Now available at auction from Second Vintage A striking example of Rado's avant-garde 1970s design, this Balboa stands out through its highly preserved faceted hardmetal case and pristine grey gradient dial. The striking geometry and bold aesthetic reflect a distinctive era of watchmaking, elevated by the seamless integration of the faceted crystal. Brand: Rado Model: Balboa Reference Number: 74037356A Movement: Automatic ETA 2824, 25 Jewels Dial: Grey gradient (fumé) with applied faceted indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Silver-tone Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: +35+40s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The dial features a striking and pristine grey gradient, or fumé, finish that draws the eye toward the center. Applied faceted indices with white inserts provide clear legibility alongside the gold-tone faceted hands, which also feature matching white inserts. The hands are sharp, with a clean finish and no visible oxidation or corrosion. A vibrant red date display is positioned at three o'clock, while the applied rotating Rado anchor logo sits prominently on the dial. The surface remains exceptionally clean, showing no visible spotting or damage. Case and Crystal Constructed with a highly polished faceted silver-tone hardmetal case, this watch presents crisp edges and well-preserved geometry. The distinctive and highly preserved case shows minimal visible wear, a characteristic consistent with Rado’s scratch-resistant construction. There is no distinct bezel; instead, the faceted crystal integrates directly into the case, perfectly matching the geometry. The crystal is clear, displaying no visible scratches, chips, or crazing. A signed crown featuring the Rado anchor logo is present, remaining in good condition with defined fluting. Movement Powering the watch is an automatic ETA 2824 base caliber, clearly engraved with Rado and 25 jewels. The movement plates and rotor are clean, presenting no visible corrosion or significant scratches. Tested on a timegrapher, the watch records a rate of +35+40s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct gold-tone mesh bracelet that complements the 1970s character. Some tarnish and plating wear are visible near the case attachments, displaying moderate wear appropriate for its age. The bracelet accommodates a maximum wrist size of up to 19cm. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The dial and hands are wonderfully preserved, maintaining a pristine appearance without visible aging. The hardmetal case retains its sharp, highly polished facets with minimal wear, while the matching faceted crystal is clear and free of damage. The movement is clean and operational, and the period correct mesh bracelet shows expected age-related wear near the lugs. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter (excluding the crown). Remarks This Balboa offers a fantastic combination of a striking grey gradient dial and a highly preserved faceted hardmetal case. The integration of the faceted crystal and the vibrant red date display make this a highly compelling example of 1970s design. History During the 1970s, Rado established a strong reputation for utilizing unconventional materials and bold, futuristic designs. The Balboa line is a recognized model series that highlights the brand's pioneering use of scratch-resistant hardmetal cases. This era of watchmaking embraced geometric experimentation and unique dial executions, making these pieces highly distinctive within the context of twentieth-century horology. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-BXX-0004