RADO Murano, 1970s

— Venetian blue —

Rado made its name in watch history as a master of materials, and the Murano is among the most avant-garde and scarce pieces in that history. The bezel is set with Murano glass, the traditional craft of Venice: a deep, mysterious blue that takes on an almost absorbing lustre as the light moves.

— Catching the changing light —

The dial is a sunburst gradient running from purple through gold to green, centre to edge. Slight vintage character from the years gives it a depth that exists nowhere else.

At twelve sits Rado's icon, the rotating anchor, swinging with every movement of the arm — a piece of play that does a lot for the pleasure of ownership.

The vertical day-date at six sharpens the retro-futuristic air particular to the 1970s.

— Substantial form —

A sharply drawn cushion case runs straight into the bracelet. The original bracelet, carefully hairline finished, has a thickness and toughness current watches do not attempt, and gives the wrist an agreeable weight.

The case back is crisply stamped with three seahorses and a star, Rado's mark of sealing and water resistance, and evidence of a watch that has been looked after.

— A golden movement —

Inside is the 25-jewel automatic calibre ETA 2798, full of dependable Swiss technique. The rotor carries a lattice decoration and the stamp "RADO 25 JEWELS", and is still keeping strong, accurate time after nearly fifty years.

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