Brand: Rado

Model: Balboa V

Ref.: n/a

Issued Ca. 1970

Case: Tungsten-Carbide bezel, stainless steel back

Crystal: Sapphire with squared facets

Bracelet: Stainless steel with expandable clasp (not original)

Movement: ETA 2783, 25 jewels, gilt.

Description: This is an uncommon Diastar-like Balboa V model with tungsten-carbide bezel and a dial made of black goldstone. The Balboa line was apparently sold mainly in the Far East (see the gallery of vintage advertisements for images of some Japanese Balboa ads, showing a variety of Balboa case shapes). With a printed anchor logo (as opposed to the in-set rotating anchor found on most Rado automatics) and the white printing and marker elements setting off the stone dial material, this is a very distinctive piece. Highly reflective silvery specks are scattered throughout the material giving the impression of stars in a night sky. Click the links for information about a Diastar 13G with Tiger-Eye dial and a Diastar with similar black stone dial (also shown below).

The case shows almost no wear and the back has minor scratches. The movement is running smoothly but its service history is unknown. Overall condition of this watch is 80% or better.

Photos: Click for larger images

This watch has been sold.

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