Presented for auction by Second Vintage Rado has long been celebrated for its avant-garde approach to watch design and its pioneering use of unconventional shapes and expressive dials. During the 1970s, the brand produced some of its most recognizable and architecturally interesting models, frequently utilizing striking gradient finishes, bold elements, and robust automatic movements. The Elegance line perfectly represents Rado's ability to blend dependable everyday wearability with distinct aesthetic flair, cementing its legacy as a beloved choice for vintage watch enthusiasts seeking unique character. Brand: Rado Model: Elegance Reference Number: 72060635 Movement: Automatic, ETA 2824, 25 Jewels Dial: Brown gradient dial with applied faceted indices, rotating anchor logo, and red date display; hands show visible oxidation Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and excellent mechanical performance Dial and Hands The watch features a striking brown gradient dial, often referred to as a fumé execution, which transitions gracefully from a lighter copper tone at the center to a deep, rich brown at the outer edge. The dial is adorned with applied silver-tone faceted baton hour markers that catch the light beautifully, alongside the signature Rado rotating anchor logo positioned at 12 o'clock against a vibrant red background. At 3 o'clock, a framed date window displays distinctive red numerals, adding a brilliant pop of color. The silver-tone dauphine hands exhibit visible oxidation, spotting, and age-related patina, serving as a testament to the watch's vintage journey. The printed typography, including the crisp serif "Elegance" script and "Swiss Made" designation, remains fully intact and highly legible across the well-preserved dial surface. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case boasts a dynamic hexagonal tonneau silhouette, perfectly capturing the architectural design language of the era. The upper case surface showcases a distinct linear brushed finish, which transitions sharply into the polished, angled case flanks. The case displays honest signs of wear, including superficial scratches and minor handling marks scattered across the polished and brushed surfaces, yet the overall geometry and structural lines remain strong and well-defined. The watch retains its original signed crown, featuring the iconic anchor motif. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, showing light surface wear consistent with standard vintage use while maintaining excellent clarity. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the classic Rado Water-Sealed seahorse emblem and the reference number 72060635. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust Swiss-made automatic movement, clearly stamped with the ETA caliber 2824 base beneath the balance wheel. The movement is proudly signed by Rado and features 25 jewels, alongside a beautifully decorated rotor showcasing a textured grid pattern. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece, the timegrapher results indicate an exceptional performance of +16 to +19 seconds per day. The movement presents in clean, well-maintained condition in the provided macro photography. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet, featuring a flat, multi-link design that integrates seamlessly with the angular case aesthetic. The folding clasp is proudly stamped with the Rado name and anchor logo. The bracelet exhibits moderate wear, surface scratching, and stretch typical of its era, providing a comfortable and authentic wearing experience for a wrist size of up to 17.5 cm. Condition This Rado is presented in good vintage condition, offering a highly attractive overall appearance with a vibrant, well-preserved gradient dial and strong case architecture. The hands show notable oxidation and spotting, and the case and bracelet display normal surface scratches from regular, honest wear over the decades. The mechanical health is outstanding, making this a highly wearable and collectible vintage piece that beautifully balances aesthetic charm with reliable performance. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: Accommodates up to 17.5 cm Remarks This Rado Elegance is a fantastic representation of bold 1970s watchmaking, combining a charismatic case shape with an eye-catching gradient dial. The rotating anchor and striking red date wheel are delightful, brand-specific details that vintage Rado collectors deeply appreciate. History Rado's legacy is built on a foundation of daring design choices and a commitment to creating watches that stand out from the traditional Swiss crowd. By embracing unusual case geometries and vibrant dial executions, Rado carved out a unique niche in the mid-century watch market. Timepieces like this Elegance model highlight the brand's creative peak, offering collectors a chance to own a mechanically sound and visually striking piece of horological history. 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). 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. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. The watch will be delivered in fully functional, working condition. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-REX-0002