Rado - Green Gazelle - No reserve price - 11986 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Green Gazelle captures the bold, distinctive design language of the 1970s, offering collectors a striking blend of robust engineering and avant-garde aesthetics. Known for their innovative case shapes and dynamic dials, vintage Rado timepieces from this era remain highly sought after for their unique character. The Green Gazelle model, with its signature faceted bezel and vibrant dial details, exemplifies the brand's creative zenith, making it a compelling addition to any vintage watch portfolio. Brand: Rado Model: Green Gazelle Reference Number: 11986 Movement: Automatic, ETA Caliber 2797 Dial: Gold sunburst with applied indices, showing light, even vintage character Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel with gold-plated bezel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition, displaying honest wear consistent with its age Dial and Hands The gold sunburst dial commands attention, featuring a rich, dynamic finish that catches the light beautifully. The dial is adorned with applied, faceted block indices featuring black central inserts, which are complemented by the matching baton hands. The signature rotating Rado anchor logo sits proudly below 12 o'clock, framed by a red circular background. The distinctive green gazelle logo is printed above the 6 o'clock position, adding a vibrant touch of color. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The dial shows light, even aging, with some minor spotting visible under close inspection, characteristic of a timepiece from this era. The hands retain their structural integrity, showing light oxidation consistent with age. Case and Crystal The 33mm stainless steel case features a striking tonneau-style profile, characterized by its sharp angles and robust presence. The highlight is the prominent gold-plated, deeply fluted bezel, which adds significant visual texture and depth to the watch face. The case flanks display a brushed finish, contrasting with the polished surfaces of the lugs. The case shows honest signs of wear, including light scratches and minor dings, typical of a watch that has been enjoyed over the decades. The gold plating on the bezel remains largely intact, though some edge wear is visible under magnification. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that sits slightly proud of the bezel, showing minor surface wear. The original Rado-signed crown is present, retaining its crisp knurling. The stainless steel caseback features the iconic Rado seahorses emblem, clearly stamped alongside the reference number 11986. Movement Powering this Green Gazelle is a robust automatic movement, identified as the ETA Caliber 2797, featuring 25 jewels. The movement is beautifully finished with a gold tone, displaying perlage on the mainplate and a crosshatch pattern on the rotor, which is proudly signed by Rado. The movement components appear clean and well-preserved. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Timegrapher results indicate a performance of -17 to -20 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a vintage-style black leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern and contrasting yellow stitching. The strap is in excellent condition, showing minimal signs of wear, and is secured by a gold-tone pin buckle that complements the bezel. Condition This Rado Green Gazelle is presented in good vintage condition. It displays honest signs of wear across the case and crystal, consistent with its 1970s origin. The dial exhibits attractive, even aging, and the hands show appropriate vintage character. The gold-plated bezel retains its bold presence, contributing to the watch's overall striking appearance. Dimensions Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The Rado Green Gazelle is a testament to the brand's daring design philosophy of the 1970s. Its combination of a unique case shape, textured bezel, and vibrant dial details makes it a standout piece for collectors who appreciate the distinct styling of the era. History Founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado initially operated as a movement manufacturer before launching its own line of watches in the 1950s. The brand quickly became renowned for its innovative use of materials, notably introducing the world's first scratch-proof watch, the DiaStar, in 1962. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Rado embraced bold, unconventional designs, producing a variety of models with unique case shapes and dynamic dials. The Green Gazelle is a prime example of this creative period, reflecting the adventurous spirit and technical ambition that defined Rado's approach to watchmaking during the mid-20th century. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGG-0009