Rado - World Travel - No reserve price - 343942 - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage

This classic 1960s Rado World Travel features an appealingly patinated silver sunburst dial and a robust 41-jewel automatic movement. The distinctive even spotting across the dial surface provides genuine character, perfectly complemented by the signature applied Rado anchor logo and a striking red date display at three o'clock.

Brand: Rado
Model: World Travel
Reference Number: 343942
Movement: Automatic, caliber AS 1700/01, 41 jewels
Dial: Silver sunburst with even spotting patina, applied gold-tone indices, and red date
Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Gold-tone, stainless steel caseback
Production Year: 1960s
Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +11+16s/day, performing remarkably well.

Dial and Hands
The silver sunburst dial exhibits noticeable, even spotting and patina across its entire surface, granting the watch a highly distinct character. All printed text remains fully legible, reading "RADO", "41 JEWELS", "WORLD TRAVEL", and "SWISS". The dial is accented by applied gold-tone indices and a fully intact applied Rado anchor logo, alongside a vibrant red date display at three o'clock. The matching gold-tone dauphine hands show light oxidation and spotting that harmonize beautifully with the dial patina, remaining free of severe corrosion or bending.

Case and Crystal
The 34-millimeter gold-tone case presents honest wear consistent with its age, showing moderate surface scratches and light wear along the lug edges. A smooth gold-tone bezel frames the dial, displaying light scratches that align with the condition of the case. The well-preserved stainless steel caseback features clear engravings and a distinctive Rado seahorse medallion. A signed gold-tone crown, complete with well-defined knurling and the Rado anchor logo, completes the case profile. The domed acrylic crystal remains clear, with some light surface scratches visible under direct light.

Movement
Inside beats the automatic caliber AS 1700/01, an impressive 41-jewel movement. The mechanism appears clean with no obvious signs of heavy corrosion, and the caliber stamp is clearly visible beneath the balance wheel. The rotor is signed with anchor motifs and bears the engraving "RADO WORLD TRAVEL FORTYONE 41 JEWELS SWISS". The timegrapher records +11+16s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece.

Strap
The watch is fitted with a lightly worn black leather strap featuring contrast stitching. It shows light wear and creasing, providing a comfortable and appropriate pairing for the gold-tone case.

Condition
Good vintage condition. The watch displays honest wear consistent with age, notably the moderate surface scratches and light wear on the gold-tone lug edges, alongside the distinct, even spotting and patina across the dial and hands. The stainless steel caseback and its engravings remain well preserved. Supported by the recorded timegrapher data, the movement is performing brilliantly.

Dimensions
The case measures 34 mm (excluding the crown).

Remarks
This Rado World Travel offers a compelling mix of mid-century design and mechanical interest through its high-jewel count automatic movement. The heavily patinated dial and clear caseback medallion make it a highly characterful example for collectors of 1960s horology.

History
During the 1960s, Rado expanded its international presence with lines like the World Travel, often utilizing robust Swiss calibers with high jewel counts to emphasize durability and mechanical refinement. Interestingly, the reference number 343942 was not exclusive to the World Travel model; Rado also assigned this reference to other prominent lines of the era, including the Golden Horse, Daymaster, Starliner, and Green Horse. This shared reference architecture highlights the efficient production methods utilized by the brand during a period of rapid global expansion.

Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind.
We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination.
Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age.
We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description.
The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use.
If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.

/ Second Vintage

SKU: RAD-WTJ-0013