Rado - Purple Gazelle - No reserve price - 122001 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The 1970s produced some of the most visually interesting watch designs, and this Rado Purple Gazelle is a prime example of that creative era. Featuring a sought-after funky configuration with a distinctive cushion case and an unusual vertical day and date display at six o'clock, this timepiece offers tremendous character. The striking gold-tone dial and original signed flat-link bracelet make it a compelling find for collectors of vintage Rado. Brand: Rado Model: Purple Gazelle Reference Number: 122001 Serial Number: 12112/G Movement: Automatic caliber 2798 Dial: Gold-tone vertically brushed with vertical day and date display Case Size: 36mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +50+52s/day, running in operational condition. Dial and Hands The dial is striking and well-preserved, featuring a gold-tone surface with a pronounced vertical brushed finish. At six o'clock, the watch displays its distinctive vertical day and date windows, presenting the day in English. The dial is detailed with an applied Rado anchor logo, a printed red Gazelle logo, and applied indices featuring black inserts. The clean surface shows no significant visible flaws. The matching baton hands carry black central stripes and present a clean finish with minimal signs of oxidation. Case and Crystal The stainless steel cushion case displays honest vintage wear, defined by brushed upper surfaces that transition smoothly into polished flanks. The integrated case design lacks a separate bezel, enhancing its streamlined 1970s geometry. The case shows moderate scratches and handling marks consistent with its age, though the edges remain reasonably defined. The flat crystal is clear, showing no major scratches or chips. On the side, the crown is in good condition with defined knurling and is signed with the Rado anchor logo. Movement Inside beats the automatic caliber 2798, featuring a crosshatch patterned gold-tone rotor. The movement displays engravings reading RADO, 25 JEWELS, 2798, 410, and R. The plates and bridges appear generally clean, while some spotting and tarnishing are visible on the outer edge of the rotor. Timegrapher testing indicates +50+52s/day. Running in operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the watch. Strap The watch is fitted with its original signed stainless steel flat-link bracelet, which completes the period correct aesthetic. It secures with a signed Rado clasp featuring the anchor logo. The bracelet shows moderate surface scratches and wear that remain consistent with the case. It accommodates a maximum wrist size of 18cm. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial and hands are excellently preserved, presenting clean surfaces with minimal aging. The stainless steel case and original bracelet show moderate scratches and handling marks expected from honest vintage use. The movement is running in operational condition. Dimensions 36mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Purple Gazelle is notable for its unconventional vertical day and date layout and striking gold-tone brushed dial. Complete with its original signed flat-link bracelet and distinctive cushion case, it offers a highly cohesive and visually engaging vintage wearing experience. History During the 1970s, Rado established a strong reputation for producing watches with bold geometries, unusual dial textures, and distinctive naming conventions. The Purple Gazelle belongs to a broader family of animal-themed and color-designated models that have become highly collectible for their unique aesthetics. Utilizing reliable Swiss automatic calibers like the 2798, Rado combined dependable mechanical performance with avant-garde styling, creating watches that remain highly recognizable today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-PGX-0002