Rado Golden Horse 11674 (1960-1969)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Golden Horse exemplifies the distinct design language and robust mechanical engineering that defined mid-century Swiss watchmaking. Featuring the iconic rotating anchor logo and dual seahorse emblem, this timepiece represents a compelling era for Rado. The watch presents a striking combination of a silver sunburst dial accented by gold-tone applied indices and hands, housed in a well-proportioned case that remains highly wearable today. The visible aging across the dial and case adds a layer of authentic vintage character, appealing to collectors who appreciate honest, untouched examples with genuine historical presence. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 11674 Movement: Automatic, 30 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices, visible spotting and patina throughout Case Size: 34 mm Case Material: Gold-plated with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive aging Dial and Hands The dial showcases a silver sunburst finish that has developed a distinct, pronounced spotting and patina across its surface, giving it a unique "stardust" appearance characteristic of natural aging. The applied gold-tone faceted indices remain bright and well-defined, complemented by the matching dauphine hands. The iconic Rado rotating anchor logo sits prominently below the 12 o'clock position, while the dual seahorse emblem and "Golden Horse" script are clearly printed above 6 o'clock. A framed date window at 3 o'clock features red numerals, adding a subtle touch of color. The dial exhibits noticeable age-related spotting, particularly visible in the macro photographs, which contributes to its authentic vintage aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 34mm gold-plated case features classic proportions with gently curving lugs. The case shows clear signs of age and wear, including plating loss, scratches, and oxidation, particularly along the lug edges and case flanks, reflecting its decades of use. The fluted crown is signed with the Rado anchor logo. The domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and exhibits some light surface scratches consistent with normal wear. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado seahorse emblem, "Water Sealed," and the reference number 11674, remaining highly legible. Movement Powering this Golden Horse is a Swiss-made automatic movement, proudly signed by Rado and featuring 30 jewels. The movement displays a gilt rotor and is marked with the caliber designation AS 1789 beneath the balance wheel. The visual inspection reveals a clean and well-preserved mechanism. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates a performance of +40 to +46 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct burgundy leather strap featuring contrasting yellow stitching. The strap complements the gold tones of the case and dial, securing with a simple gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This Rado Golden Horse is in good vintage condition, displaying honest signs of wear and age. The dial exhibits significant, even spotting that collectors often refer to as a stardust patina. The gold-plated case shows expected wear, including scratches and areas of plating loss, particularly on the lugs and edges. The caseback engravings remain sharp. The movement is running and operational, presenting a genuine and untouched piece of Rado history. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Golden Horse offers a wonderful opportunity to acquire a classic Rado with strong vintage character. The combination of the rotating anchor, seahorse motif, and the naturally aged dial makes it a distinctive and appealing timepiece for enthusiasts of mid-century design. History Rado, originally founded as Schlup & Co. in 1917, began producing watches under its own name in the 1950s. The Golden Horse collection, introduced in 1957, was one of the brand's early successes and helped establish Rado's reputation for durable and stylish automatic watches. The rotating anchor logo, introduced in 1962, became a hallmark of Rado's automatic models, symbolizing the brand's commitment to mechanical innovation. The Golden Horse remains a significant model in Rado's heritage, representing an era of classic watchmaking before the brand's famous foray into high-tech ceramics. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0013