Now available at auction from Second Vintage A quintessential example of Rado's bold 1970s design language. This Balboa draws immediate attention with its striking grey gradient dial and distinctive multi-faceted crystal that catches the light dynamically. Featuring the signature rotating Rado anchor logo and a highly reflective shield-shaped case, it offers an impressive presence on the wrist. Brand: Rado Model: Balboa Reference Number: K694425 Movement: Automatic ETA caliber 2824, 25 jewels Dial: Grey gradient (fumé) with vertical brushing texture, applied gold-tone faceted indices, and rotating Rado anchor logo Case Size: 35mm (excluding the crown) Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: +12+15s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The dynamic and well-preserved dial features a beautiful grey gradient, or fumé, finish enhanced by a vertical brushing texture. Applied gold-tone faceted indices with white inserts provide clear contrast, complemented by the signature rotating Rado anchor logo. The printing remains crisp with no visible moisture damage or significant spotting, and a red date numeral sits cleanly at the three o'clock position. The gold-tone faceted hands, also fitted with white inserts, display honest aging consistent with the era of the watch. They show minor surface oxidation and spotting visible under macro inspection while remaining structurally intact with no bending. Case and Crystal The highly polished, distinctive shield-shaped case is striking and highly reflective. It features clean edges and well-preserved geometry, displaying minimal visible scratches or wear. The crown is signed with the Rado anchor logo but shows noticeable surface pitting and wear on the logo face. A distinctive multi-faceted cut crystal protects the dial, remaining clear with no significant scratches, chips, or crazing visible. The bezel is seamlessly integrated into the overall case design. Movement Inside the case beats a reliable ETA caliber 2824 automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels and an engraved, signed rotor. The plates and bridges are clean with no obvious corrosion or heavy staining, though minor marks are visible on some screw heads. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher records a rate of +12+15s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct two-tone multi-link bracelet that offers a comfortable vintage style with honest wear, accommodating a maximum wrist fit of 17cm. The bracelet shows moderate wear and some plating loss on the gold-tone center links, securing via a generic clasp with no visible Rado signature. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The case is exceptionally well-preserved with minimal wear to its highly polished surfaces, while the faceted crystal remains clear and free of significant flaws. The dial is very clean, though the hands exhibit minor oxidation under close inspection. The signed crown shows noticeable pitting. The period correct bracelet displays moderate wear and plating loss on the center links. The movement is clean, running securely, and supported by strong timegrapher results. Dimensions 35mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Balboa stands out through its dynamic faceted crystal and beautifully textured gradient dial. The highly reflective case geometry and reliable ETA movement make it a compelling choice for collectors of distinctive 1970s design. History During the 1970s, Rado established a strong reputation for producing watches with unconventional materials and bold, futuristic case shapes. The Balboa line is a recognized and celebrated part of this era, frequently utilizing scratch-resistant hardmetal designs and striking faceted crystals that defined the decade's avant-garde styling. Paired with dependable third-party calibers like the ETA 2824, these watches offered a unique aesthetic language that remains highly distinct within the vintage market. 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-RBK-0002