Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, Zapf

This rare RZ 60 armchair by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe comes directly from a Frankfurt household. It was purchased by the first owner in the Vitsoe shop on Kaiserhofstrasse in Frankfurt.

The red-brown leather is as soft as butter, the shell is black. The leather seat is ‘loose’ and is invisibly attached with 4 screws.

The re-edition of this marvellous design is still awaited.

General comments:

‘There are very few other armchairs that have a similarly light, unobtrusive and clear effect - at home and in prestigious surroundings’ (Vitsoe brochure 1981)

From the RZ 60 601/602 armchair programme, here is model 601 with a low backrest.
Design 1960
Material seat shell polyester, cover fabric, frame aluminium
Cognac leather, black shell

The differences between the two models are described below. The Vitsoe sales brochure from 1981 serves as the source:

Both models have a body-shaped, flat upholstered shell with a pair of slender, T-shaped legs.

The seat shell is made of fibreglass-reinforced polyester.

The flat upholstery made of foam and felt is attached with screws in version 601 and can be easily replaced.

The armchairs in version 602 are upholstered on both sides and can be upholstered in fabric or leather (also on the back).

Both versions are available with a low or high backrest.

The outside of the back shell of version 601 is lacquered in light grey or matt black. Leather and fabrics are available for the covers (as of 1981).

The armchair is in a pleasingly good condition. The leather has a few age-appropriate stains. There are no holes or damage to the leather.

The delicate black shell shows some signs of use. The overall appearance is completely acceptable (in my opinion!).