Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Rado Mannheim captures the bold, architectural spirit of 1970s watchmaking, combining a substantial cushion case with an intricately detailed dial. Characterized by its distinctive barrel shape and striking blue dial accents, this piece exemplifies Rado’s fearless approach to mid-century design. The signature rotating anchor logo and vibrant red date numerals add layers of visual intrigue to a highly wearable, robust steel sports watch that remains incredibly compelling for the modern vintage enthusiast. Brand: Rado Model: Mannheim Reference Number: 943580 Serial Number: 740741 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 2783, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices, blue minute track, and rotating anchor logo; exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with crisp dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in 1970s geometric detailing, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light dynamically. It is appointed with tall, applied faceted hour markers that incorporate black center channels and vivid blue outer accents. These markers perfectly complement the prominent blue outer minute track. At twelve o'clock sits Rado’s iconic rotating anchor logo set against a ruby-red background, while the lower half features an applied gold-tone "M" above the elegant cursive "Mannheim" script. A framed date aperture at three o'clock displays striking red typography. The time is indicated by steel baton hands with black inserts and a slender sweep seconds hand. A careful visual inspection reveals the dial is in near-mint condition, completely free of spotting, moisture damage, or print loss, representing an outstanding level of preservation. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel cushion case boasts a strong, barrel-shaped profile that sits with substantial presence on the wrist. The case retains excellent definition, highlighted by the pronounced horizontal brushing across the broad upper bezel area. This textured finish transitions sharply into highly polished, sloping flanks. The original signed crown, featuring the Rado 'R' logo, is present at three o'clock. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the classic Rado seahorse medallion, the "Water-Sealed" designation, and the reference and serial numbers. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that remains clear and free of significant marks, offering an undistorted view of the dial. The case shows only honest, superficial handling marks consistent with careful wear, maintaining its original factory geometry beautifully. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust Swiss automatic movement, beautifully finished in a rich gold tone. Close inspection of the movement reveals the ETA shield and caliber 2783 stamped clearly beneath the balance wheel. The rotor is handsomely engraved with "RADO 25 JEWELS SWISS". The movement surfaces are clean and well-preserved, showing no signs of moisture intrusion or careless handling. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Timegrapher results indicate a performance of -21 to -29 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on a handsome black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodilian grain and contrasting white edge stitching, complementing the sharp, sporty aesthetic of the steel case. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the clear standout, remaining exceptionally crisp and free of the aging often seen in watches from this era. The stainless steel case has been remarkably well-preserved, retaining its sharp transitions between brushed and polished surfaces with only light, age-appropriate surface wear. The engraved caseback remains deep and fully legible. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in width, excluding the crown. Remarks The Rado Mannheim is a fantastic representation of the era's adventurous design language. With its vibrant color accents, dynamic sunburst dial, and the charming mechanical novelty of the rotating anchor, it offers a tremendous amount of vintage character in a sturdy, reliable package. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, in 1917 as the Schlup & Co. clockwork factory, the company launched the Rado brand in the 1950s. Rado quickly built a reputation for distinctive designs and, later, for pioneering scratch-resistant materials. During the 1960s and 1970s, the brand produced a wide array of highly characterful automatic watches, almost all featuring the patented rotating anchor logo on the dial as a symbol of their self-winding movements. Models like the Mannheim reflect Rado's dedication to creating visually striking, durable timepieces that broke away from traditional round case designs, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of vintage horology. 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-MXX-0015