Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Rado's innovative spirit of the mid-century is perfectly encapsulated in the Balboa V, a striking timepiece that pairs avant-garde design with robust engineering. Known for pioneering the use of ultra-hard, scratch-resistant materials, Rado created cases that retained their mirror-like finish for decades, and this example is a fantastic representation of that legacy. With its dramatic faceted crystal and iconic rotating anchor logo, this watch offers a distinct, retro-futuristic aesthetic that remains deeply appealing to collectors of distinctive vintage horology. Brand: Rado Model: Balboa V Serial Number: K695309 Movement: Automatic, Caliber ETA 2824, 25 Jewels Dial: Pristine white dial with applied faceted gold-tone indices and rotating anchor logo, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Hardmetal bezel over stainless steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably preserved dial and sharp case presentation Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in vintage texture and depth, presenting in an exceptionally clean, stark white finish devoid of any distracting spots, moisture marks, or surface degradation. It features prominent, applied gold-tone indices with white central inserts that catch the light beautifully beneath the crystal. At twelve o'clock sits the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo set against a ruby-red backdrop, functioning exactly as intended. The applied Rado typography and the distinct V emblem above the printed Balboa text remain crisp and perfectly intact. A framed date window at three o'clock displays the date in striking red numerals. The gold-tone faceted baton hands show honest, age-consistent oxidation visible under macro inspection, adding a touch of authentic vintage character to an otherwise pristine display. Case and Crystal The 35 mm oval case features Rado's signature scratch-resistant hardmetal top, retaining a brilliant, mirror-like polish that defies its age. The dramatic, multi-faceted crystal sits proud of the case, creating a captivating optical effect that interacts dynamically with the dial furniture below. The crystal is well-preserved, free from heavy chips or deep scratches. The stainless steel snap-on caseback displays the engraved serial number K695309 and shows normal, light superficial scratches consistent with careful wear. The original Rado-signed crown is present and features sharp knurling for easy operation. Movement Powering this Balboa V is a clean and robust ETA 2824-based automatic movement, beautifully finished with a grid-textured rotor signed Rado 25 Jewels. The caliber markings and the Rado hallmark are clearly visible beneath the balance wheel, showcasing the mechanical integrity of the piece. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher records a deviation of +22 to +28 seconds per day, indicating excellent operational health for a watch of this era. Strap The watch is fitted with its original two-tone stainless steel and gold-plated brick-link bracelet, culminating in a Rado-signed folding clasp adorned with the anchor logo. The bracelet shows honest signs of vintage wear, particularly some fading and softening of the gold plating on the center links, but remains structurally sound and highly complementary to the case design. It accommodates a wrist size of up to 18 cm. Condition This Rado Balboa V is in excellent vintage condition. The scratch-resistant case top remains virtually flawless, while the dial is remarkably well-preserved, showing no signs of moisture or UV damage. The hands display appropriate vintage patina, and the bracelet exhibits normal wear to the gold plating. Overall, it is a highly attractive and structurally sound example of Rado's iconic design language. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a distinct and comfortable presence on the wrist. The bracelet is sized to fit a wrist of approximately 18 cm. Remarks The combination of the faceted crystal, the pristine white dial, and the enduring hardmetal case makes this Balboa V a fantastic wearable collectible. It perfectly captures the bold, experimental design ethos of the era while remaining highly reliable for modern rotation. History Rado revolutionized the watch industry in the mid-twentieth century with the introduction of ultra-hard, scratch-resistant materials, moving away from traditional steel and gold to create watches that would theoretically look new forever. The Balboa line, alongside the famous DiaStar, was at the forefront of this material innovation. These timepieces became symbols of enduring quality and futuristic design, cementing Rado's legacy as the true master of materials in Swiss watchmaking. 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-RBK-0003