Rado Green Gazelle 11984 (1970-1979)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Green Gazelle captures the essence of 1970s watchmaking with its bold geometric case and striking dial textures. During an era when Swiss manufacturers were experimenting heavily with unique shapes and vibrant branding, Rado stood at the forefront of avant-garde design. This particular example showcases a beautiful contrast between a remarkably pristine dial and a case that bears the honest marks of its history, making it a fascinating piece for collectors of distinctive vintage timepieces. Brand: Rado Model: Green Gazelle Reference Number: 11984 Serial Number: 2344093 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 2797 Dial: Vertically brushed silver dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 33 mm Case Material: Stainless steel with gold-plated bezel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and a beautifully preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Green Gazelle is a masterclass in texture and preservation. It features a striking vertically brushed silver surface that catches the light beautifully, remaining exceptionally clean with no visible spotting, stains, or moisture damage. The typography is crisp and fully intact, featuring the Rado name beneath the signature rotating anchor logo, which is set against a vibrant red background at the twelve o'clock position. Above the six o'clock marker, the iconic green gazelle motif is sharply printed above the model name. The dial furniture includes highly polished, applied faceted baton indices with black central inserts that provide excellent legibility. A faceted silver frame surrounds the date window at three o'clock, displaying stylized red numerals. The time is indicated by black baton hands and a slender silver sweeping seconds hand, all of which are excellently preserved and complement the dial perfectly. Case and Crystal The 33 mm stainless steel case features a distinctive angular, cushion-style geometry with heavily brushed top surfaces and polished flanks. The lug profiles remain sharp and well-defined, maintaining the intended architectural lines of the era. The watch is fitted with a fluted bezel that exhibits significant and honest vintage wear. The gold plating on the bezel has been heavily rubbed on the high points through decades of regular use, exposing the base metal beneath and giving the watch a rugged, well-traveled character. The original Rado anchor-signed crown is present and functions correctly. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down stainless steel caseback, deeply embossed with the Rado three-seahorse emblem and Water-Sealed text, alongside the reference and serial numbers. The crystal is clear and well-preserved, protecting the dial effectively while offering an unobstructed view of the pristine dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made automatic movement, clearly stamped with the caliber 2797 marking on the base plate. The movement is visually striking, featuring a gold-toned rotor decorated with an intricate engine-turned waffle pattern and signed with the Rado 25 Jewels text. The internal components appear clean and well-maintained. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -55 to -60 s/d. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct black leather strap featuring an alligator grain texture and contrasting white stitching. The strap is supple and integrates well with the angular lugs, secured by a classic stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Rado is presented in good vintage condition, offering a compelling mix of a remarkably pristine dial and an honestly worn case. The dial and hands are in stunning condition, appearing virtually flawless and retaining all original textures and print. The stainless steel case shows normal handling marks consistent with its age. The gold-plated fluted bezel displays heavy wear and significant plating loss, which speaks to the historical use of the timepiece while contrasting beautifully with the perfect dial. The movement is clean and operational. Dimensions Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The Green Gazelle is a fantastic representation of Rado's adventurous design philosophy. The combination of the vertically brushed dial, the signature rotating anchor, and the heavily worn fluted bezel gives this specific watch a unique personality. It is a highly wearable and conversation-starting piece that brings genuine 1970s charm to any collection. History Rado has long been celebrated for its pioneering approach to watch design and its fearless use of unconventional shapes and materials. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the brand released a wide array of uniquely named models, often featuring animal motifs and the iconic rotating anchor logo that symbolized their automatic movements. The Green Gazelle stands as a testament to this creative era, offering collectors a bold, reliable, and unmistakable piece of mid-century Swiss watchmaking history. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-GGX-0001