Rado - Green Gazelle - No reserve price - 11984 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Rado Green Gazelle represents a fascinating era of experimental design and robust mechanical watchmaking from the renowned Swiss manufacturer. Known for their evocative names and distinctive styling, Rado's Gazelle line captures the adventurous spirit of 1970s horology. This particular example features a striking fluted bezel and a beautifully textured dial, embodying the unique aesthetic that makes vintage Rado highly collectible today. It stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to both form and function during a golden age of mechanical watch design. Brand: Rado Model: Green Gazelle Reference Number: 11984 Serial Number: 23412075 Movement: Automatic ETA 2783, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver vertically brushed dial with applied indices, showing light, even aging Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition, showing honest wear consistent with age Dial and Hands The dial of this Green Gazelle features a captivating vertical brush texture in a silver tone, providing a dynamic backdrop that shifts elegantly in the light. Applied, faceted block indices with black central inserts mark the hours, complementing the baton-style hands which share the same black detailing. A framed date window sits at the three o'clock position, displaying red numerals. The dial proudly bears the applied Rado anchor logo at twelve o'clock, which rotates freely as intended, and the distinctive green leaping gazelle motif at six o'clock above the printed model name. Close inspection reveals mild, even aging across the dial surface and subtle degradation on the hands, presenting a highly authentic and attractive vintage appearance free from severe damage or distracting blemishes. Case and Crystal The 33mm stainless steel case is characterized by its prominent, deeply fluted bezel with a subtle gold-tone finish that contrasts beautifully with the steel case body. The case flanks show a mix of brushed and polished surfaces, retaining good structural integrity with honest signs of wear, including light scratches and minor scuffs expected from a watch of this era. The signed Rado crown, featuring the anchor logo, is well-preserved. The crystal remains clear and legible, protecting the dial effectively while showing only minor surface wear. The screw-down caseback is heavily detailed with the Rado seahorse medallion, "Water-Sealed" script, and the reference and serial numbers clearly visible. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made automatic movement, identified by the visible markings as an ETA caliber 2783. The movement features 25 jewels and is beautifully finished with a gold tone, including a textured rotor signed by Rado. The caliber number 2783 is stamped clearly beneath the balance wheel. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of +31 to +40 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with an original Rado stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet features a multi-link design that drapes comfortably on the wrist. The folding clasp is deeply stamped with the Rado name and anchor logo on the exterior, and "100% ALL ST/STEEL" alongside the Rado logo on the interior blades. The bracelet shows moderate stretch and surface wear consistent with the case, accommodating a wrist size of approximately 17.5cm. Condition This Rado Green Gazelle is presented in good vintage condition. It displays a highly authentic character with honest wear across the case and bracelet. The dial remains very attractive with its vertical brushing and applied details intact, showing only mild, age-appropriate patination. The mechanical components appear well-preserved, and the original signed crown and bracelet add significant collector appeal. Dimensions Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 17.5 cm Remarks This Green Gazelle offers a wonderful opportunity to acquire a distinctly styled Rado from the 1970s. Its combination of a textured dial, fluted bezel, and the iconic rotating anchor logo makes it a standout piece for enthusiasts of unconventional vintage Swiss watchmaking. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., Rado began producing watches under its own name in the 1950s. The brand quickly became known for its innovative use of materials and distinctive, often futuristic designs. During the 1960s and 1970s, Rado released numerous models with evocative names like the Horse, Gazelle, and Diastar lines, each featuring unique aesthetic touches. The Green Gazelle is a prime example of Rado's creative approach to watchmaking during this period, combining reliable ETA-based movements with bold, memorable dial and case designs that continue to captivate collectors today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGG-0008