For sale we have a 1950s Rodania Stainless Steel case watch, with large tear drop lugs. It is an early bi-directional automatic watch, with the Felsa Bidynator movement inside. It has a 31mm case diameter, which is neat, with a large lug-to-lug length of 40mm adding presence. It has a tropicalized patinated dial, with neat arrow hour markers and arabic numerals. The hour hands are original, in rose gold tone, with the central second hand. It has the original crown to the right. To the rear is a screw back, with the Felsa Bidynator 25 jewel movement inside. It is working well, keeping time to within +25 seconds a day. 
 
The dial has a spotted tropicalized patination, indicative of a life in a country with higher heat and humidity. This is an appealing and unique ageing which has turned the cream tone, to a golden/champagne tone. The dial is very pleasantly balanced with the applied arrowhead hour markers and arabic 9, 12, 3 & 6. This is matched with the circular lume plots at 3, 6, 9, with the arrow marked above 12. There is a 1/5 second track around the exterior, for accurate timekeeping. The Rodania name is in a stylised font and is applied to the dial. The luminous paint to the dial is original and has a pleasing ageing. 
The Lance Alpha style hands are a rose gold tone, with luminous in-fill to the centre. The central second hand is original and has a nicely designed counterbalance. They are in good condition with a bright shine.
 
The full Stainless-Steel case is petite at 31mm diameter, but the watch packs a punch with its large 40mm lug to lug presence. This creates a fascinating design on the wrist, with the dramatic feel of the lugs. The centre of the case has a polished notched bezel, with curved sides. The lugs have a bevel to the top, with a diverging curved design. The sides of the lugs and sharp and flat with a brushed finish. To the right, there is the original crown, with coin edge finish and domed polished face. 
The case back has 6 notches for screwing open. It has a facetted edge, with flat face and a circular brushed finish. It has the original engraving, listing proudly the features of the watch. Inside it is signed with the Rodania name.
 
The movement is a Felsa Bidynator, with 25 jewels. It is also marked as being adjusted to 5 positions. The rotor is signed Rodania too. The Felsa Bidynator movements, were the first patented bi-directional winding automatic movement, released in 1942. The movement has a good standard of finishing, with a mix of brushing and striping throughout. It benefits from shockproofing too. The movement has an unknown service history but has been tested and is keeping time to +25 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 280 degrees.
 
Beautifully designed and good quality vintage watches don’t have to break the bank. This is one such example from Rodania. It has so many aspects that will bring joy to the wearer every time they put it on. 
 
Rodania:
 
Rodania were founded by the Baumgartner family in Grenchen, Switzerland, in 1930. The company had an excellent reputation for its slim watches and pocket wathes. It expanded rapidly in its early years, opening sales offices in New York, Montreal, Caraces, Madrid and Brussels. The brand was introduced under the name Rodana, but after a legal battle, they changed name to Rodania in 1952. 
 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is original and is in fair condition for the age. It is a champagne tone and has a tropicalized speckled patina. The signing is good and clear with applied logo. The hour markers are applied. The lume plots are also original. 
 
Hands: 
The hands are original. They are of Lance Alpha style, with luminous in-fill. They are a rose gold tone, which is good and even with no obvious signs of corrosion. The central second hand is also original. 
 
Glass: 
The acrylic crystal is a replacement which is in good condition.
 
Crown: 
The crown is original and is in good condition with neat coin edge finish. It has some light surface scratching. 
 
Case:
The case is Stainless Steel and is in fair condition for the age. It has a polished finish with light surface scratching associated with ageing. It has the original brushed finish to the sides of the lugs. 
 
Caseback:
The case back is formed of steel and is in fair condition for the age. It has 6 notches for opening. It has light surface scratching consistent with age, and some deeper scuffs to the edges from poor opening. The engraving is good and clear. There are signs of the original circular brushing. 
 
Strap: 
The watch comes on a new genuine leather strap. 
 
Movement: 
The movement is a Felsa Bidynator calibre, which was introduced in 1942. It is an automatic movement with detached manual wind. It has a sweep centre second and a jewel count of 25. It has a frequency of 18,000 BPH and a 40-hour power reserve. It also benefits from shock protection.
 
The service history is unknown, but the movement is cosmetically clean and is keeping good time. It’s keeping time to +25 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 280 degrees.
 
Case dimensions: 
Case width: 31mm
Case width with crown: 33.5mm
Case length: 31mm
Case length lug to lug: 40mm
Case Depth: 11.25mm
Lug width: 16mm