Rado Matterhorn Automatic (Vintage Cushion Case)
Casual/Sport-Dress Watch, Tool Watch Hybrid · Rado (Swatch Group); known as a mid-tier luxury brand famous for pioneering materials and avant-garde 1970s designs.
Period: Vintage (1970s); characterized by its 'Cushion' or 'Tonneau' case shape, vertical brushed dial texture, and the iconic swinging anchor logo typical of the era.
Type
Casual/Sport-Dress Watch, Tool Watch Hybrid
Brand
Rado (Swatch Group); known as a mid-tier luxury brand famous for pioneering materials and avant-garde 1970s designs.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding; likely an ETA-based movement (e.g., ETA 2783 or 2824), typically 25 jewels with a power reserve of approx. 40 hours.
Dimensions
36mm case diameter, 12mm thickness, 40mm lug-to-lug, 18-20mm lug width; wears compact but 'chunky' due to the lugless cushion design.
Description
The Rado Matterhorn is a quintessential example of 1970s space-age design. Named after the iconic Swiss alp, it combines a rugged, slab-sided cushion case with a decorative faceted crystal that mimics the facets of a diamond. Its grey brushed dial provides a sober, architectural backdrop to the playful swinging anchor logo, which Rado used as a visual indicator that the automatic movement was functioning.
Key Features
Faceted geometric crystal, swinging anchor logo at 12 o'clock, 'Matterhorn' script on the lower dial, and a lugless tonneau-style stainless steel case.
Dial Description
Grey/Blue vertically brushed dial; applied steel indices with 'stripe' accents at 6, 9, and 12; date window at 3 o'clock; baton hands with small lume strips; signature swinging Rado anchor logo at 12.
Case Material
Stainless Steel; features a vertical brushed 'sunburst' finish on the top surface with polished chamfers and sides.
Crystal Type
Faceted Acrylic/Plexiglass; featuring internal or external faceting that reflects light like a gemstone. Condition: Heavily scratched and cracked.
Bezel Details
Integrated smooth fixed bezel; part of the unibody cushion case design with circular/vertical brushing.
Crown & Pushers
Recessed or semi-hidden screw-down or push-pull crown at 3 o'clock, likely signed with the Rado anchor logo.
Bracelet or Strap
Aftermarket black leather strap with white contrast 'side-stitch' at the lugs and a pin buckle.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down stainless steel caseback; typically engraved with the Rado 'Seahorse' or 'Water-Sealed' logo and serial numbers.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding; likely an ETA-based movement (e.g., ETA 2783 or 2824), typically 25 jewels with a power reserve of approx. 40 hours.
Water Resistance
Originally 30-50m (Splash resistant); currently 0m due to visible cracks in the crystal and aged gaskets.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; manufactured in Lengnau, Switzerland using Swiss-engineered automatic movements.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–1975; based on the 'Matterhorn' model name marketing and the specific faceted crystal design language.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Funky 70s' era of watchmaking where brands experimented with non-traditional case shapes and decorative crystals before the Quartz Crisis fully took hold.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. The crystal is severely damaged with deep cracks and crazing. The case shows significant wear and scratches. Dial shows some signs of spotting or aging/patina.
Value Estimate
$150 - $400 USD; value is significantly suppressed by the damaged crystal and lack of original bracelet.
Care & Maintenance
Requires immediate crystal replacement to prevent moisture ingress. Service movement every 5 years; avoid all water contact as vintage seals are likely decayed.
Similar Watches
Omega Constellation 'C-Shape', Seiko 6119-8273, Tissot PR 516. The Rado stands out due to its unique faceted crystal treatment.
Interesting Facts
The swinging anchor logo on Rado automatics is mounted on a ruby jewel and is designed to rotate freely with the wearer's wrist, mirroring the movement of the internal rotor.