Presented for auction by Second Vintage Step into the bold and expressive era of 1970s watchmaking with this striking Rado Balboa Great. Known for their pioneering use of scratch-resistant hardmetal cases and avant-garde designs, Rado created timepieces that were truly ahead of their time. This particular example showcases a mesmerizing radial gradient dial and a distinctive faceted case, perfectly capturing the futuristic luxury aesthetic that defined the brand's golden age. It is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a highly distinctive vintage Rado with tremendous visual presence. Brand: Rado Model: Balboa Great Reference Number: K725255 Serial Number: K725255 Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2824 Dial: Radial gradient sunburst dial, clean and exceptionally preserved Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-tone hardmetal and stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with a pristine dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Balboa Great is an absolute visual delight, featuring a deeply textured radial sunburst pattern that transitions dynamically from a vibrant gold center to a deep, dark grey at the outer edges. The dial is exceptionally clean, showing no visible spotting, moisture damage, or degradation. It is adorned with applied, faceted gold-tone hour indices that catch the light brilliantly, complementing the signature Rado rotating anchor logo situated prominently below 12 o'clock. The applied "Balboa Great" typography in the lower half adds a touch of mid-century charm. The faceted gold-tone hour and minute hands feature crisp white central stripes and remain in excellent condition, alongside a sweeping gold-tone seconds hand. A cleanly framed date aperture sits at the 3 o'clock position. Case and Crystal The 36mm shield-shaped case is crafted from Rado's signature scratch-resistant gold-tone hardmetal, presenting a striking combination of vertical brushing on the broad flanks and highly polished, faceted surfaces framing the crystal. The unique geometry of the case remains sharp and well-defined, exhibiting the bold architectural style typical of the Balboa line. The partially recessed crown features a textured edge for easy operation. The crystal sits proudly above the dial with a thick, beveled, faceted form and is in excellent condition, allowing a clear view of the dynamic dial beneath. The stainless steel screw-down caseback shows expected honest wear and surface scratches consistent with its age, clearly displaying the Rado seahorse medallion and the K725255 serial/reference engraving. Movement Powering this timepiece is the reliable Swiss-made ETA Caliber 2824 automatic movement, proudly signed by Rado and featuring 25 jewels. The movement presents cleanly, with the rotor bearing the Rado signature and caliber stampings clearly visible on the base plate. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +20 to +27 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct gold-tone stainless steel mesh bracelet that perfectly complements the retro-futuristic aesthetic of the case. The bracelet features an adjustable sliding clasp marked "Bear Stainless Steel" and comfortably accommodates a wrist size of up to 19cm. Condition This Rado Balboa Great is in good vintage condition. The dial and hands are remarkably well-preserved, standing out as the highlight of the piece. The gold-tone hardmetal upper case retains its impressive original finish and sharp facets, showing very minimal signs of wear thanks to its scratch-resistant properties. The stainless steel caseback exhibits typical surface scratches and handling marks from decades of use. Overall, it is a highly attractive and robust vintage timepiece ready to be worn and enjoyed. Dimensions Case width: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This watch is a superb representation of Rado's innovative approach to materials and design in the 1970s. The combination of the virtually unscratchable case and the incredibly dynamic dial makes it a standout piece for any collector of unique vintage watches. History Rado has long been recognized as the "Master of Materials" in the Swiss watch industry. Following the groundbreaking success of the DiaStar in 1962, the world's first scratch-proof watch, Rado continued to push boundaries with models like the Balboa. Utilizing tungsten carbide and other advanced hardmetals, these watches were designed to retain their factory-fresh polish for decades. The Balboa series, with its varied case shapes and exotic dials, became a symbol of durable luxury and remains highly collectible today for its unmistakable retro-chic appeal. 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: RAD1HAE7FX000