Rado - Mannheim - 没有保留价 - 959121A - 男士 - 1970-1979

Available now on auction by Second Vintage

The Rado Mannheim is a quintessential representation of 1970s Swiss watchmaking, perfectly encapsulating the era's transition toward bold, architectural case designs while maintaining refined, elegant dial layouts. Known for their distinctive styling and robust engineering, vintage Rado timepieces from this period hold a special place in collector circles. This particular Mannheim is a striking example, pairing a sharp cushion case with a mesmerizing silver sunburst dial and the brand's iconic rotating anchor logo, making it a highly compelling acquisition for enthusiasts of character-rich vintage watches.

Brand: Rado
Model: Mannheim
Reference Number: 959121A
Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2824, 25 Jewels
Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices and red date display, presenting in near-mint, exceptionally clean condition
Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1970s
Condition: Excellent vintage condition, showcasing sharp case lines and an outstandingly preserved dial

Dial and Hands
The dial of this Rado Mannheim is a visual delight, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully from every angle. It is remarkably well-preserved, presenting in near-mint condition with no visible spots, stains, moisture marks, or discoloration. The dial is adorned with applied faceted baton indices, each featuring a dark blue or black central channel that adds striking contrast and depth. At twelve o'clock sits the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo against a vibrant red background, paired with the applied Rado text. The lower half of the dial features a boldly applied "M" above the elegant, serif-style script of the Mannheim name. A framed date aperture at three o'clock displays striking red numerals, adding a sporty touch to the sophisticated layout. The faceted baton hands mirror the indices with matching dark central stripes, accompanied by a slender sweeping seconds hand. The entire dial configuration is crisp, legible, and exceptionally clean, reflecting outstanding preservation.

Case and Crystal
The 36mm stainless steel cushion-shaped case is a testament to the robust and distinctive design language of the 1970s. The case features a beautiful transition between the horizontally brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished case flanks, retaining strong, well-defined geometry and sharp lug profiles. The original crown is prominently signed with the Rado anchor logo. Protecting the dial is a domed acrylic crystal that enhances the vintage warmth of the timepiece. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down stainless steel caseback deeply engraved with the classic Rado seahorse medallion, the "Water-Sealed" designation, and the reference number 959121A. The case exhibits honest, age-consistent signs of light wear and superficial surface scratches on the polished areas, but remains in excellent overall condition without any major dings or structural damage.

Movement
Powering this timepiece is a robust and reliable Swiss automatic movement, clearly stamped with the ETA shield and caliber number 2824 beneath the balance wheel. The rotor is handsomely decorated and signed by Rado, denoting its 25-jewel construction. The movement presents beautifully, with clean plates and bridges visible in the macro photography. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results reflect a deviation of +20 to +26 seconds per day.

Strap
The watch is fitted with a period correct black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile pattern and contrasting white stitching. The strap is supple and complements the stainless steel case perfectly, securing comfortably to the wrist.

Condition
This Rado Mannheim is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable standout, remaining incredibly crisp and free of the aging or spotting often found on watches of this era. The case retains its factory-intended finishes with clear brushing and bright polished flanks, showing only normal, honest handling marks consistent with careful wear over the decades. The hands, indices, and applied dial furniture are brilliant and intact.

Dimensions
Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown)
Lug Width: 18 mm

Remarks
Finding a vintage Rado Mannheim with such an impeccably preserved dial and sharp case architecture is a rare treat. The combination of the red date wheel, the rotating anchor logo, and the beautifully textured sunburst dial makes this a highly charismatic watch on the wrist. It offers a perfect blend of everyday wearability and distinct vintage charm.

History
Rado established itself in the mid-20th century as a brand unafraid to push the boundaries of design and material science. While they would later become famous for their scratch-resistant ceramics and hardmetals, their steel watches from the 1960s and 1970s laid the foundation for their reputation of durability and unique aesthetics. Models like the Mannheim reflect Rado's dedication to creating watches that stood out from the traditional round-cased crowd, utilizing high-quality Swiss mechanical calibers and distinctive dial branding that remain highly recognizable and collectible today.

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-MAX-0001