Description:
Offered in this auction by Second Vintage
Step back into the bold design era of the 1970s with this striking Rado Kapell, a timepiece that perfectly encapsulates the brand's flair for distinctive aesthetics and reliable Swiss engineering. With its sweeping cushion case and signature rotating anchor logo, this watch offers an exceptional blend of vintage character and robust mechanical performance, making it a captivating addition to any collection.
Brand: Rado
Model: Kapell
Reference Number: 40561780
Serial Number: 11054
Movement: Automatic, ETA Caliber 2824, 25 Jewels
Dial: Silver vertically brushed dial with applied faceted indices, showing minor age-consistent spotting
Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1970s
Condition: Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear
Dial and Hands
The striking silver dial features a distinct vertically brushed texture that catches the light beautifully, creating a dynamic backdrop for the applied faceted steel indices. These markers, along with the matching baton hands, feature black central accents that provide excellent legibility and a sharp contrast against the silver dial. A vibrant red date wheel is displayed through a framed aperture at the three o'clock position, adding a welcome pop of color. The iconic Rado rotating anchor logo sits proudly at twelve o'clock against a deep red background, while the elegant Kapell script is printed at six o'clock. An outer minute track is positioned on a slightly recessed chapter ring. Close visual inspection reveals minor age-related spotting and dust particles across the dial surface, presenting an honest vintage aesthetic without detracting from the watch's overall visual impact.
Case and Crystal
The 38mm stainless steel cushion case exemplifies classic 1970s design language, featuring sweeping polished surfaces that flow seamlessly into the hidden lug structure. The case displays honest surface scratches, light scuffs, and handling marks consistent with its vintage age, retaining its original bold contours and presence on the wrist. The original Rado-signed crown is present, bearing the distinctive anchor logo. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado seahorses motif, the "Water-Sealed" script, alongside the reference and serial numbers. The watch is fitted with a faceted crystal that remains clear, offering an unobstructed view of the brushed dial beneath.
Movement
Powering this Kapell is a robust 25-jewel automatic movement, based on the highly reliable ETA Caliber 2824. The rotor is handsomely finished and signed with the Rado name and jewel count. The movement presents cleanly, showcasing the enduring mechanical engineering of the era. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate an exceptional precision of +10 to +12 seconds per day.
Strap
The watch is paired with an original stainless steel mesh-style bracelet that perfectly complements the retro cushion case. The fold-over clasp is correctly signed with the Rado anchor logo and block lettering, completing the authentic vintage presentation. The bracelet shows normal signs of light wear and conforms comfortably to the wrist.
Condition
Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear. The polished stainless steel case and original bracelet show moderate surface scratches and scuffs typical of regular use over the decades. The vertically brushed dial is well-preserved, with minor age-consistent spotting visible under magnification. The faceted crystal is clear, and the movement is exceptionally clean and functioning with outstanding precision.
Dimensions
Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown)
Accommodate a wrist size of up to approximately 19 cm in circumference.
Remarks
The Rado Kapell is a fantastic representation of the brand's adventurous design ethos during the dynamic 1970s. With its distinctive polished cushion case, beautifully textured brushed dial, and signature rotating anchor, it offers immense vintage charm and robust mechanical reliability for the discerning collector.
History
Rado has long been celebrated for its innovative approach to watchmaking, often experimenting with unconventional materials and bold, futuristic designs. During the 1960s and 1970s, the brand released numerous distinct models that captured the forward-looking spirit of the era, heavily featuring their trademark rotating anchor logo to signify automatic winding capability. The Kapell model stands as a testament to Rado's ability to combine striking, unconventional aesthetics with dependable Swiss mechanics, remaining a highly sought-after piece for enthusiasts of distinctive vintage timepieces.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: RAD-KXX-0001

Rado - Kapell - No reserve price - 40561780 - Men - 1970-1979
Rado
Sold for
$189
Sold on May 15, 2026
28 bids73 watching
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