Collectible Circa 1970s! Rado Ratis SR-A Cal: 310 17J Mechanical Watch (OH)

Make: Rado
Type: Mechanical
Model: Ratis Tank
Year of Production: Circa 1970s
Movement: Cal 310
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hands and Dial: 3D White Box Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 31.8mm
Height: 36.1mm
Thickness: 7.4mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet/Strap: Hi-Quality Vintage Expendable SS Bracelet

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 Ratis Cal 310 Mechanical movement. This watch had gained Collectible status because of its rare design and mechanical movement.

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

Its tank shaped with curved ends case, dial, 3D indices, hands, 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 albeit scratches on the crystal.

The original signed crown is located at the 3H position. The hands quickset operate in the traditional manner by pulling out the crown and rotating accordingly.

The movement was carefully stripped, meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 15 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 310, 17 Jewels that operates at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher shows excellent readings of -2 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 235 with a super straight centered line! Such readings are truly exceptional 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 case width and height are approx. 31.8mm (w/o crown) and 36.1mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 17cm; hence, suitable for both men and women.

The watch comes with a hi-quality vintage expendable bracelet that had undergone ultrasonic cleaning and buffing. It is now in near mint condition. A good quality genuine leather black strap will accompany this watch as part of the deal.

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.

Even though the seals and gaskets are in place, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested due to its age.

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 extremely rare and highly sort-after Rado Ratis Cal 310 Mechanical watch is stunning; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.