Brand: Rado
Model: Manhattan 
Ref.: 11815
Issued Ca. 1968
Case: Stainless steel with integral snap-on back/movement cradle
Crystal: Acrylic with Rado logo at center
Bracelet: Original NSA with Rado clasp, reference 0571
Movement: Rado Cal 1859 (A Schild 1901), 17 jewels, gilt

Description: This is one of the original series of Manhattan models issued by Rado in the mid-1960s and produced until 1973. This example has the deep recessed case back which holds the movement in place, snaps to the bezel, and is protected by a large plastic crystal. The crystal envelops the case back and is rendered water-tight by close contact with an o-ring gasket. Photos of this and more information on the Rado Manhattan series can be found in this article. Please note that some later examples of the Manhattan have been seen which employ a simple snap-back which is not the water-resistant version pictured here. 

This example features the relatively common silver dial with wedge markers. The original bracelet, a flat-clasp model made by Novavit S.A., is present.
This page from a 1972 Japanese catalog shows this watch and bracelet combination.

The case front shows little wear and the back has some minor marks. The movement, stamped A.S. 1901 and 1859 (see EquationofTime.com's Rado Forum for more on this) is perfectly preserved and keeping accurate time; the day/date mechanisms change properly. The movement is clearly intended for the US market as it is marked with the import code UOR and "unadjusted' on the rotor.

Photos

Photo by the author Photo by the authorPhoto by the author Photo by the author Photo by the author

This watch is not available for sale.
Note: More specific information pertaining to the manufacture/issue date of this watch is welcome.

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

www.watchcarefully.com