Rado NCC 505 (New Conception Construction) Ref. 11921
Day-Date Tool/Dress Watch · Rado (Member of the Swatch Group, formerly ASUAG/SSIH). A premium brand known for pioneering materials like tungsten carbide and ceramic.
Period: Space Age / Avant-Garde (1970s). Defined by its chunky, non-traditional geometric 'TV screen' case and industrial design hallmarks of the era.
Type
Day-Date Tool/Dress Watch
Brand
Rado (Member of the Swatch Group, formerly ASUAG/SSIH). A premium brand known for pioneering materials like tungsten carbide and ceramic.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding, likely ETA 2789 or 2836 based caliber, typically 25 jewels, 21,600 or 28,800 bph, roughly 40-hour power reserve.
Dimensions
Case width: approx 35mm (excluding crown), Lug-to-lug: 40mm, Thickness: 13mm, Lug width: 20mm. It wears significantly larger due to the square footprint.
Description
The Rado NCC 505 is a quintessential 1970s 'Space Age' timepiece. Part of the 'New Conception Construction' line, it was engineered to be exceptionally water and shock resistant by suspending the entire movement and dial inside a large gasket system. Visually, it is bold and architectural, representing Rado's departure from traditional round cases into the futuristic, chunky aesthetic that defined the decade.
Key Features
Swinging anchor logo at 12 (moves with gravity), vertical day-date window at 6, three-dimensional floating indices, and the unique gasket-based 'NCC' shock protection system.
Dial Description
Silver sunburst dial with vertical graining. Features a vertical day-date window at 6 o'clock, blocky applied baton indices that appear to 'float' over the chapter ring, and Rado's signature swinging anchor logo at 12 o'clock.
Case Material
Stainless steel with a polished front bezel and brushed sides. The NCC series is famous for its 'pioneering construction' which utilized a massive shock-absorption system within the case.
Crystal Type
Domed faceted mineral crystal or thick acrylic depending on the specific batch; the photo shows typical edge distortion consistent with thick 1970s crystals.
Bezel Details
Integrated fixed bezel as part of the monolithic steel upper case case, polished finish, rectangular with rounded 'TV dial' corners.
Crown & Pushers
Small, partially recessed push-pull crown at 3 o'clock, likely signed with the Rado anchor logo.
Bracelet or Strap
Featured on a non-original brown leather strap with contrast stitching. Originally would have come on an integrated-look stainless steel NSA-style bracelet.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down caseback, typically featuring the Rado 'Seahorse' or 'Triple Seahorse' medallion and 'NCC 505' engravings.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding, likely ETA 2789 or 2836 based caliber, typically 25 jewels, 21,600 or 28,800 bph, roughly 40-hour power reserve.
Water Resistance
Originally rated for 120m-200m (highly impressive for its time), but current vintage status means it should be treated as moisture-resistant only (no swimming).
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; Lengnau, Switzerland. Uses an in-house modified ETA movement (both brands were under the same umbrella group).
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1975. The 'T Swiss Made T' marking indicates the use of tritium lume, consistent with this era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the experimental design phase of the 1970s where Swiss brands attempted to compete with the Quartz Crisis by offering superior mechanical durability and avant-garde case shapes.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface scratches on the polished steel bezel. The dial appears clean, though the tritium on the hands and indices shows aged patina. The leather strap is an aftermarket replacement.
Value Estimate
$400 - $700 USD. Value is higher with the original steel bracelet and original crystal. The unique vertical day-date layout is particularly desirable among Rado collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5-7 years; ensure gaskets are replaced as the NCC system relies heavily on them for movement stability. Avoid water as vintage gaskets are likely degraded. Protect from magnetism.
Similar Watches
Rado NCC 101, Omega Constellation 'TV Dial', Zenith AF/P, and Mido Commander High-Beat models from the same era.
Interesting Facts
The 'NCC' system was designed so the movement was essentially 'floating' inside the case, making it one of the most durable watches of its time. Rado is one of the few brands that still uses the moving anchor logo as a symbol for an automatic movement.