Rado - Gazelle - No reserve price - Caliber AS 1526 - Men - 1960-1969

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Rado Gazelle is a refined example of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, offering a sleek profile and a beautifully preserved aesthetic. With its sharp stainless steel case and manual winding movement, this timepiece represents the elegant restraint of the era. The distinct Gazelle caseback engraving sets it apart as a collectible piece of Rado history, making it a sophisticated choice for collectors who appreciate understated vintage dress watches. Brand: Rado Model: Gazelle Movement: Manual Wind Caliber AS 1526 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1960 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a pristine dial and well-preserved case. Timegrapher testing indicates a daily rate of approximately -46 to -50 seconds, which indicates healthy movement function. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the standout feature of this timepiece, preserved in stunning condition with a bright and consistent finish. It features applied silver baton hour markers that catch the light elegantly. The dial is signed with the Rado name and anchor logo at the 12 o'clock position and the Gazelle model designation at 6 o'clock. The silver baton hands are crisp and free of corrosion, complementing the minimalist design. The perimeter is marked with modest minute tracks, ensuring the face remains uncluttered and legible. Case and Crystal The watch is housed in a polished stainless steel case measuring 33mm, a classic dress watch size for the period that sits discreetly on the wrist. The case lines remain sharp, particularly on the straight lugs, showing only light surface wear consistent with careful usage. The screw-down caseback is a highlight, featuring a deep and crisp engraving of the Gazelle logo surrounded by the text "Gazelle - Swiss," along with the Rado Watch Co. signature. The acrylic crystal is clear and free from distracting scratches, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Internally, the watch is powered by a Rado-signed manual winding movement, based on the reliable A. Schild caliber AS 1526. The movement features 17 jewels and presents a clean aesthetic with gold-filled engraving on the bridges. It winds smoothly and is running, with timegrapher results showing a deviation of -46 to -50 seconds per day, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is paired with a new, high-quality textured leather strap in black. The strap features a unique woven scale pattern with subtle iridescent purple highlights and white contrast stitching, adding a modern and stylish flair to the classic steel case. It is finished with a stainless steel buckle that complements the overall design. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is virtually flawless, which is rare for a watch of this age. The stainless steel case retains its original geometry with no signs of over-polishing, showing only minor micro-scratches typical of a vintage piece. The movement is clean and functioning within vintage tolerances. Dimensions With a case diameter of 33mm excluding the crown, the watch offers a traditional vintage fit suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. The lug-to-lug length and slim profile ensure it slides easily under a shirt cuff, adhering to the classic proportions of 1960s dress watches. Remarks The Rado Gazelle is a charming representation of the brand's output before they shifted heavily into scratch-resistant materials. It offers a pure, mechanical experience with a design that has aged gracefully. The combination of the pristine silver dial and the unique caseback engraving makes this a delightful conversation piece for any vintage enthusiast. History Rado, established in Lengnau, Switzerland, has a long history of producing high-quality timepieces. While the brand later became famous for the Diastar and high-tech ceramics, their earlier steel dress watches like the Gazelle showcase their capability in traditional watchmaking. The Gazelle line was one of several animal-themed series produced during the mid-20th century, sitting alongside the Green Horse and Purple Horse models, and is appreciated today for its enduring style and robust A. Schild mechanical movements. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGX-0002