Collectible! Circa 1974 Rado Musketeer III ETA 2783 Gold-Filled 25J Automatic Wrist Watch (OH)

Make: Rado
Type: Automatic
Model: Musketeer III
Year of Production: Circa 1974
Movement: Swiss ETA 2783
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 25
Hands and Dial: 18K Satin Gold Dial design, 18K Gold-Filled Hands, Block Indices, day/date window, case and crown. 18K Gold-Electroplated Bracelet
Width: 36mm
Height: 34mm
Thickness: 11mm
Strap: Original Rado 18K Gold-Plated Signed Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

In recent years, vintage Rado watches, including those from the Musketeer line, have gained popularity among watch collectors and enthusiasts. The distinctive designs, historical significance, and quality construction contribute to their appeal.

The Rado Musketeer line was introduced by Swiss watchmaker, Rado in the mid-20th century. The watches in this line were characterized by their distinctive designs, often featuring cushion-shaped cases, durable construction, and a focus on sporty aesthetics.

The Musketeer line gained popularity during the 1950s and 1960s. These were the decades when Rado was experimenting with different materials for watch cases. Rado was one of the pioneers in using materials like hard metals, ceramics, and other innovative materials in their watch designs.

Within the Musketeer line, there were various models with different features, case shapes, and functions. Tungsten carbide, which is exceptionally scratch-resistant is such an example. This emphasis on durability and quality materials was a hallmark of the brand. These models included both time-only and chronograph variations, catering to different preferences and needs.

For Rado Collectors and Vintage fans, the Rado Musketeer III is one of the first to use the 1974 debuted Swiss ETA 2783 movement. This watch had gained Collector's status because of its unique TV shape and intricate 18K satin gold dial design, 18K gold-filled case, and 18K gold-plating of the rest of the watch.

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

Its timeless shaped 18K gold-filled satin gold dial, case and dial, 3D indices, hands, day/date window and case are in stunning condition after a good clean-up. The 18K gold-plated bracelet and the original acrylic crystal were given a good buff which removed most of the obvious scratches and age marks.

The crown is original and is located at the 3H position and is neither too big nor too small to handle. The date and hands operate in the traditional manner by pulling out and rotating the crown that works flawlessly.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 17 August 2023. In short, it underwent an overhaul and should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years at the very least thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

This 18K gold-filled / gold-electroplated Musketeer III is equipped with the world-renowned ETA 2783 movement with 25 Jewels that operates at 21,600 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher shows excellent readings i.e. rate of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 234 with a straight centered line! Such readings are extremely exceptional even for brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking calibration conducted.

DO NOTE THAT THERE ARE PLAIN STAINLESS STEEL RADO MUSKETEER IIIs THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE CHEAPER ETA 2789 MOVEMENT.

The watch also comes with its original SS gold-electroplated bracelet that was also buffed to remove age marks. Sadly, the bracelet's gold-plating on the underside has tarnished due to age.

The case width and height are approximately 36m (without crown) and 44mm respectively; and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 20cm. Hence, this watch is 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 parts or modified thereby it is considered in near MINT condition.

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

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in excellent 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 nice purposeful carrying case or box 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.

Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none has beautifully aged and as well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone. Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

This is a highly sort-after Rado Musketeer III; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Rado die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector!