Interiors & Decorations

Jewellery & Precious Stones

Watches, Pens & Lighters

Fashion

Coins & Stamps

Comics & Animation

Classic Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia

Wine, Whisky & Spirits

Asian & Tribal Art

Trading Cards

Toys & Models

Archaeology & Natural History

Sports

Music, Movies & Cameras

Books & Historical Memorabilia

The finest objects brought to you by {name}

Erwin Dekker

Now available at auction from Second Vintage

Embodying the vibrant and experimental design language of the mid-1970s, this Rado Ticino is a striking example of mid-century Swiss watchmaking. Known for their daring use of color and unconventional case shapes, Rado created timepieces that stood out on the wrist while delivering robust mechanical reliability. This particular Ticino captures that spirit perfectly, featuring a captivating green sunburst dial housed in a substantial stainless steel tonneau case. It is a highly charismatic vintage piece that offers both retro appeal and everyday wearability for the discerning collector.

Brand: Rado  
Model: Ticino  
Serial Number: 8220683  
Movement: Automatic, Caliber 2783, 25 Jewels  
Dial: Green sunburst dial with applied indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved  
Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown)  
Case Material: Stainless Steel  
Production Year: Circa 1974  
Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a pristine dial  

Dial and Hands  
The focal point of this timepiece is undoubtedly its dynamic green sunburst dial, which plays beautifully with the light and shifts in tone depending on the angle. The dial condition is exceptionally clean, showing no visible spots, stains, or moisture damage, presenting a remarkably well-preserved surface. It features applied faceted silver-tone indices with white central inserts, adding excellent depth and legibility. At twelve o'clock, the iconic Rado anchor logo is applied just above the crisp, serif brand text, while the elegant "Ticino" script graces the lower half. A framed date window at three o'clock displays striking red numerals, providing a brilliant pop of contrasting color. The original dauphine hands remain in excellent condition, complementing the sharp, geometric aesthetic of the dial furniture.

Case and Crystal  
The 35mm stainless steel tonneau case showcases the bold, architectural lines typical of the era. The case features a distinct horizontal brushed finish across the upper and lower hoods, transitioning into polished flanks. The visual inspection reveals honest signs of wear, including surface scratches and scuffs consistent with its age and regular use, yet the case retains its strong factory geometry and unpolished character. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal, characteristic of the period, which remains clear and presents the dial without distortion. The original Rado signed crown, bearing the anchor emblem, is present at three o'clock. Turning the watch over, the screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the classic Rado seahorses logo, along with "Water-Sealed" and the reference numbers, remaining highly legible.

Movement  
Powering this Ticino is a robust Swiss automatic movement, clearly marked as an ETA Caliber 2783 under the balance wheel. The 25-jewel movement features a beautifully finished gilt base and a dedicated Rado signed rotor. The mechanism presents cleanly in the macro photography, showcasing bright plates and well-preserved components. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Timegrapher results show a variance of -40 to -44 seconds per day.

Strap  
The watch is presented on its original stainless steel flat-link bracelet, which perfectly complements the integrated look of the tonneau case. The folding clasp is proudly stamped with the Rado seahorse emblem. The bracelet displays moderate surface wear and expected vintage stretch, accommodating a wrist size of up to 18.5cm comfortably.

Condition  
This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The dial is a standout, remaining incredibly fresh and free of degradation. The case and bracelet exhibit normal, honest vintage wear with visible surface marks that do not detract from the watch's overall highly attractive wrist presence. 

Dimensions  
The case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The integrated bracelet is sized to fit a wrist of approximately 18.5 cm.

Remarks  
With its mesmerizing green dial and distinctive tonneau profile, this Rado Ticino is a superb representation of mid-1970s horological design. The combination of the red date wheel against the vibrant green sunburst finish makes it a fantastic conversation piece and a versatile addition to any vintage collection.

History  
Rado has long been celebrated as a pioneer of innovative materials and bold designs in the Swiss watch industry. During the 1960s and mid-1970s, the brand pushed boundaries with unique case silhouettes and vivid dial colors, moving away from traditional round dress watches. The Ticino line represents this era of creative freedom, offering reliable ETA-based automatic movements wrapped in highly expressive exteriors, securing Rado's legacy as a brand unafraid to stand out.

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-RTX-0003

Automatic - Stainless steel

Rado - Ticino - No reserve price - 8220683 - Men - 1970-1979 

Gemstones

Reserve price

No reserve price

Closing date

Thursday

Friday

Wednesday

tomorrow

Saturday

Sunday

today

Budget

From

Location

Thailand

India

Germany

Spain

Italy

Portugal

Singapore

The Netherlands

United Kingdom

Poland

Belgium

Bulgaria

Greece

France

Israel

Canary Islands

Hong Kong

United States

Switzerland

Slovak Republic

Czech Republic

Ireland

Japan

Sweden

Andorra

Object

Faceted gemstone

Gemstone cabochon

Country of origin

No origin given

Zambia

Ethiopia

Tanzania

Sri Lanka

Madagascar

Brazil

Myanmar/Burma

Mozambique

Pakistan

Colombia

Africa

Australia

Unknown

Asia

Afghanistan

Nigeria

Russia

Namibia

Bolivia

Vietnam

Türkiye

Stone

Sapphire

Emerald

Tanzanite

Aquamarine

Spinel

Opal

Tourmaline

Topaz

Ruby

Tsavorite

Garnet

Kunzite

Amethyst

Tourmaline paraiba

Citrine

Peridot

Fluorite

Beryl

Alexandrite

Hessonite

Sphalerite

Morganite

Sapphire padparadscha

Quartz

Yellow Beryl (Heliodor)

Certification

International Gemological Institute (IGI)

International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA GemLab)

Antwerp Laboratory for Gemstone Testing (ALGT)

Instituto Gemólogico Español (IGE)

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

Lotus Gemology

Gem Report Antwerp (GRA)

Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS)

Gem research Swiss Lab (GRS)

Bellerophon Gemlab

Guild Gem Laboratory

GEM-TECH Istituto Gemmologico

Deutsche Stiftung Edelsteinforschung (DSEF)

American Gemological Labs (AGL)

Istituto Gemmologico Italiano (IGI)

Colour

Blue

Green

Violet

Pink

Purple

Yellow

Orange

White

Grey

Multicolour

Brown

Bi-colour

Colourless

Black

Oval

Mixed cut

Cushion

Pear

Modified brilliant cut

Octagon

Step cut

Emerald cut

Faceted cut

Brilliant cut

Cabochon cut

Round

Rectangle

Modified cut

Heart

Square

Fancy

Drop

Pear shape cut

Triangle

Cut cornered square

Fantasy

Mixed shape

Marquise

Clarity

Eye clean

Slight

Moderate

Loupe clean

Heavy

Severe

Treatment

No evidence of treatment

Heat treatment

No heat treatment

Oiling

Commonly heated with no evidence of treatment

Not specified in the report

Clarity enhancement

Commonly irradiated with no evidence of treatment

Irradiation

Fracture healing / filling

Gemstone transparency

Transparent

Translucent

Semi-transparent

Semi-translucent

Pearl luster

Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Optical effect (gemstones)

Colour change

Play of colour

Opalescence

Fluorescence

Asterism

Iridescence

Gemstones

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

Rado - Ticino - No reserve price - 8220683 - Men - 1970-1979

Popular in Gemstones

1657 objects

Related collections