Collectible Rado Conway 2001 ETA2783 Ref: 407 Oversize 17J Automatic Watch (OH)

Make: Rado
Type: Automatic
Model: Conway 2001
Year of Production: Circa 1970
Movement: Swiss ETA 2783
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 17
Hands and Dial: 3D Baton Indices and Hands
Width: 36mm
Height: 36.5mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug Width: 10mm
Strap: Original Rado Signed Tapered SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

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. The same year saw Rado launch the Horse Collections, marking an important milestone for the brand. It was one of Rado's early collections and quickly gained popularity for its combination of precision engineering and timeless style.

In 1962, Rado launched an ambitious advertising campaign to showcase the durability of the Golden Horse. They conducted a "Golden Horse Endurance Test," whereby a Golden Horse watch was strapped to the leg of a golden eagle and released into the Swiss Alps for several days. The watch emerged from the ordeal virtually unscathed, cementing its reputation for durability and toughness.

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 CONWAY 2001 that comes with the awesome ETA 2783 Swiss movement. 

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

Its timeless shaped classic silver case, dial, 3D indices, hands and date window were given a good buff that removed most of the obvious scratches and age marks.

The original signed crown is located at the 3H position. The date and hands operate in the traditional manner by pulling out and rotating the crown that works flawlessly. The crystal has been replaced and is now in mint condition.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 12 June 2024; hence, it had undergone an overhaul and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

This movement is the ETA 2783, 17 Jewels that operates at 21,600 BPH. The time-grapher shows excellent readings of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 210 with a consistent straight centered line! Such readings are 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 watch coms with its original Rado Signed Tapered SS Bracelet that had undergone a thorough cleaning and buff.

The case width and height are approx. 36m (w/o crown) and 36.5mm respectively. The bracelet width is 24mm that tapers to 16mm, and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 18cm; hence, suitable for men and the modern women.

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. A brand new EVA pouch is provided.

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 very rare and highly sort-after Rado Conway 2001 in excellent condition; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.