Rado - Sapphire Gazelle - No reserve price - 1112988 - Men - 1974

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A striking example of 1970s design, this Rado Sapphire Gazelle encapsulates the era's bold aesthetic with its substantial tonneau case and distinctive dial elements. Known for their robust builds and unique branding, Rado's vintage pieces offer exceptional character. This specific model features the iconic rotating anchor logo and the charming blue gazelle motif, making it a highly collectible piece for enthusiasts of distinctive vintage Swiss watchmaking. Brand: Rado Model: Sapphire Gazelle Reference Number: 1112988 Serial Number: 12111 Movement: Automatic ETA caliber 2783 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices and black inserts, exceptionally clean Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and a pristine dial Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is remarkably well-preserved, showcasing a brilliant radiant finish that catches the light beautifully. It features prominent, chunky applied indices with central black inserts and faceted edges, providing excellent depth and legibility. At the 12 o'clock position sits the signature Rado rotating anchor logo against a red background, while a stylized blue gazelle motif and black serif typography adorn the lower half. The date aperture at 3 o'clock is framed in black and displays the date in striking red numerals. The original black baton hands complement the indices perfectly. Upon close inspection, the dial remains exceptionally clean, free from notable spotting, moisture marks, or discoloration, presenting a near-flawless vintage aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel tonneau case exhibits a masterful interplay of finishes, with a heavily brushed upper surface that contrasts sharply against the highly polished case flanks. The transition between these surfaces remains crisp and well-defined, indicating careful preservation over the decades. The original crown, proudly signed with the Rado anchor, sits flush against the case. The screw-down caseback features the deeply engraved Rado seahorse medallion and reference numbers. The flat crystal remains clear, offering an unobstructed view of the stunning dial beneath, with only minimal signs of handling consistent with careful wear. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust automatic movement, identified as the ETA caliber 2783. The movement is beautifully finished in a rich gold tone, featuring a rotor decorated with a distinctive grid pattern and signed with Rado and 25 jewels. The movement components appear bright and well-maintained, showcasing the reliable engineering characteristic of vintage Swiss calibers. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a strong performance of -14 to -18 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel flat-link bracelet, which perfectly complements the angular tonneau case design. The brushed links are well-articulated, and the clasp is deeply stamped with the Rado name and anchor logo, confirming its authenticity and completing the integrated 1970s aesthetic. Condition This Sapphire Gazelle is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is outstandingly preserved, retaining its original luster and crisp printing. The case shows honest, light wear with minor superficial scratches on the polished flanks, but retains its strong factory geometry and sharp brushing. The bracelet is similarly well-preserved, showing normal vintage wear without excessive stretch. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: Accommodates up to 17.5 cm Remarks Rado's vintage catalog is celebrated for its daring designs and robust construction, and the Sapphire Gazelle is a prime example of this philosophy. The combination of the tonneau case, the vibrant red date wheel, and the whimsical dial logos makes this a standout piece. It represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a highly original and mechanically sound vintage Swiss watch with undeniable wrist presence. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. and later transitioning to the Rado brand in the 1950s, the company quickly built a reputation for innovative designs and the use of unconventional materials. By the 1970s, Rado was producing some of the most visually striking watches on the market, often utilizing robust ETA movements housed in bold, futuristic cases. The Gazelle line, alongside the famous Golden Horse and Diastar models, helped cement Rado's status as a forward-thinking brand that championed unique and enduring watchmaking aesthetics. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-SXX-0003