Brand: | Rado |
Model: | Cologny |
Ref.: | unknown |
Issued: | 1973 |
Case: | Stainless steel with snap-back |
Crystal: | beveled glass |
Bracelet: | original steel withsigned clasp, reference unknown |
Movement: | Peseux cal. 7001, 17 jewels, gilt |
Description: This model is one of many Rado made in the 1970s and gave the name of a location in Switzerland. Cologny is a municipality in the Canton of Geneva, on the bank of Lac Léman. According to period literature (see the May 1973 Japanese catalogue page below), this watch was available in the Japanese market in 1973. The presence of a case number beginning with letter K and of “Rado Watch” on the dial instead of a Swiss Made designation, suggests it was assembled in Asia of both Swiss and Asian parts. The movement is a Peseux 7001 of Swiss manufacture.
The dial of this watch is of a maroon hue similar to garnet, and appears to be made of a thin slice of some sort of natural stone or mineral. The steel case is very thin and, along with the beveled and raised glass crystal, measures only 7 mm thick. The width without crown is 30 mm and the length 35 mm. Though small by current standards, this is ample for a dress watch; the overall shape with the integrated bracelet is large enough to have substance but is also comfortable and, despite the colorful dial, subtle.
A sister model to this watch was called Cologny Balboa, the latter term indicating it has a bezel of scratchproof tungsten-carbide (as with Diastasrs). Its matching steel bracelet also included inset decorative elements. The sizes of parts of these two mdels are slightly different and not necessarily interchangeable.
Photos: Click for larger images
This watch has been sold.