Quite a rare model, this Rado Cornell has the original beads of rice bracelet and the faceted glass crystal.  We believe the watch is named after Cornell University in New York.

HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?

With help from this page we have established a few pointers.  Rado watches used to use a bayonet fitting for the case back up until the late sixties, and this example has a screw down back to it is later than this.  And in 1972, Rado switched from a five digit reference number like this watch has to an eight digit reference reference number.  So this example, with five digit reference and screw down case back, much be circa 1970.  We have also been sent a copy of an ad from a 1972 Japanese catalogue, featuring this model, which we have shown here.

CONDITION

The first thing to overcome with any Rado watch is simple – is it real?  They have suffered fakes, which are usually easy enough to spot, but more worryingly and harder to detect are Frankens.  Frankens are made up from various parts from various watches, but they are not how the watch left the factory and are best avoided.  In order to establish this Cornell is correct we had the help of the very friendly Rado forum on Equation of Time, who are happy with this example.  They even provided the Japanese advert that shows the dial and tuning fork hands match perfectly to the case design.

One unusual feature Rado watches of this period have is the floating anchor logo.  This is not connected to the mechanism in any way, but is free spinning.  The original idea is that if the logo isn’t spinning then the oils have dried up, and the watch needed servicing.  That is maybe not 100% accurate, but this one does spin freely.

This watch has a very subtle faceted crystal made from glass.  This has six facets and we have no idea why it is fitted, as it doesn’t seem to add anything to the design.  And it does make the dial look a little distorted in some photos too.  But it is likely to be the original crystal and that is why we haven’t replaced it, despite the scratches on some facets.  Also likely to be original is the beads of rice stainless steel bracelet, which has been cleaned in our ultrasonic bath.  Inside the case is a Rado branded AS1858 automatic movement  with 25 jewels and quick set date.

This watch will be supplied with our Certificate of Authenticity.

Please see the HD video for more detail.  All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned.  We do not photoshop any images, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.

​SIZE

Width with crown  37.5 mm

Width without crown  35.7 mm

Between lugs  18 mm

Lug to lug length  40.2 mm

Case Thickness  12.1 mm

Bracelet maximum length  188 mm

All sizes are approximate.

Included with this watch is a 2 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses.  If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries.  Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us.  Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.

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