Rado - Green Gazelle - No reserve price - 11984 - Men - 1973

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Step back into an era of unapologetic and daring horological design with this striking Rado Green Gazelle. During the 1970s, Rado established itself as a pioneer of unconventional aesthetics, combining robust mechanical performance with highly dynamic visual elements. This particular timepiece perfectly encapsulates that philosophy, offering collectors a robust stainless steel case paired with a mesmerizing faceted crystal and an incredibly character-rich dial. It is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a distinctly vintage watch that commands attention on the wrist while delivering reliable Swiss engineering. Brand: Rado Model: Green Gazelle Reference Number: 11984 Serial Number: 33472205 Movement: Automatic, caliber 2797, 25 jewels Dial: Vertically brushed silver dial with applied indices and vibrant logos, remarkably clean condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and a well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Green Gazelle is a masterclass in mid-century texture and depth, featuring a striking vertically brushed silver surface that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied, faceted baton indices that feature distinct black central inserts, providing excellent legibility against the bright dial. At the 12 o'clock position sits the signature applied Rado anchor logo set against its classic red background, while the lower half proudly displays the stylized green Gazelle emblem. A framed date window at 3 o'clock showcases a striking red-on-white date wheel. The matching baton hands carry the same black central stripes as the indices, creating a highly cohesive design. A close visual inspection reveals the dial is exceptionally clean and evenly preserved, free from major spots, moisture damage, or significant aging, maintaining its brilliant factory luster. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case features a robust tonneau shape with sharp, angular lug profiles and a distinctively textured fluted bezel. The transition between the brushed upper surfaces and polished case flanks remains well-defined, showing honest handling marks and light superficial scratches consistent with careful vintage wear. The true centerpiece of the watch's exterior is its thick, horizontally faceted acrylic crystal. This remarkable component creates a dynamic, prism-like light play over the dial, altering the visual geometry of the watch from every angle. The original Rado-signed crown is present and features sharp knurling. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the iconic Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion, flanked by crisp reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Rado-signed ETA caliber 2797 automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels and a beautifully decorated gold-tone rotor with a distinctive grid pattern. The movement presents cleanly, with bright plates and clearly visible caliber markings stamped on the baseplate. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results show +30 to +35 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original Rado stainless steel multi-link bracelet. The folding clasp is deeply stamped with the Rado name and anchor logo. The bracelet exhibits moderate articulation and stretch typical of a vintage piece from this era, yet it remains highly secure and comfortable for daily wear. Condition This Rado is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the standout feature, remaining incredibly clean with vibrant, intact printing and pristine applied elements. The case and original bracelet show moderate, age-appropriate surface wear and light scratches, but the metal retains its architectural integrity without signs of heavy over-polishing. The faceted acrylic crystal is well-preserved, showing only minor surface wear that does not detract from its striking visual effect. Dimensions The watch measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown. Remarks The Rado Green Gazelle is a highly expressive timepiece that perfectly captures the adventurous spirit of 1970s watchmaking. With its faceted crystal, textured bezel, and vibrant dial accents, it offers an incredible amount of vintage charm and wrist presence for the discerning collector. History Rado has long been celebrated for pushing the boundaries of traditional watch design. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the brand moved away from conservative mid-century aesthetics to embrace bold case geometries, unusual materials, and highly stylized dials. Models like the Green Gazelle were born from this era of unbridled creativity, designed to stand out in a crowded market while still utilizing robust and reliable Swiss mechanical movements. Today, these expressive Rado models are increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate their unique place in horological history. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGG-0003