Vintage 1970s Rado Elegance Tropical Brown Dial Manual Swiss 17J 35mm Watch Box

About this watch

A distinctive Swiss-made Rado Elegance distinguished by its beautifully aged tropical dial, sculptural stainless-steel case and integrated bracelet. Over time, the once-dark dial has developed into a rich burnt chocolate-brown tone with naturally irregular golden flecking and warm metallic highlights, and its appearance changes under different lighting.

The minimalist dial has four applied square markers at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, two slim silver-tone hands, the vintage Rado anchor emblem and signature, and the cursive "Elegance" inscription. The broad cushion case measures approximately 35mm with a domed crystal and snap back, and houses a Rado-signed Swiss manual-wind movement with 17 jewels. It comes on the integrated stainless-steel Rado bracelet with signed clasp.

Brand heritage

Rado traces its history to the Schlup & Co. watchmaking factory established in Lengnau, Switzerland, in 1917, and began selling watches under the Rado name in the 1950s. The brand became known as the "Master of Materials" for pioneering hardmetal, sapphire crystal and, later, high-tech ceramic. The Elegance was among the brand's more experimental designs of the 1970s, combining a broad case, circular dial opening and integrated bracelet.

Why this one is special

• Genuine tropical dial: an original dark dial aged to chocolate brown with golden mottling, every one unique
• Bold 1970s cushion case with integrated bracelet
• Rado-signed Swiss manual-wind 17-jewel movement
• Supplied with the matching vintage Rado Elegance presentation box

Specifications

• Brand / Model: Rado Elegance
• Era: circa 1970s
• Case: stainless steel, cushion shape, approx. 35 mm, approx. 10 mm thick, domed crystal
• Movement: Rado-signed Swiss mechanical manual wind, 17 jewels
• Display: two-hand analog (hours and minutes)
• Dial: naturally aged burnt-brown tropical dial with golden mottling
• Bracelet: integrated stainless-steel Rado bracelet, signed clasp

Condition

Honest vintage pre-owned condition. The case, bezel, crystal, bracelet and clasp display scratches, scuffs and age-related wear. The dial has extensive natural tropical ageing, surface variation and wear around the applied markers, all of which contribute to its unique appearance. The presentation box also shows age, marks and exterior wear. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Working at time of listing.

What's included

The matching vintage Rado Elegance presentation box shown in the photos.

Shipping & Returns

Ships from Cairo, Egypt. Please see the shipping and returns details in this listing.