Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Mannheim is a striking example of 1970s Swiss watchmaking, capturing the bold and substantial design language of the era. With its robust cushion case and reliable mechanical heart, it offers a fantastic blend of distinctive vintage aesthetics and everyday wearability, appealing to collectors who appreciate honest character and unique dial configurations. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim Reference Number: 951842 Movement: Automatic Caliber 2797, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver vertically brushed dial with applied indices, exhibiting localized surface wear around the logo Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and unique dial character Dial and Hands The silver dial features a refined vertical brushing technique, catching the light beautifully across its surface. It is appointed with applied faceted indices featuring black central inserts, which perfectly match the original stick hands. A framed date aperture at three o'clock displays striking red numerals, adding a subtle touch of color. The dial is further distinguished by the applied Rado anchor logo, the Rado block text, and a gold-tone 'M' positioned above the elegant Mannheim script. Careful inspection reveals a distinct area of clear-coat surface loss and peeling immediately surrounding the Rado emblem. This localized wear provides a unique, honest vintage patina, while the remainder of the dial remains bright and highly legible. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel cushion case commands a strong presence on the wrist. It retains its factory-intended finishes, showcasing a sunburst brushed upper surface that contrasts handsomely with the polished sweeping flanks. The transitions between the brushed and polished areas remain well-defined, displaying normal, honest handling marks and light surface scratches consistent with decades of enjoyment. The original signed crown, bearing the classic Rado anchor, sits flush against the case edge. The domed crystal provides a clear, distortion-free view of the dial, exhibiting only minor surface wear. Turning the watch over reveals a solid screw-down caseback, deeply engraved with the traditional Rado seahorse medallion and reference numbers. Movement Inside beats the Rado-signed automatic Caliber 2797, a robust 25-jewel Swiss movement. The mechanism presents exceptionally cleanly, featuring a beautifully finished gold-tone rotor with a textured crosshatch pattern and crisp engravings. The bridges and plates retain a bright, fresh appearance, indicating careful preservation over the years. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show an impressive deviation of 7s to 15s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel flat-link bracelet, which perfectly complements the chunky, architectural aesthetic of the cushion case. The fold-over clasp is prominently stamped with the Rado anchor logo and block lettering. The bracelet shows typical desk-diving marks and light wear, functioning securely and comfortably. Condition Good vintage condition. The stainless steel case remains structurally sound with well-defined lines and moderate, age-appropriate wear. The dial presents a specific, localized area of surface clear-coat wear around the 12 o'clock logo, while the hands and indices are well-preserved. The movement is exceptionally clean and running with outstanding precision. Dimensions Case width is 36 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks The Rado Mannheim is a fantastic representation of bold 1970s watch design, combining a substantial steel case with a highly distinctive dial layout. The localized dial aging gives this particular piece a truly unique footprint, while the exceptionally clean and high-performing automatic movement ensures it is fully ready for regular wear and enjoyment. History During the 1970s, Rado was renowned for its innovative case designs, durable materials, and distinctive styling, often naming specific model lines after global cities or evocative themes. The Mannheim line embodies this era's confident aesthetic, utilizing reliable Swiss automatic calibers housed in substantial, instantly recognizable cases that stood out from traditional watchmaking norms. 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-0073