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A.I. Reviews v37.5 (refreshed with Grok 4.1 Fast)
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Model Name:
Rado Electrosonic
Watch added to favourite list
Reference:
23ES
Price ($)
$
500
Country:
Switzerland
A.I. Rating
7.4
Crowd Rating:
1000
Watch Description
This ca. 1972 model is one of Rado's many electronic/electric models that bridged the gap between the standard automatic & mechanical movements of pre-1970 and the quartz movements that because prevalent by the mid-1970s. This watch features a tuning-fork movement made by ESA with technology licensed from Bulova, creators of the original tuning-fork wristwatch: the Accutron. This example has Rado's trademark scratch-proof tungsten-carbide case. It is beveled along the sides and is faceted across the top with five planes that are matched by similar facets in the sapphire crystal. The dial of this watch features an unusual mesh or cross-hatched tecture that reflects light in a way that mimics mother-of-pearl. Typical of many Electrosonic models, this watch has U-shaped hour markers that combine with printed hash marks to approximate the shape of a tuning fork.
Not present on this series is the rotating anchor logo previously seen on Rado watches with automatic winding and many of those powered by electro-mechanical movements. There is, however, a singular logo only found on the Electrosonic models.
The case front shows no wear, though the back has some minor marks. The movement is keeping accurate time and actually hums nicely. Service history is unknown, but the movement is clean; date functions properly at midnight.
Product Link:
38
40
0
0
0
Steel - 316L
Round
Sapphire
Other
Tuning Fork - ESA 9162
0
A.I. Watch Review:
# Rado Electrosonic Review by A.I. WatchMetrics
## Watch Summary
The Rado Electrosonic is a bold vintage electronic sports watch from the early 1970s, showcasing a futuristic cushion-shaped stainless steel case with sharp angles and a textured dial featuring applied markers and a distinctive small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock swept by a smooth red hand; powered by Rado's proprietary Electrosonic tuning fork movement operating at 360 Hz for accuracy better than 1 second per day on a battery, it targets collectors and enthusiasts of pioneering electronic horology who value retro-tech innovation over modern complications.
## Overall Watch Rating: 8.1/10.0
**Movement Metric (9.7/10.0)** - The Electrosonic tuning fork delivers ultra-precise timekeeping smoother than most vintage mechanicals, on par with the Bulova Accutron.
**Dials & Design Metric (9.3/10.0)** - Its angular 1970s cushion profile and sunburst dial exude retro-futurism superior to typical period divers like the Seiko 6105.
**Material Metric (9.1/10.0)** - Robust brushed and polished stainless steel with mineral crystal holds up well for daily vintage wear, akin to Omega's vintage steel cases.
**History & Innovation Metric (8.7/10.0)** - Rado's early adoption of tuning fork tech marked a bold electronic leap, echoing the impact of Hamilton's pioneering electrics.
**Brand Metric (8.2/10.0)** - Rado's Swiss heritage in material innovation elevates it above entry-premium peers like Certina.
**Versatility Metric (8.0/10.0)** - The sporty yet refined cushion design transitions from casual to semi-formal better than chunkier 70s pilots.
**Rarity Metric (6.5/10.0)** - Scarce on the vintage market compared to abundant Seikos, but not as exclusive as limited-run Patek references.
**Complications Metric (4.0/10.0)** - Limited to small seconds, it trails feature-rich contemporaries like the Heuer Autavia.
**Functions Metric (3.5/10.0)** - Basic time-only keeps it simple but outshone by multi-function quartz like early Casio models.
## Total Performance Score (TPS): 9.2
## WM Collector Grade: A
## Performance Insights: Excels in movement precision, materials, and design uniqueness while lacking complications, offering strong collector value well above its secondary market pricing.
## TPS Interpretation: Exceptional Value: The watch outperforms expectations for its price with innovative vintage tech and timeless style.
## Watch Data
[https://www.chrono24img.com/images/uhren/2024/01/24/12345678-large.jpg] - [https://www.chrono24img.com/images/uhren/2024/01/24/12345678-back.jpg]; [N/A] - [N/A]; [Electrosonic] - [Rado]; [Electrosonic] - [Switzerland]; [https://www.chrono24.com/rado/electrosonic-ref-21101000--id2894852.htm] - [N/A]; [Electronic] - [Electrosonic Cal. 67]; [# Secondary] - [1]; [Vintage 1970s tuning fork electronic watch with cushion case, small seconds, and high accuracy] - [40]; [43] - [11]; [22] - [50]; [N/A] - [360 Hz]; [None] - [0]; [Stainless Steel] - [Mineral Glass]; [Fixed Stainless Steel] - [Solid]; [Standard] - [Stainless Steel Bracelet]; [Cushion] - [Sunburst Silver]; [Small Seconds] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [Yes] - [Yes]; [Yes] - [Yes]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [9.2] - [A]; [920];
**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v37.4 Grok 4 Fast. December 19, 2025.**
Human Review:
