Rado Sapphire Gazelle 1110678 (1973)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A striking example of 1970s horological design, this Rado Sapphire Gazelle captures the bold, architectural aesthetic of its era. Known for their innovative use of materials and distinct case shapes, Rado created the Sapphire Gazelle to stand out. This piece features a robust cushion case and a striking faceted crystal, embodying the retro-futuristic charm that collectors highly seek today. Brand: Rado Model: Sapphire Gazelle Reference Number: 1110678 Serial Number: K334790 Movement: Automatic ETA caliber 2783, 25 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, showing noticeable spotting and age-related wear Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and visible dial patina Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial features a striking radial finish, complemented by applied faceted indices with black center stripes. A prominent red Rado anchor logo sits at the twelve o'clock position, while a vibrant blue gazelle motif and elegant script adorn the lower half. The date aperture at three o'clock displays striking red numerals. Upon close inspection, the dial exhibits noticeable age-related spotting, surface dust, and minor discoloration, particularly around the outer edges and near the six o'clock marker. The straight baton hands, finished in black with polished edges, show light aging consistent with the rest of the dial. Case and Crystal The substantial forty-millimeter stainless steel cushion case showcases bold 1970s design, featuring a prominent vertical brushed finish across the top surface that transitions sharply into polished flanks. The case lines and factory chamfers remain well-defined, showing honest signs of wear, including superficial scratches and minor handling marks typical of a vintage tool watch. The watch is fitted with a distinctive faceted crystal, which presents a flat central viewing area bordered by angled cuts, exhibiting minor edge wear but remaining largely clear. The original Rado-signed crown is present and functions as intended. The screw-down caseback is crisply engraved with the Rado Water-Sealed seahorse emblem and the serial number. Movement Inside beats the reliable ETA caliber 2783 automatic movement, featuring twenty-five jewels and a beautifully textured Rado-signed rotor. The movement presents cleanly, with the caliber stamp clearly visible beneath the balance wheel. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results show a variance of -47 to -52 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on its original stainless steel flat-link bracelet, which perfectly complements the architectural lines of the case. The bracelet displays a matching brushed finish with scattered scuffs and light scratches from normal use. It is secured by a folding clasp proudly stamped with the Rado seahorse emblem, accommodating a wrist size of up to 17.5 centimeters. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case retains strong geometry and appealing brushed textures, while the dial shows clear, honest signs of aging, spotting, and patina that authenticate its vintage journey. The faceted crystal and original bracelet complete this well-preserved, highly wearable package. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 40 millimeters in diameter, excluding the signed crown, offering a substantial and distinctly retro presence on the wrist. Remarks The Rado Sapphire Gazelle is a fantastic representation of the brand's daring design language during the quartz crisis era, offering mechanical charm and unmistakable visual character. History Rado has long been celebrated as a pioneer of unconventional watchmaking, frequently experimenting with hard metals, sapphire crystals, and avant-garde case shapes. The Gazelle line emerged during a period of intense creativity for the brand, designed to offer robust daily wearability alongside striking aesthetics. Today, these models are appreciated by collectors for their unique position in 1970s horological history. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RSB-0001