Rado NCC 404 (Ref. 11928)
Complications Watch / Avant-Garde Dress Watch · Rado (part of the Swatch Group, then ASUAG), a mid-to-high luxury tier brand famous for material innovation and unconventional design.
Period: Space Age / Funky 70s (1970s). Indicators include the shield-shaped asymmetrical case, integrated look, and vertical day-date display.
Type
Complications Watch / Avant-Garde Dress Watch
Brand
Rado (part of the Swatch Group, then ASUAG), a mid-to-high luxury tier brand famous for material innovation and unconventional design.
Movement
Automatic/self-winding, likely ETA Caliber 2789 or 2836-2 base, 25 jewels, 21,600 bph, approximately 40-hour power reserve.
Dimensions
38mm width, 13mm thickness, 42mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width. It wears significantly larger due to the slab-sided, wide bezel design.
Description
The Rado NCC 404 is a quintessential 'Space Age' timepiece, representing Rado's experimental design phase. Its name stands for 'New Concept Case,' featuring a system where the movement and dial are suspended in a rubber/plastic frame within the outer case for superior shock resistance and water sealing. The shield-shaped case and vertical calendar display provide a striking, futuristic aesthetic on the wrist.
Key Features
Swinging anchor logo at 12 (indicates an automatic movement), vertical day-date at 6, unusual asymmetrical shield-shaped case, and 'NCC 404' branding on the dial.
Dial Description
Sunburst blue/navy dial, silver inner minute track ring, applied faceted block indices, baton hands with luminous strips, vertical day-date complication at 6 o'clock, and signature swinging anchor logo at 12.
Case Material
Stainless steel with a high-polished finish; the NCC series was known for its 'New Concept Case' construction involving a shock-absorbing plastic gasket system.
Crystal Type
Faceted mineral glass or thick acrylic (hexagonal/geometric profile), often featuring internal AR coating on high-end models of the era.
Bezel Details
Fixed, integrated part of the 'shield' case, high-polished stainless steel with steep chamfered edges.
Crown & Pushers
Recessed push-pull crown at 3 o'clock position with Rado anchor branding, designed to maintain the case's streamlined silhouette.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated-style stainless steel H-link or flat-link bracelet with a folding clasp and Rado-signed shield.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down caseback, typically featuring the Rado 'Seahorse' trio logo and the NCC 404 model designation.
Movement Type
Automatic/self-winding, likely ETA Caliber 2789 or 2836-2 base, 25 jewels, 21,600 bph, approximately 40-hour power reserve.
Water Resistance
Originally rated for 'Water Sealed' status (approx 30m-50m), but should be considered non-water resistant today due to the age of the specialized NCC gaskets.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; Lengnau, Switzerland. Utilizes an in-house modified ETA movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1975 based on the NCC (New Concept Case) series timeline and movement generation.
Cultural Significance
A cult classic among vintage enthusiasts, the NCC 404 represents the era's fascinaton with non-traditional shapes and the transition into integrated sports watch aesthetics.
Condition Notes
Case appears to have moderate surface scratches from wear; dial remains vibrant. Crystal shows slight edge wear. Overall condition: Good/Very Good for a vintage piece.
Value Estimate
$400 - $850 USD depending on bracelet originality and movement health. Collectors prize blue dials and unpolished cases.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5-7 years; vintage seals should be checked regularly but the watch should be kept away from water. Avoid magnetic fields as older movements lack modern shielding.
Similar Watches
Rado DiaStar, Rado NCC 101, Omega Constellation 'TV Dial', Mido Multi Centerchrono.
Interesting Facts
The NCC series was revolutionary for its time, focusing on waterproofness through a gasket system rather than just tight tolerances, making them more durable than many contemporaries.