Brand: Rado
Model: Marstron (standard version, black dial)
Ref.: unknown
Issued: ca. 1970
Case: Stainless steel with screw-back and inset medallion
Crystal: glass with nine facets
Bracelet: original steel with wide links and thin connectors
Movement: ESA 9154 Dynotron - 13-jewel battery-powered electro-mechanical with balance wheel. Battery bridge signed "Rado"

Description: As mentioned elsewhere on this site, this ca. 1970 model is another of several models Rado made that suggest a fascination with the "Space Race." This example features the rather rare black dial (as opposed to the silver or grey version) and globe-with-orbitals logo and printing of argent.

Present on this series is the rotating anchor logo previously seen only on watches with automatic winding. Hands are of varied widths of rectangles, with luminous filling, and the hours are indicated by wide hash marks--white lines denote the quarter-hour markers except at 6:00 where the date window is located (other dial colors feature orange or yellow accents). Case has off-set setting crown (signed), inset case back medallion typical of models seen in Japanese market, and faceted crystal. A less common example of this watch was also made; it features pointed hands and smaller, monochromatic hour markers. The dial of this watch sometimes appears to be blue, as shown in one of the photos below.

The Marstron with black dial is not often seen and was apparently made in smaller numbers than even the fairly uncommon grey version. A 1972 catalogue page showing the Marstron line includes three variants of this style, but not that with black dial.

Photos: Click for larger images

Rado Marstron with black dial Rado Marstron with black dial – blue color effect Rado Marstron – black dial uncased ESA Dynotron Cal. 9154 Rado Marstron – black dial detail Black Marston – click for very large imageA Rado Marstron trio – very large photo for comparison

This model originally sold for 49,800 Yen, as indicated by period advertising and this photo of a new-old-stock watch.

This watch has been sold.

Note: More specific information pertaining to the manufacture/issue date of this watch is welcome. Please feel free to e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


Text and images © C. Bradley Jacobs, WatchCarefully.com

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