Brand: Rado

Model: Marstron (version A)

Ref. n/a

Case: Stainless steel with screw-back

Bracelet: Stainless steel, reference unknown

Movement: ESA 9154 Dynotron - 13-jewel battery-powered electro-mechanical with balance wheel. Battery bridge signed "Rado"

Description: This ca. 1970 model is one of several models Rado made that suggest a fascination with the "Space Race" which culminated in the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing. Apparently, Rado's designers subsequently set their sights beyond the moon and named this futuristic watch "Marstron"--a reference both to the idea of space travel and to the forward thinking which was producing reliable electronic and electro-mechanical wrist watch movements at the time. This example features the globe-with-orbitals logo--also seen on the Rado Hardtron (essentially a Diastar with Dynotron movement)--and the rotating anchor logo previously seen only on watches with automatic winding. Hands are dagger-shaped and the hours are indicated by simple hash marks. Seconds hand is red-tipped. Case has off-set setting crown (signed), inset case back medallion typical of models seen in Japanese market, and flat crystal of sapphire or hard mineral. Most examples of this model are found with a faceted sapphire crystal (akin to those found on Diastar models), hands of a blocky, rectangular style, 1/4-hour markers colored with orange, and a distinctive bracelet with two thin connectors per link. This may be an early version.

The case shows typical wear, commensurate with its age, but overall the watch is very presentable and is keeping accurate time. Service history is unknown, but the movement is clean; date functions properly at midnight.

The NSA 7-row bracelet and straps pictured are not original to the watch and were added for purposes of photography.

Photos: Click for larger images

Photo by the author Photo by the author Copyright WatchCarefully.com 

Rado Marstron Rado Marstron Rado Marstron movement

This watch has been sold.


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

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