitching, providing a sporty yet refined complement to the steel case, and is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Rado 990 is presented in good vintage condition. The case retains its fundamental architectural shape while displaying normal, honest wear marks and superficial scratches accumulated throughout its life. The dial showcases a distinct and attractive aging process, with notable spotting and patina that confirm its originality and vintage status. The movement is operational, and the signature rotating anchor remains intact on the dial. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 30 mm in width, excluding the signed crown. The square proportions and extended lug structure provide a wrist presence that wears slightly larger than its dimensions suggest, offering a comfortable and period-accurate fit. Remarks This Rado 990 is a striking statement piece for vintage enthusiasts who appreciate unconventional case shapes and the quirky charm of mid-century design. The combination of the square case, the textured dial elements, and the iconic moving anchor makes it a superb conversation starter and a worthy addition to any collection focused on classic Swiss character. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. and later launching watches under the Rado name in the 1950s, the brand quickly established a reputation for pushing the boundaries of traditional watch design. By the 1960s and 1970s, Rado became famous for its use of unconventional materials and striking, futuristic case shapes. The introduction of the free-spinning anchor logo on the dial became a brilliant and recognizable hallmark, originally serving as a visual indicator of an automatic movement. Models like the 990 perfectly encapsulate this golden era of Rado's history, reflecting a time when Swiss manufacturers were fearlessly experimenting with aesthetics and form. 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-RXX-0005