Rado Golden Gazelle 625.7901.4 (1970-1979)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Golden Gazelle is a striking example of 1970s creative watch design, offering a distinctive aesthetic that separates it from standard vintage dress watches. With its vertically brushed silver dial and the brand's signature vertical day-date window at the 6 o'clock position, this timepiece embodies the funk and architectural daring of its era. The rotating red anchor logo adds a touch of kinetic charm, making it a true conversation starter for any collector of eccentric vintage steel sports watches. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Gazelle Reference Number: 625.7901.4 Movement: Automatic Dial: Silver vertically brushed with vertical day-date Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch features a beautifully preserved dial, while the case shows visible honest wear and surface marks consistent with its age. Timegrapher results indicate the movement is running within acceptable vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The silver dial is the highlight of this piece, featuring a sophisticated vertical brushed texture that plays beautifully with the light. It is accented by applied polished baton indices with black inlays and matching baton hands. The signature rotating Rado anchor on a red background sits at 9 o'clock, while the unique vertical day-date aperture is positioned at 6 o'clock, a layout specific to select Rado models of this period. The dial surface appears clean and well-preserved. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel case features a tonneau or cushion-style silhouette with a flat bezel and hooded lugs. The case finishes alternate between brushed top surfaces and polished sides. The case shows clear signs of vintage use, with visible scratches and scuffs on the bezel and case sides, contributing to an honest, unpolished vintage character. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor logo. The caseback features the iconic Rado triple seahorse medallion and is engraved "Water Sealed." Movement Powering the watch is a Swiss automatic movement, offering reliable vintage performance. The rotating anchor on the dial serves as a visual indicator of the automatic mechanism. On the timegrapher, the watch is currently running between +15 and +21 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting brown stitching, which complements the vintage sport-dress aesthetic of the piece. The strap is in good condition and ready for wear. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the stainless steel case exhibits noticeable surface scratches and wear typical of a watch that has been enjoyed over the decades, the dial remains in excellent, crisp condition. The overall appearance is authentic and charismatic. Dimensions Case width is 37 mm excluding the crown, offering a substantial yet comfortable presence on the wrist suitable for modern preferences. Remarks The Golden Gazelle is a wonderful example of Rado's "space-age" design language, combining robust construction with avant-garde dial layouts. The vertical day-date display is a particularly desirable feature for collectors of the brand. History Rado, founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, established itself in the 20th century as a pioneer of material innovation and unconventional design. In the 1960s and 70s, while many brands stuck to traditional layouts, Rado experimented with tungsten carbide, ceramics, and bold geometric shapes. The Golden Gazelle stands as a testament to this golden era of experimentation, showcasing the brand's refusal to conform to standard watchmaking norms. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD3AJOIF0000