Now available at auction from Second Vintage
A highly attractive collector favourite, this Rado Kapell features a striking gradient grey to black dial and a distinctive 1970s cushion case. With its original integrated bracelet and an attractive red date display, this well-preserved example represents a vibrant era of Swiss design.
Brand: Rado
Model: Kapell
Reference Number: 6045201-1
Movement: Automatic caliber 2793
Dial: Gradient grey to black with applied faceted indices
Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless steel
Production Year: 1970s
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: +15+18s/day, performing remarkably well.
Dial and Hands
The striking gradient grey to black dial is in excellent preserved condition, free of visible spotting, staining, or significant degradation. It features applied faceted indices with luminous plots and an applied Rado anchor logo at the twelve o'clock position. The printed text remains crisp, and a date window at three o'clock displays attractive red numerals. Well-preserved baton-style hour and minute hands with luminous inserts accompany a sweep center second hand. The metal surfaces appear clean with minimal oxidation, and the luminous material shows consistent, even aging that matches the dial perfectly.
Case and Crystal
The cushion or helmet-style stainless steel case features brushed top surfaces and polished flanks, displaying honest vintage wear with preserved original geometry. The edges remain reasonably defined, showing moderate surface scratches and scuffs consistent with age and use, with no major dents or deep gouges visible. The watch utilizes an integrated case design without a distinct separate bezel. The visible crown is signed with the Rado anchor logo, and its knurling shows normal wear. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, showing some minor surface scratches and dust, but remaining generally clear.
Movement
Powering the watch is the automatic caliber 2793, featuring a signed rotor. The plates and bridges appear clean with a gold-tone finish and bear clear stampings including "RADO", "25 JEWELS", "2793", "SWISS", and "108". There are no obvious signs of corrosion, moisture damage, or heavy tool marks. +15+18s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece.
Strap
The watch is fitted with its original signed flat-link stainless steel bracelet. It shows honest wear with moderate surface scratching consistent with the case. The clasp is correctly signed with the Rado seahorse logo. The bracelet accommodates a maximum wrist fit of 18cm.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition. The case and original signed bracelet show moderate surface scratches and scuffs consistent with age and use, maintaining their defined geometry without major dents. The striking gradient dial remains in excellent preserved condition, free of noticeable degradation, while the hands are clean with minimal oxidation. The domed acrylic crystal bears minor scratches and dust. Supported by the timegrapher data, the movement is performing brilliantly.
Dimensions
The case measures 38 mm (excluding the crown).
Remarks
This is a well-preserved example of the less common Rado Kapell model. The combination of the striking gradient dial, distinctive cushion case geometry, and original signed bracelet makes this a highly appealing find for enthusiasts of 1970s design.
History
Rado is celebrated for its distinctive mid-century and 1970s case designs, often pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking aesthetics. While the brand produced many recognizable watches during this era, the Kapell model is less frequently seen than the ubiquitous Diastar line. Powered by the reliable 2793 automatic caliber, this model represents a vibrant period of Swiss horology characterized by integrated bracelets, bold cushion geometries, and expressive dial finishes.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: RAD-KXX-0011










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Rado Kapell 6045201-1 (1970-1979)
Rado
Auction Ended
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