A fascinating follow-up message from Rado indicated that the chronograph models above were not offered in Europe, but were available as follows:

  • The watches were sold in the following markets
    • Middle east (main market)
    • North/Centr. America
    • Far East
    • Africa
    • Oceania


My example was bought from a seller in the USA, and I had assumed it came from Japan or other foreign market. I had no idea any had been offered stateside, having never seen them in stores I visited (or on the RADO US website).
@JohnPat, have you seen this model in the Middle East? I'm afraid my travels thru Dubai post-date this model's market lifespan.