RADO 70's / BALBOA V / Cal.2782

The "Balboa V" from the 1970s vividly showcases Rado's expertise in material technology and avant-garde design.

In 1962, Rado released the "DiaStar," which incorporated hardmetal, mainly tungsten carbide, into its watches. This model embodied the then-advanced idea of using scratch-resistant materials to maintain the watch's beautiful appearance for a long time.

Following this trend, a series of models, including the Balboa, were developed into bold designs characteristic of the 1970s.

The Balboa V features a highly polished hardmetal case and an organic form that spreads out to cover the lugs. Its futuristic design, reminiscent of a spaceship, is unlike a typical round case and represents Rado's challenge to materials and form at the time.

It not only offered practicality in terms of durability but also showcased the material itself as a design element. This piece, representing the 1970s, reflects the origins of Rado, which is still called the "Master of Materials."

■Dial and Case Design

The dial features a gradient that transitions from silver-gray to green and then to a deep black.

The color boundaries softly shift depending on the angle of light and viewing, creating a sense of depth. Gold-colored bar hands and applied bar indexes are positioned on this dial, adding a three-dimensional and elegant touch to its substantial appearance.

The crystal features a multi-faceted cut glass. Each facet complexly reflects light, further enhancing the impressive gradient of the dial.

Such bold cut glass is a valuable detail unique to 1970s vintage watches. It symbolizes the free design sensibility of the era, which cannot be explained by functionality alone.

The case is made of hardmetal, primarily tungsten carbide. It boasts scratch resistance superior to stainless steel and is a material that easily maintains its highly polished, lustrous texture for a long time.

The case, which extends widely to cover the lugs, features an original design with both soft curves and sharp cuts. Furthermore, by combining it with a Rado genuine metal bracelet made of fine links, the watch achieves a unified appearance from case to bracelet.

Hardmetal case, cut glass, gradient dial, and genuine bracelet. Each of these elements comes together to create the strong individuality unique to the Balboa V.

■Movement

The installed movement is the ETA-made automatic "Cal.2782".

This movement was primarily manufactured in the 1970s and features 25 jewels, 21,600 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of approximately 47 hours. It is a highly practical design, displaying hours, minutes, and seconds, and includes a date display at the 3 o'clock position with a quick-set mechanism.

The entire movement is finished in gold, and the rotor is engraved with "RADO" and "25 JEWELS". The beautiful expression of the mechanism is also a highlight, echoing the splendor of its exterior.

The Cal.2782 is a typical ETA movement that reliably incorporates the necessary functions for daily use without complex mechanisms. By housing a stable mechanical design within its distinctive exterior, it achieves both design appeal and practicality.

■Styling

Case size: 42.4mm vertical (including lugs) / 36.1mm horizontal (including crown) / 13.3mm thick / 101g (including strap)

With its impactful case design and gradient dial, the Balboa V is a timepiece that you'll want to make the centerpiece of your outfit.

Paired with a black or charcoal gray shirt, the green of the dial naturally emerges, creating a sophisticated yet individual style. It also pairs well with earth tones like olive and brown, allowing you to effortlessly enjoy a 1970s atmosphere.

For a casual look, simple attire such as a white T-shirt, denim, or a military jacket is recommended. The lustrous hardmetal case and genuine bracelet act as an accent, adding a moderate sense of weight to your everyday style.

On the other hand, when paired with a black jacket or wide-leg trousers, it complements a modern, fashionable look that leverages the watch's futuristic design.

By avoiding excessive adornment and keeping your clothing simple, the bold design unique to the Balboa V stands out even more.

■Condition

The exterior is in good condition, even considering its age.

The hardmetal case shows no significant scratches or dents, and the lustrous texture unique to its mirror finish is well-preserved. The cut glass also has no noticeable scratches or chips that would impair visibility.

The genuine bracelet shows minor signs of use due to age, and some discoloration and rust are visible in places. While cleaning and rust removal will be performed during the overhaul before delivery, some discoloration or rust marks may remain depending on the condition of the material. Thank you for your understanding in advance.

The movement is currently running well, and all functions, including the date display, are operating without issue. Before delivery, a complete overhaul will be performed to ensure the internal condition is optimal before handing it over to you.

■To purchase with confidence

All watches handled by our store undergo an internal inspection by a specialized watch mechanic upon arrival and are sold only after being determined to be genuine, so you can use them with peace of mind.

When you purchase a watch, we will provide a new leather strap from our store.
Please select your desired color from the order selection tab and place your order.
*For watches with genuine straps or metal bands, the leather strap will not be attached but sent separately as a spare.
A dedicated watch case will also be sent at the time of shipment.

●Important information after purchasing an antique watch, please be sure to read●

At RESUME, when selling antique watches, we do not hand them over immediately upon order.
Instead, we request an overhaul (hereinafter "OH") from a specialized craftsman, and deliver the watch after the OH is completed. (This takes approximately 1-2 months.)

A specialized craftsman, certified as a Class 1 watch repair technician, will completely disassemble the watch, replace consumable parts such as internal gaskets, clean, lubricate, and perform a thorough OH, adjusting it to within ±1 minute per day.
Furthermore, upon delivery, we will send our unique OH certificate explaining the work performed during the OH, along with photographs of the machine's disassembly and maintenance.

Of course, due to the nature of the product being used, there is no guarantee that it will never break, but we take these measures to allow you to enjoy the original performance of the watch and to use it with peace of mind in the future. We kindly ask for your understanding.

When purchasing a product, a 1-year warranty period is provided depending on the model. Even for products whose warranty period has expired, we offer repair services for a fee.
If you do not have a repair shop nearby, please feel free to consult us.