Rado - Green Gazelle - No reserve price - 11988 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Discover a distinct piece of 1970s horological design with this Rado Green Gazelle. Distinguished by its rare model designation and the desirable vertical Day-Date layout at 6 o'clock, this timepiece captures the bold creativity of the era. With its rotating red anchor logo and unique stylized green gazelle emblem, this watch offers collectors a fantastic opportunity to own a less common variation from Rado's celebrated vintage catalog. Brand: Rado Model: Green Gazelle Reference Number: 11988 Serial Number: 23432113 Movement: Automatic, Caliber ETA 2789 (Rado signed) Dial: Silver vertically brushed with stylized Green Gazelle logo and vertical day-date Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher result: -34 to -37s/day Dial and Hands The dial is the highlight of this timepiece, featuring a vertically brushed silver finish that plays beautifully with the light. It showcases the iconic applied Rado rotating anchor logo on a red background, a hallmark of the brand's automatic watches. The rare "Green Gazelle" script and stylized green gazelle figure are crisp and vibrant. The applied baton indices feature black inlays matching the hands, ensuring high legibility. The vertical Day-Date window at 6 o'clock is a signature feature of this caliber era, adding symmetry to the design. Case and Crystal The 33mm stainless steel case features a distinctive, angular octagonal shape typical of 1970s geometry. A fluted bezel ring, which appears to have gold-tone accents showing vintage patina and wear, frames the dial. The case shows honest signs of age with surface scratches and marks consistent with a life well-lived. The crystal shows visible handling marks and scratches but remains intact, protecting the dial beneath. The original crown is signed with the Rado anchor symbol. Movement Powering this watch is the reliable Swiss ETA 2789 automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels and Rado branding on the rotor. The manufacture stamp "2789" is clearly visible under the balance wheel. Timegrapher testing indicates a rate of approximately -34 to -37 seconds per day, indicating a functioning vintage movement. Strap The watch is fitted with its original Rado signed stainless steel bracelet featuring distinctive cylindrical manufacturing links. The clasp is signed with the Rado name and anchor logo, and the inner blade is stamped "RADO 100% ALL ST/STEEL". It accommodates a wrist size of approximately 18cm and shows moderate stretch consistent with its age. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The dial remains very attractive and well-preserved. The case and bracelet show visible surface wear, scratches, and softening of the gold-tone bezel accent, giving the watch an authentic vintage character. Dimensions Case diameter is 33mm excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage profile that wears slightly larger due to the angular case design. The lug width and bracelet integration provide a seamless flow on the wrist. Remarks The Green Gazelle is a fascinating detour from the more common "Horse" models (Green Horse, Golden Horse), making it a sought-after piece for Rado enthusiasts. The combination of the ETA 2789 movement with the vertical day-date display firmly places this watch in the innovative period of early 1970s watchmaking. History Rado has long been a pioneer in material science and distinctive design. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, the brand experimented heavily with case shapes and automatic movements, often utilizing ETA base calibers modified to their standards. /Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGG-0005