Available now on auction by Second Vintage Rado is globally recognized for its pioneering use of scratch-resistant materials and avant-garde designs during the mid-century era. The Balboa line represents a pinnacle of this innovative spirit, combining an indestructible hardmetal case with striking, visually complex dials. This particular example stands out with its mesmerizing red stardust dial and signature faceted crystal, offering a highly reflective and dynamic presence on the wrist that captures the bold essence of 1970s watchmaking. Brand: Rado Model: Balboa Movement: Automatic ETA 2824, 25 Jewels Dial: Red stardust texture with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and vibrant Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Hardmetal and stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a pristine dial and sharp case lines. Movement has been recently serviced and adjusted, and performs strongly. Dial and Hands The dial is a breathtaking execution of vintage Rado design, featuring a deep red base infused with an intense stardust sparkle that catches the light brilliantly from every angle. It is exceptionally clean, showing an even and vibrant texture without any visible spots, stains, or moisture damage. The dial is furnished with applied, highly faceted gold-tone indices featuring crisp white inserts, complemented by a prominently framed date window at the three o'clock position. The iconic Rado anchor logo is applied below twelve o'clock, while the Balboa "V" insignia and "T SWISS MADE T" are cleanly printed in a crisp sans-serif typeface. The gold-tone baton hands feature black center stripes and white tips. Close visual inspection reveals honest, age-consistent oxidation on the metal surfaces of the hands, which adds authentic vintage character without detracting from the dial's stunning overall appearance. Case and Crystal The 35mm case utilizes Rado’s signature hardmetal upper shield, a tungsten carbide compound renowned for its extreme scratch resistance. This mirror-polished surface retains its factory-sharp edges and flawless reflection, showcasing the durability of the material. The watch is fitted with a dramatic faceted crystal featuring a flat top and sharply angled perimeter facets, creating immense geometric depth and beautifully distorting the edges of the dial. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the classic Rado Water-Sealed emblem featuring three seahorses. The original Rado signed crown, bearing the anchor logo, is securely in place. The case presents in excellent condition, with only minor, honest handling marks visible on the stainless steel caseback and sides. Movement Powering this Balboa is the automatic ETA caliber 2824, clearly stamped beneath the gold-tone balance wheel. The movement features a Rado-signed rotor decorated with a distinct textured grid pattern and engraved with "25 JEWELS". The plates and bridges present cleanly with a bright finish. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. (-20 to -23 s/d) Movement has been recently serviced and adjusted, and performs strongly. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel Rado bracelet, characterized by a highly distinctive stepped-link design that articulates smoothly. The folding clasp is deeply stamped with the Rado anchor logo and brand name. The bracelet shows honest vintage wear, with surface marks and minor grime consistent with regular use over the decades, fitting a wrist up to 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable focal point, remaining incredibly vibrant, flawlessly textured, and free of any notable degradation. The hardmetal case is exceptionally well-preserved, maintaining its original mirror polish and sharp architecture. The hands exhibit natural, age-appropriate oxidation that aligns perfectly with the watch's era. The original bracelet shows expected wear but remains structurally sound and highly attractive, completing this remarkably well-preserved vintage package. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 17.5 cm Remarks The Rado Balboa is a true testament to 1970s watchmaking audacity, seamlessly blending space-age materials with glamorous dial executions. The combination of the virtually scratch-proof hardmetal case, the deeply faceted crystal, and the sparkling stardust dial makes this a highly collectible and visually arresting timepiece that commands attention on the wrist. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. and later adopting the Rado name, the brand revolutionized the watch industry by introducing scratch-resistant materials to the market. Rado's commitment to creating "watches that outlast time" led to the development of the DiaStar and Balboa lines, which utilized tungsten carbide to achieve unprecedented durability. These models not only pushed the boundaries of material science but also embraced the flamboyant aesthetic of their era, pairing indestructible cases with bold, expressive dials that remain highly sought after by vintage collectors today. 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-RBX-0003