Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Kapell represents a compelling era of Swiss watchmaking, combining robust stainless steel construction with the distinct, avant-garde design language for which Rado is celebrated. The Kapell model, with its substantial, sweeping tonneau case, encapsulates the bold aesthetic of the late 1960s and 1970s. The striking deep blue dial, adorned with the iconic rotating anchor logo, offers a mesmerizing backdrop that has aged gracefully over the decades. This timepiece is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a character-rich vintage Rado that remains highly wearable and visually arresting today. Brand: Rado Model: Kapell Reference Number: 6042896 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 1863, 25 Jewels Dial: Deep blue with subtle stardust patina, applied indices, rotating anchor logo Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear and attractive dial aging Dial and Hands The deep blue dial is a standout feature of this Kapell, exhibiting a fine, even "stardust" patina that adds immense character and depth to its appearance. The applied, faceted silver-tone indices provide excellent contrast against the dark background, complemented by the classic printed white minute track. The signature Rado rotating anchor logo, set against a red background, sits proudly below the 12 o'clock position. The silver-tone baton hands show signs of aging consistent with the watch's vintage, with the luminous material having taken on a warm, creamy tone. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring red numerals on a white disc. The dial text, including the applied "RADO" and script "Kapell," remains crisp and legible. Case and Crystal The 38mm stainless steel tonneau case showcases Rado's commitment to substantial, forward-thinking design. The case features a broad, sweeping profile with an integrated lug design that flows seamlessly into the bracelet. The surfaces display a mix of brushed and polished finishes, exhibiting honest signs of wear, including surface scratches and handling marks commensurate with its age and use. The case lines remain well-defined, retaining their original architectural intent. The crown is partially recessed into the case side, maintaining the smooth silhouette, and features the Rado anchor logo. The watch is fitted with a domed crystal that protects the dial and enhances the vintage aesthetic; the crystal shows minor surface wear consistent with the case. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado seahorse logo and "Water-Sealed" text, along with the serial number 6042896. Movement Powering this Kapell is a Swiss-made automatic movement, clearly stamped with "RADO" and "25 JEWELS SWISS." Close inspection reveals the caliber marking "1863" near the balance wheel. The movement presents with a warm, brass-toned finish and features a central rotor. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +50 to +55 seconds per day. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Strap The watch is presented on its original stainless steel bracelet with flat, brushed links that complement the case geometry. The folding clasp is signed with the Rado name and the anchor logo in relief. The bracelet shows typical vintage wear, including surface scratches and some stretch, but remains highly functional and visually cohesive with the overall design. Condition This Rado Kapell is in good vintage condition. The case and bracelet exhibit honest, age-appropriate wear, including scratches and scuffs, but maintain strong overall integrity. The deep blue dial is the highlight, displaying a beautiful, even stardust patina without significant damage or moisture intrusion. The hands and indices show expected aging. The movement is operational and running within the noted parameters. Dimensions Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: Accommodates up to 18.5 cm Remarks The Rado Kapell is a testament to the brand's adventurous design ethos during the golden age of mechanical watchmaking. Its combination of a bold tonneau case, a captivating blue patinated dial, and the unmistakable rotating anchor makes it a highly desirable piece for collectors of distinctive vintage Swiss watches. History Founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, as Schlup & Co., the company initially produced watch movements before launching the Rado brand in the 1950s. Rado quickly became known for its innovative designs and pioneering use of unconventional materials, most notably with the introduction of the scratch-resistant DiaStar in 1962. The brand's signature rotating anchor logo, introduced as a functional indicator of service needs (it would stop rotating when the movement required lubrication), became an iconic symbol of Rado's automatic watches. The Kapell model reflects Rado's mid-century aesthetic, characterized by bold case shapes and striking dials, solidifying the brand's reputation for creating timepieces that were both mechanically reliable and visually unique. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RKX-0011