Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable opportunity to acquire a distinct piece of 1970s horological design with the Rado Stratojet. Named during the height of the jet age, this model captures the adventurous spirit of the era with its bold typography and specialized dial graphics. The Stratojet is a less common model within the vintage Rado lineup, making it a desirable find for collectors who appreciate the brand's history of avant-garde design and robust engineering. With its substantial cushion case and signature rotating anchor logo, this timepiece offers a wonderful presence on the wrist. Brand: Rado Model: Stratojet Reference Number: 11444 Movement: Automatic, ETA 2783 Dial: Silver sunburst with Stratojet graphic Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition showing visible signs of age on the dial periphery, running within vintage tolerances with timegrapher readings between -18 and -21 seconds per day which indicates healthy movement function. Dial and Hands The dial features a striking silver sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light. The centerpiece of the design is the intricate "Stratojet" typography at the 6 o'clock position, accompanied by a stylized radar and jet graphic that is unique to this model. The signature Rado anchor logo at 12 o'clock sits on a purple background and adds a touch of color to the monochromatic face. The applied block indices are distinct and tall, matching the baton-style hands which feature black central inserts for legibility. There is visible aging and paint loss along the very outer edge of the dial, most notably between the 3 and 6 o'clock positions, which is documented in the images and attests to the honest vintage nature of the piece. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a classic 1970s cushion shape with a sophisticated mix of finishes. The top surface displays a radial sunburst brushing that remains well-defined, while the case sides are polished. The edges remain reasonably sharp, preserving the original architectural lines of the watch. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor logo. The caseback is a screw-down type featuring the deeply embossed Rado water-sealed Seahorse medallion, a hallmark of the brand's quality construction from this period. Movement Powering this timepiece is a high-quality Swiss automatic movement, the ETA caliber 2783. The gold-plated movement is clean and features a Rado-signed rotor with 25 jewels. This mechanism offers reliable vintage performance and includes a date function. The watch is currently running at approximately -18 to -21 seconds per day, which is an acceptable rate for a vintage mechanical watch of this age. Strap The watch is fitted with a new black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching near the lugs. The strap is supple and complements the sporty yet dressy aesthetic of the steel case, secured by a polished steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case is well-preserved with strong brushing and attractive lines, the dial shows evident signs of aging at the periphery. This patina is consistent with the age of the watch and does not detract from the legibility or the charm of the unique Stratojet graphics. The movement is clean and functioning correctly within expected vintage parameters. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage fit that wears slightly larger due to the cushion case shape. The lug width accommodates standard straps, allowing for easy customization. Remarks The Rado Stratojet is a testament to an era when watch manufacturers experimented boldly with names and dial designs inspired by aviation and space travel. It combines the durable construction Rado is famous for with a whimsical and historically interesting dial layout. History Rado, founded in Lengnau, Switzerland in 1917, initially produced movements before launching its own brand of watches in 1957. The company quickly became known for its innovative use of materials, introducing the world's first scratch-proof watch, the Diastar, in 1962. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Rado released numerous models with evocative names like the Stratojet, emphasizing their forward-thinking approach to design and technology. These models are now celebrated by collectors for their unique place in Swiss watchmaking history. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1-3 days after purchase. The watch will be securely packaged and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. Please review the pictures carefully before bidding. We strive to showcase the watch from multiple angles for an accurate representation. 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-RSR-0001