Rado NCC 404 Automatic Day-Date
Avant-garde Dress/Tool Watch · Rado (Swatch Group). Rado is a premium Swiss brand renowned for its pioneering use of scratch-resistant materials and avant-garde industrial design.
Period: Space Age / Retro-Futuristic (1970s). Defined by its non-traditional TV-screen/shield case shape and bold geometric indices characteristic of 1970s experimental design.
Type
Avant-garde Dress/Tool Watch
Brand
Rado (Swatch Group). Rado is a premium Swiss brand renowned for its pioneering use of scratch-resistant materials and avant-garde industrial design.
Movement
Automatic, likely ETA 2789 or 2836 based movement. Features 17-25 jewels, approximately 21,600 bph frequency, and a power reserve of roughly 40 hours.
Dimensions
Diameter: 36mm-38mm; Thickness: 12mm; Lug-to-lug: 40mm; Lug width: 18-20mm. It wears larger due to the wide, horizontal case proportions.
Description
The Rado NCC 404 is a masterpiece of 1970s funk. Its unique 'shield-like' or 'TV-screen' case design was part of the 'New Concept Case' line, which utilized a specialized rubber gasket system to achieve high water resistance in non-round watches. The sunburst brown dial is a quintessential 70s aesthetic, complemented by the swinging anchor logo which indicates an automatic movement.
Key Features
Rotating anchor logo at 12 o'clock, vertical day-date at 6 o'clock, 'Super-Sealed' case construction, and the distinctive wide-flared case shape.
Dial Description
Sunburst brown/bronze dial with thick, applied faceted rectangular indices. Features the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo at 12, baton hands with lume strips, and a vertical day-date window at 6 o'clock.
Case Material
Polished Stainless Steel. Known for Rado's 'Super-Sealed' construction designed to maximize durability and water resistance in an era of experimentation with case shapes.
Crystal Type
Faceted Sapphire or Thick Mineral Glass. The NCC series often used unique, multi-faceted crystals that align with the geometric case lines.
Bezel Details
Integrated smooth fixed bezel as part of the monoblock-style case design; highly polished finish.
Crown & Pushers
Original signed Rado crown, recessed into the case side at the 3 o'clock position to maintain the sleek silhouette.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated-style H-link or 'Ladder' stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp. The bracelet tapers significantly toward the buckle.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down caseback, typically featuring the Rado 'Three Seahorses' logo and NCC 404 model designations.
Movement Type
Automatic, likely ETA 2789 or 2836 based movement. Features 17-25 jewels, approximately 21,600 bph frequency, and a power reserve of roughly 40 hours.
Water Resistance
Originally rated for 'Super-Sealed' high resistance (approx 100m equivalent for the era); however, currently should be considered splash-proof only due to age.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Lengnau, Switzerland. Historical movement likely sourced from ETA (a sister company within what became the Swatch Group).
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1975. The NCC (New Concept Case) series was Rado's response to the demand for radically shaped, waterproof automatic watches of the early 70s.
Cultural Significance
Represents the experimental 'Space Age' era of horology where Swiss brands moved away from traditional round cases to compete with emerging tech styles, cementing Rado's reputation as a leader in unconventional materials and shapes.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. The case shows minor hairline scratches but retains original geometry. Dial shows light patina consistent with age. Lume on hands likely shows some degradation. Grade: Very Good (Vintage).
Value Estimate
$400 - $850 USD depending on the tightness of the original bracelet and movement health. Rare dial colors can push value higher.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5-7 years for the mechanical movement. Avoid water exposure despite the 'Super-Sealed' moniker, as vintage gaskets often degrade over 50 years. Keep away from strong magnets.
Similar Watches
Rado NCC 101, Rado Diastar, Mido Commander, and certain 1970s Omega Seamaster 'TV Dial' models. The NCC 404 is distinguished by its wider, more aggressive horizontal stance.
Interesting Facts
The 'NCC' stands for 'New Concept Case'. These were designed to be 'technically superior' in water resistance compared to standard shaped watches of the era. The anchor at 12 o'clock actually pivots on a ruby, a signature Rado detail since the late 50s.