Presented for auction by Second Vintage Rado has long been celebrated for its avant-garde case designs and robust engineering during the mid-century era. The Cape Horn stands out as a prime example of this philosophy, blending a bold cushion-shaped silhouette with refined dial details. This piece captures the distinct aesthetic of vintage Swiss watchmaking, offering collectors a highly wearable and visually striking timepiece that remains just as compelling today as it was upon its original release. Brand: Rado Model: Cape Horn Reference Number: 11904 Movement: Automatic, Caliber AS 2063 Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean with minor age-consistent micro-spotting Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial of this Cape Horn is a masterclass in mid-century texture and light play, featuring a radiant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully from every angle. It is adorned with prominent applied faceted indices, each featuring a striking black central insert that provides excellent legibility and visual contrast. The iconic Rado anchor logo sits proudly beneath the twelve o'clock position against a deep red background, accompanied by the applied block brand typography and sans-serif printed model designation. A framed date aperture at three o'clock displays the date in a vibrant red font, adding a subtle touch of color to the monochromatic landscape. The dial remains in exceptionally clean condition, presenting only the faintest age-consistent micro-spotting visible under close inspection, which does not detract from its highly attractive presentation. The original baton hands mirror the design of the indices with matching black inserts and show honest, light oxidation on their metallic surfaces, entirely consistent with the watch's vintage pedigree. Case and Crystal The stainless steel cushion case measures a versatile 37 millimeters and perfectly embodies the bold architectural styling of its era. The upper surfaces of the case feature a distinct radial brushing that contrasts magnificently with the highly polished flanks, separated by crisp, well-defined transitions. The case remains in excellent vintage condition, exhibiting normal, honest signs of wear in the form of light superficial scratches, while maintaining its original factory geometry without evidence of heavy polishing. The original Rado anchor-signed crown sits flush against the case side, operating smoothly. The screw-down caseback is a particular highlight, bearing the deeply stamped Rado seahorse medallion, the Cape Horn nomenclature, and the reference number, all remaining sharp and highly legible. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that offers a clear, distortion-free view of the dial beneath, showing only minor surface wear consistent with careful use. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust Swiss-made Caliber AS 2063, a 25-jewel automatic movement renowned for its reliability and durability. The movement is properly signed by Rado on the oscillating weight and presents cleanly in the provided images, showcasing the traditional finishing techniques of the period. The balance wheel and escapement appear visually sound, and the caliber stamp is clearly visible on the base plate beneath the balance assembly. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher result reads +50 to +55 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on the original period-correct stainless steel multi-link bracelet that perfectly complements the robust nature of the cushion case. The bracelet features a brushed finish across its horizontal links and terminates in a folding clasp proudly stamped with the Rado seahorse emblem. It exhibits moderate stretch and normal wear consistent with its age, accommodating the wrist comfortably. Condition This Rado Cape Horn is graded in excellent vintage condition. The case retains sharp, well-defined lines and original finishing contrasts, showing only light, honest handling marks. The silver sunburst dial is remarkably well-preserved, free from heavy staining or moisture damage, displaying only minor, attractive signs of aging. The hands exhibit natural oxidation, and the original signed crown and caseback medallion remain exceptionally crisp. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 37 millimeters in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The watch is fitted with a bracelet sized to accommodate a wrist of up to 19 centimeters. Remarks This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a distinctive and highly original Rado Cape Horn that perfectly captures the bold design language of its era. Its combination of a sharp cushion case, an immaculate sunburst dial, and the iconic rotating anchor logo makes it a standout addition to any vintage collection. The watch offers tremendous wrist presence and remains a versatile companion for both casual and formal wear. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, in 1917 as Schlup and Co., Rado initially focused on producing high-quality watch movements before launching its own brand of finished timepieces in the 1950s. The brand quickly established a reputation for pushing the boundaries of watchmaking, experimenting with unusual case shapes, innovative materials, and distinctive dial designs. The Cape Horn line emerged during a period when Rado was solidifying its identity as a pioneer of bold, water-resistant, and highly durable automatic watches. These timepieces were designed to withstand the rigors of adventurous lifestyles while maintaining an air of refined elegance, a philosophy perfectly encapsulated in the enduring appeal of the Cape Horn collection. 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-CHX-0001