Rado - Kapell - No reserve price - 6044054-1 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Kapell stands as a brilliant testament to the bold, space-age design language that defined Swiss watchmaking in the 1970s. Characterized by its sweeping cushion case and striking dial layout, this timepiece perfectly encapsulates the era's adventurous spirit while remaining highly wearable today. With its signature rotating anchor logo and distinctive red date display, this Kapell offers collectors a vibrant and mechanically robust piece of Rado's celebrated mid-century heritage. Brand: Rado Model: Kapell Reference Number: 6044054-1 Serial Number: Unmarked Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2783 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices, presenting an exceptionally clean and well-preserved surface Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a stunningly preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Kapell is a visual delight, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully from every angle. It is appointed with prominent, multi-faceted applied steel hour markers, each detailed with a black central channel to enhance legibility. At the twelve o'clock position sits the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo, set against a deep red circular background, providing a vibrant pop of color. Below this, the applied serif "RADO" text stands proud of the dial surface, balanced perfectly by the elegant, vintage cursive "Kapell" script printed at six o'clock. A prominent date window at three o'clock displays striking red numerals framed by a stepped silver aperture. The original baton hands feature matching black inserts and white luminous tips that have aged to a warm, creamy tone. The dial is in stunning vintage condition, remaining remarkably clean with crisp printing, sharp applied furniture, and no prominent spotting, staining, or moisture damage, making it a truly collector-grade focal point. Case and Crystal The 38 millimeter stainless steel cushion case features the robust, helmet-like proportions that are highly sought after by vintage enthusiasts. The broad upper surfaces and bezel area are fully polished, sweeping smoothly down toward the integrated lugs. The case is fitted with its original Rado-signed crown, clearly bearing the anchor motif. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down caseback deeply engraved with the classic Rado seahorse medallion, along with the "Water-Sealed" script and reference numbers. The case exhibits honest signs of wear, with visible surface scratches and handling marks across the polished upper sections, retaining a strong, unpolished vintage character that speaks to its authentic history. The thick domed acrylic crystal remains clear and highly legible, showing only minor age-appropriate surface wear. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust, gold-plated automatic movement, correctly signed by Rado on the rotor and clearly stamped with the ETA shield and Caliber 2783 beneath the balance wheel. This 25-jewel mechanism features a sweep seconds complication and a quickset date function. The movement plates and bridges present cleanly in the close-up images, showcasing crisp factory engravings. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece at +10 to +15 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on its original Rado stainless steel flat-link bracelet, a fantastic addition that completes the authentic 1970s aesthetic. The fold-over clasp proudly displays the stamped Rado seahorse logo in sharp relief. The bracelet exhibits moderate, honest wear consistent with the case, including typical desk-diving scratches and scuffs on the clasp and links, while remaining structurally sound and highly attractive. Condition This Rado Kapell is in excellent vintage condition overall. While the stainless steel case and bracelet show clear, honest scratches and surface wear from regular use, the dial has been exceptionally preserved, remaining crisp, bright, and free of significant aging or damage. This contrast between a gently worn case and a near-flawless dial makes it an incredibly appealing vintage piece for regular wear. Dimensions The case measures 38 mm in width, excluding the signed crown, providing a substantial and incredibly comfortable presence on the wrist thanks to its lugless cushion design. Remarks Finding a vintage Rado Kapell with such a pristine dial and its original signed bracelet is a rare treat. The combination of the silver sunburst texture, the red date wheel, and the dynamic rotating anchor makes this a standout addition to any collection focused on the golden era of bold Swiss watch design. History Founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, as the Schlup & Co. clockwork factory, the company launched the Rado brand name in the 1950s and quickly became synonymous with innovation. Rado carved a unique niche in the industry by experimenting with unconventional case shapes, scratch-resistant materials, and distinctive branding, most notably the moving anchor logo introduced to indicate an automatic movement. The Kapell model reflects the brand's adventurous 1970s catalog, blending reliable ETA-based mechanics with the futuristic, space-age styling that defined a generation of progressive watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RKX-0009