Presented for auction by Second Vintage Step back into an era of bold design and innovative textures with this striking Rado Ales. Known for their avant-garde approach to watchmaking, Rado consistently pushed the boundaries of conventional aesthetics during the mid-century period. This particular model showcases a captivating textured dial and a robust, faceted case, capturing the essence of vintage Rado charm while offering a highly wearable and unique profile for the modern collector. Brand: Rado Model: Ales Reference Number: K962408 Movement: Automatic ETA caliber 2824, 25 jewels Dial: Gradient brown crosshatch texture with applied faceted indices and rotating anchor logo, presenting very cleanly with minor age-consistent spotting under macro inspection Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and a highly attractive dial Dial and Hands The dial is a visual standout, featuring a mesmerizing gradient brown to grey tone layered with a distinct crosshatch or linen-like texture that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied, faceted silver-tone hour markers with black central accents, complementing the baton-style hands which feature matching black stripes and luminous material. At the 12 o'clock position sits Rado's signature free-spinning anchor logo against a purple-red background, while the cursive "Ales" script graces the lower half. A framed date aperture at 3 o'clock displays striking red numerals. The dial remains in excellent vintage condition, presenting very cleanly with only faint, age-consistent micro-spotting visible under close inspection, maintaining its original factory finish and immense visual appeal. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel case boasts a bold, faceted cushion design characteristic of the era. The case retains sharp, well-defined edges, showcasing a beautiful contrast between the horizontally brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished chamfers and case flanks. The original Rado-signed crown, featuring the anchor motif, sits flush against the side. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that perfectly complements the vintage aesthetic and remains clear, offering an unobstructed view of the textured dial. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the iconic Rado seahorses and "Water Sealed" text, showing normal, honest wear consistent with its age. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust and reliable automatic ETA caliber 2824, clearly stamped beneath the balance wheel. The movement features a Rado-signed rotor and 25 jewels, presenting cleanly with fine perlage decoration visible on the base plates. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece, the timegrapher results show an impressive +17 to +20 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a high-quality black leather strap, featuring prominent, thick tan contrast stitching that highlights the warm tones of the dial. The strap is secured with a classic stainless steel pin buckle and shows minimal wear, providing a comfortable and stylish fit on the wrist. Condition This Rado Ales is in excellent vintage condition. The case remains thick and sharp, displaying honest, light handling marks without any signs of heavy over-polishing. The textured dial is exceptionally well-preserved, retaining its vibrant gradient and crisp printing. The hands and applied furniture are bright, and the movement is clean and running with strong precision. Dimensions Case width: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Finding a vintage Rado with such an intricate dial texture and sharp case geometry is a treat for enthusiasts of 1970s design. The combination of the gradient crosshatch dial, the signature rotating anchor, and the reliable ETA 2824 movement makes this Ales a highly compelling and distinctive addition to any vintage collection. History Rado has long been celebrated for its pioneering use of unusual materials and striking, futuristic designs. Emerging as a powerhouse of mid-century watchmaking, the brand consistently challenged traditional Swiss aesthetics by introducing bold case shapes and dynamic dials. The Ales model is a testament to this creative period, embodying the adventurous spirit of 1970s horology while maintaining the robust mechanical integrity that Rado built its reputation upon. 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-AXX-0001