Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Step back into the bold and experimental era of 1970s watchmaking with this commanding Rado McKinley. During a time when Swiss manufacturers were pushing the boundaries of traditional case geometry, Rado stood at the forefront of avant-garde design. This McKinley is a testament to that fearless aesthetic, featuring a massive cushion case with deep vertical brushing that perfectly frames a pristine sunburst dial. With its distinctive block-link bracelet and the signature rotating anchor logo, this timepiece offers an exceptional blend of retro-futuristic charm and robust Swiss engineering, making it a highly compelling acquisition for the discerning vintage collector. Brand: Rado Model: McKinley Reference Number: 244635 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with crisp case finishing and a pristine dial Dial and Hands The dial of this McKinley is a striking exercise in mid-century contrast and texture, presented in an exceptionally clean and well-preserved state. The surface features a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully, showing no visible spots, stains, or moisture damage. Prominently positioned at twelve o'clock is the iconic rotating Rado anchor logo, set against a vibrant red background. The hours are marked by tall, applied faceted block indices featuring black central stripes that provide excellent legibility. These are perfectly complemented by the original polished baton hands, which also carry black inserts. At three o'clock, a distinctively framed date window displays striking red numerals, while the stylized sans-serif "McKINLEY" typography anchors the lower half of the dial. The entire layout remains wonderfully crisp, representing an outstanding level of preservation for a watch of this vintage. Case and Crystal The imposing 40mm stainless steel cushion case is a masterclass in 1970s architectural design. The broad, sloping flanks feature deep, factory-correct vertical brushing that remains incredibly sharp, offering a dramatic visual contrast against the high-polish circular bezel ring surrounding the crystal. The case lines and transitions are well-defined, showing only honest, superficial handling marks consistent with careful use over the decades, with no heavy impacts or over-polishing evident. The watch is fitted with a signed Rado crown, neatly tucked into the right flank to maintain the seamless silhouette. The watch is fitted with a flat crystal, offering a clean and period-correct profile while protecting the dial and allowing an unobstructed view of the vibrant details beneath. Turning the watch over reveals a heavily decorated screw-down caseback, proudly displaying the stamped Rado "Water-Sealed" seahorse medallion alongside the 244635 reference number. Movement Powering this substantial timepiece is a beautifully finished, gold-tone Swiss automatic movement. Close inspection reveals a clean and well-maintained caliber, proudly stamped with "25 JEWELS SWISS" and featuring a Rado-signed winding rotor. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates a rate of -2 to -8 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with its original, period-correct stainless steel block-link bracelet, which perfectly integrates with the massive case design. The outer clasp is proudly signed with the Rado text and anchor logo. Furthermore, the inner folding blades are clearly stamped with "100% STAINLESS STEEL" and the corresponding Rado branding, confirming its authenticity. The bracelet shows normal vintage wear and drapes comfortably, currently sized to accommodate an 18cm wrist. Condition This Rado McKinley is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is remarkably pristine, free from the typical aging or spotting often found in watches of this era. The stainless steel case retains its sharp factory brushing and bold geometric lines, exhibiting only light, age-consistent wear. The original bracelet remains secure and functional, and the movement is running exceptionally well, making this a highly wearable and collectible piece. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures a substantial 40 mm in width, excluding the signed crown. Remarks Finding a Rado McKinley in such visually striking and mechanically sound condition is a rare opportunity. The combination of the heavy brushed case, the flawless silver sunburst dial, and the original integrated-style bracelet makes this a standout example of 1970s horological design. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado quickly established a reputation for producing highly durable and visually distinct timepieces. By the 1960s and 1970s, the brand became synonymous with unconventional case shapes, scratch-resistant materials, and bold dial aesthetics. Models like the McKinley showcase Rado's willingness to experiment with heavy steel cases and striking textures, catering to a generation of consumers who desired watches that were as much statement pieces as they were reliable timekeepers. Today, these daring designs are highly celebrated by collectors who appreciate the unique and fearless spirit of mid-century 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-RMX-0031