Rado - Kapell - No reserve price - 747320-1 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Rado Kapell is a striking example of 1970s Swiss design, combining a robust stainless steel cushion case with an elegant, minimalist dial. Known for their innovative use of materials and distinctive aesthetics, Rado created the Kapell as a versatile gentleman's timepiece that balances sportiness with dress watch refinement. The centerpiece of this watch is undoubtedly the rotating anchor logo at the 12 o'clock position, a beloved quirk of vintage automatic Rados that continues to charm collectors today. Brand: Rado Model: Kapell Reference Number: 747320-1 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with a very well-preserved dial and typical surface wear to the case. Timegrapher results indicate a rate of +42s to +50s/day, which indicates a healthy movement beat. Dial and Hands The watch features a vertically brushed silver sunburst dial that remains in exceptional condition, reflecting light beautifully. It is adorned with raised, polished baton hour markers and a framed date window at the 3 o'clock position. The iconic Rado anchor logo on a ruby-colored background rotates freely, a signature feature of the brand's automatic models. The handset is a polished baton style with original luminous inserts that have aged to a warm, consistent patina, matching the small tritium plots at the base of the indices. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinctive 1970s cushion shape with integrated lugs, offering a substantial presence on the wrist despite the classic 35mm diameter. The case retains its original lines but shows honest signs of vintage use, including surface scratches and scuffs consistent with age. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor. The screw-down caseback prominently features the detailed "Water-Sealed" seahorse medallion and three stars, with the reference number 747320-1 clearly engraved. The crystal is clear and presents well. Movement Powering the watch is a gold-plated Rado signed automatic movement with 25 jewels, based on a reliable Swiss ETA caliber. The movement is clean and aesthetically pleasing. Timegrapher testing indicates a daily rate of approximately +42 to +50 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement beat and functioning mechanics suitable for vintage usage. Strap The watch is fitted with a black suede-style leather strap featuring contrasting salmon-colored stitching. The strap is in good condition, soft and pliable, and complements the vintage character of the dial. It is secured by a stainless steel buckle. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the highlight, appearing crisp and free of significant staining or damage. The case shows general wear and surface scratches typical of a watch from this era that has been enjoyed but not abused. The movement is running strong. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the winding crown. The lug width accommodates standard straps, and the cushion case shape allows it to wear slightly larger than its dimensions suggest, fitting comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Rado Kapell is a charming representation of the brand's golden era, before they shifted almost exclusively to ceramic materials. With its rotating anchor, "Water-Sealed" seahorse caseback, and clean silver dial, it offers a lot of character for the vintage enthusiast. It is a robust and stylish daily wearer that captures the funky yet refined spirit of 1970s horology. History Rado, founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. in Lengnau, Switzerland, initially produced movements for other brands before launching their own line of watches in 1957. They quickly gained a reputation for innovation, introducing the scratch-proof DiaStar in 1962. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Rado experimented with unique case shapes and distinctive models like the Captain Cook, Manhattan, and Kapell. The brand is celebrated today for its pioneering use of high-tech ceramics and distinctive design language. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RKX-0008