Rado President Day-Date Automatic
Dress Watch / Casual Vintage Dress Watch · Rado (Swatch Group), positioned as a mid-range innovative luxury manufacturer known for unique design languages and material science.
Period: Vintage (1970s) - characterized by the bold, cushion-shaped case, integrated styling cues, and minimalist silver-toned dial.
Type
Dress Watch / Casual Vintage Dress Watch
Brand
Rado (Swatch Group), positioned as a mid-range innovative luxury manufacturer known for unique design languages and material science.
Movement
Automatic self-winding mechanical movement, likely an ETA-based caliber operating at 21,600 vph with quickset day-date functionality.
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 36mm, thickness 11mm, lug-to-lug distance 40mm, lug width 18mm.
Description
This vintage Rado President embodies the bold, avant-garde design language of the 1970s watchmaking era. Encased in a striking cushion-shaped stainless steel housing, the watch features a brilliant silver sunburst dial accented by clean, applied baton markers and the signature free-swinging red-backed Rado anchor logo. The practical day-date window at 3 o'clock adds everyday utility, while the overall aesthetic captures the quirky charm of mid-century design.
Key Features
Distinctive cushion-shaped 1970s case geometry, iconic rotating anchor logo at 12 o'clock, and a highly legible day-date complication framed cleanly on the dial.
Dial Description
Silver sunburst dial featuring applied silver stick indices, simple baton hands, a day-date aperture at the 3 o'clock position, and the iconic rotating Rado anchor logo above the brand name at 12 o'clock.
Case Material
Stainless steel with a mix of polished bezel surfaces and vertical satin-brushed finishing on the angular case top.
Crystal Type
Acrylic or hardened mineral crystal, flat or very slightly domed, revealing minor surface hairline scratches typical of vintage timepieces.
Bezel Details
Fixed integrated smooth round bezel inset within the larger angular cushion-shaped steel case.
Crown & Pushers
Push-pull unsigned or subtly signed crown located at the traditional 3 o'clock position, sitting flush against the case profile.
Bracelet or Strap
Currently photographed as a bare watch head without a strap or bracelet; historically paired with a stainless steel beads-of-rice bracelet or a black leather strap.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down caseback, typically featuring the Rado three-seahorse logo and standard reference engravings.
Movement Type
Automatic self-winding mechanical movement, likely an ETA-based caliber operating at 21,600 vph with quickset day-date functionality.
Water Resistance
Originally water-resistant to splash-proofing (30 meters / 3 ATM), but vintage gaskets should not be trusted for swimming or immersion without professional testing and replacement.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Lengnau, Switzerland, utilizing Swiss-sourced automatic movements.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970s, based on the distinctive TV-screen/cushion case geometry and typography.
Cultural Significance
Represents the era when Rado was pushing unconventional case designs and exploring alternative aesthetics outside of traditional round dress watches.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. The case shows moderate surface wear and scratches consistent with age and polishing history. The dial remains remarkably clean with minimal patina. Crystal has minor hairline scuffs.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $200 and $500 USD depending on the presence of the original bracelet, overall condition, and recent service history.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended complete mechanical service every 5 to 7 years. Avoid moisture exposure due to degraded vintage gaskets, and keep away from strong magnetic fields.
Similar Watches
Omega Seamaster Cosmic, vintage Certina DS, and vintage Tissot PR516, which also feature distinct mid-century cushion or tonneau case architectures.
Interesting Facts
The Rado anchor logo is uniquely mounted on a tiny bearing so it rotates freely as the watch moves, serving as a playful and recognizable signature for the brand.