Rado Kapell 606.3178.4 (1970-1979)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Kapell is a striking representation of 1970s Swiss design, combining an avant-garde cushion case with Rado's signature flair for optical depth. The watch is defined by its spectacular faceted crystal, which catches the light to create a prism effect over the dial, a hallmark of Rado's vintage creativity. With its clean lines, hidden lugs, and robust stainless steel construction, this timepiece offers a sophisticated yet bold aesthetic that stands out on the wrist. It represents a fantastic opportunity for collectors to acquire a distinctive model that perfectly captures the funk and precision of the era. Brand: Rado Model: Kapell Reference Number: 606.3178.4 Movement: Automatic ETA 2824 Dial: Vertical Brushed Grey Case Size: 38 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition featuring a well-preserved case and a pristine dial. Timegrapher results are provided below. Dial and Hands The dial features a stunning vertical brushed gunmetal grey finish that plays beautifully with the light. It is adorned with thick, applied baton hour markers with white inlays, matched by consistent baton hands. The signature Rado anchor logo at 12 o'clock sits on a ruby-colored background. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The true highlight is the faceted crystal which adds depth and character to the dial, creating a unique visual experience from every angle. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion-shaped profile with a smooth, polished bezel and integrated lug design. The case measures 38mm in width and retains sharp, definition with only minor surface handling marks. The caseback is a screw-down type, featuring the iconic Rado seahorse medallion and clear engravings of the reference numbers. The faceted mineral crystal is in superb condition, clear and free of distracting scratches, preserving the unique optical effect of the watch. The crown is signed with the Rado anchor symbol. Movement Inside beats a reliable ETA caliber 2824 automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels and a gold-plated Rado signed rotor. The movement appears visually clean and bright. Timegrapher testing indicates the watch is running between +47 and +55 seconds per day, which indicates the movement is working as intented, though a little fast. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring a scale-pattern texture and contrasting orange stitching, which complements the vintage sport-dress aesthetic of the piece. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is flawless with no visible staining or oxidation. The case retains its original geometry and high-polish finish with only light signs of age. The faceted crystal is remarkably well-preserved. Dimensions The case measures 38 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a substantial yet comfortable presence suitable for most wrist sizes. Remarks The Kapell is a less common model compared to the DiaStar or Voyager lines, making it a desirable find for Rado enthusiasts. Its combination of a standard steel construction with the luxurious touch of a faceted crystal makes it a versatile daily wearer with distinct vintage charm. History Rado has long been a pioneer in materials and design, distinguishing itself in the mid-20th century by moving away from traditional watch shapes. In the 1970s, the brand experimented heavily with hard metals and faceted crystals, creating watches that were not just timekeepers but pieces of modern art. The Kapell series exemplifies this era of experimentation, blending robust Swiss engineering with a futuristic design language that remains stylish today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RKA-0001