Collectible Circa 1970s! Rado NCC444 Ref: 7029 Lady "Cobra" Cal 2551 17J Automatic Watch (OH)

Make: Rado
Type: Automatic
Model: NCC444 Ref: 7029 "Snakehead"
Year of Production: Circa 1970s
Movement: Cal 2551
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 17
Hands and Dial: 3D Baton Indices and Hands
Width: 30mm
Height: 27.3mm
Thickness: 10.4mm
Lug Width: 14mm
Bracelet/Strap: Original Rado Signed President Designed Gold Plated SS Bracelet with Clasp

Rado was founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, by brothers Fritz, Ernst, and Werner Schlup. Initially, the company was called Schlup + Co.

In 1957, the Schlup family rebranded the company as Rado Uhren AG. The name "Rado" is derived from the word "radar," reflecting the brand's commitment to innovation and technology.

In recent years, vintage Rado watches have gained tremendous popularity among watch collectors and enthusiasts. The distinctive designs, historical significance, and quality construction contribute to their appeal.

For Rado Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Rado NCC444 Lady "Snakehead," Cal 2551 Automatic movement. NCC stands for "New Conception Construction." This watch had gained Collectible status because of its rare design and movement.

The Rado logo, which often features an anchor, is unique and present on the watch dial and crown.

Its unique shaped gold-plated case, dial, 3D indices, hands, date window, and original crystal were given a good buff that removed most of the obvious scratches and age marks. It is now in near mint condition.

The original signed crown is located at the 4H position. The date and hands quickset operate in the traditional manner by pulling out and rotating the crown that works as it should.

The movement was carefully stripped, meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 31 July 2024; hence, it had undergone an intensive servicing and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

This movement is the rare Cal 2551, 17 Jewels that operates at 21,600 BPH. The time-grapher shows excellent readings of -2 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 142. Such readings are superb even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, the meticulous care provided over the years, and the painstaking calibration conducted.

The original Rado Signed Gold-Plated SS Bracelet accompanies the watch. It too had undergone a a deep cleaning and is now in near mint condition.

The case width and height are approx. 30mm (w/o crown) and 27.3mm respectively. The lug width is 14mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 16cm.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Rado components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket or modified parts.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided shows the watch in superb condition, and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear + tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box, so a simple aftermarket box / pouch will be provided instead.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

This very rare watch will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone, and its value will appreciate over time.

This is a highly sort-after Rado NCC444 Lady Gold-Plated Snake Head Cal 2551 Automatic watch in stunning condition; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.