Rado - Purple Gazelle - No reserve price - 1126682 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This striking Rado Purple Gazelle immediately captures attention with its unusual vertical day/date configuration positioned cleanly at 6 o'clock. A sought-after variation among 1970s Rado models, it combines a highly textured silver dial with an exceptionally well-preserved tonneau case that retains its sharp factory geometry and original vertical brushing, offering a superb wearing experience for the collector. Brand: Rado Model: Purple Gazelle Reference Number: 1126682 Serial Number: 12112 Movement: Automatic, caliber 2789, 25 jewels Dial: Silver with vertical brushed finish and vertical day/date display Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: -7-10s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The clean silver dial is pristine and highly legible, defined by a pronounced vertical brushed finish that provides striking texture. The applied faceted indices and Rado logos remain bright and intact. A distinctive vertical day/date window is cleanly integrated at the 6 o'clock position, offering an unusual and balanced layout. There is no visible spotting, staining, or moisture damage. The baton hands feature black central stripes and present a clean finish with no visible oxidation or corrosion. The sweep second hand is straight and well-preserved, matching the dial's excellent overall preservation. Case and Crystal The crisp tonneau-shaped stainless steel case exhibits exceptionally well-preserved factory geometry, retaining sharp edges between its surfaces. Strong original vertical brushing is clearly visible on the upper case surface, while the polished flanks show only light superficial handling marks. There are no significant dents or deep scratches visible. The case utilizes an integrated design without a distinct separate bezel ring. The clearly visible crown is signed with the Rado anchor logo and features well-defined knurling. The flat crystal is clear, showing no significant scratches, chips, or crazing. Movement Powering the watch is the automatic caliber 2789, clearly stamped under the balance wheel. The movement displays a clean gold-tone finish throughout, highlighted by a distinctive textured grid pattern on the rotor. The plates are engraved with "RADO", "25 JEWELS", "2789", and "SWISS". There is no visible corrosion, oxidation, or damaged screw heads. Recording -7-10s/day on the timegrapher. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with its original signed bracelet. The stainless steel flat-link design perfectly matches the case geometry and features a signed Rado clasp with an embossed logo. It remains original and well-preserved, showing only light surface scratches consistent with careful wear and no severe stretch or deformation visible. The bracelet accommodates a maximum wrist size of up to 18.5cm. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The silver dial is pristine, retaining its striking vertical texture and bright applied indices without any visible moisture damage. The tonneau case is exceptionally well-preserved, showing sharp factory geometry and strong original brushing, with only light superficial handling marks on the polished flanks. The original signed bracelet remains in excellent shape with minimal stretch. The movement is visibly clean and free of oxidation. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Purple Gazelle stands out through its unusual 6 o'clock vertical day/date layout and striking vertical brushed silver dial. Furthermore, the exceptionally sharp appearance of the case geometry and the presence of the original signed bracelet make this a highly compelling configuration for any vintage enthusiast. History During the 1970s, Rado established a reputation for highly distinctive case geometries, experimental material uses, and bold dial layouts. The Purple Gazelle line offered collectors a visually engaging alternative to traditional dress watches, frequently utilizing dynamic textures and creative calendar displays. This specific model utilizes the ETA 2789, a historically significant caliber recognized by collectors as one of the first automatic movements to feature a quickset day and date function. This robust foundation perfectly complements the striking mid-century aesthetic, ensuring the watch remains a highly capable companion today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-PGX-0001