Rado - Green Horse - No reserve price - 11658 - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A quintessential example of mid-century Swiss horology, this Rado Green Horse stands as a testament to the brand's golden era of design and engineering. Distinguished by its specialized 41-jewel automatic movement and the iconic rotating anchor logo on the dial, this timepiece combines technical prowess with a charming vintage aesthetic. The distinct double seahorse branding and elegant case profile make it a desirable find for collectors of idiosyncratic and historically significant Swiss wristwatches. Brand: Rado Model: Green Horse Reference Number: 11658 Movement: Automatic Caliber AS 1789 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices and rotating anchor Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated / Stainless Steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial has developed a warm, light champagne patina consistent with its age, featuring visible speckling and aging spots that add character to the vintage aesthetic. The applied faceted gold-tone hour markers remain sharp and distinct. At the 12 o'clock position, the iconic Rado anchor logo sits on a red background, a hallmark of the brand's automatic models. The dial is further adorned with the green double seahorse logo and "Green Horse" script at the 6 o'clock position. The gold-tone dauphine hands show signs of oxidation and aging, matching the overall honest presentation of the watch. A date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, displaying the date in red numerals. Case and Crystal The case is gold-plated, presenting a classic round silhouette with curved lugs. There is visible wear to the plating, particularly on the high points and lug edges where the base metal is beginning to show, which is typical for a watch from this period. The signed crown proudly displays the Rado anchor symbol. The stainless steel caseback is screw-down and features the deeply embossed "Water-Sealed" medallion with the triple seahorse motif, referencing the reference 11658 and patent numbers. The acrylic crystal shows light scratches. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Rado-signed automatic movement, based on the reliable AS 1789 caliber. Notably, this specific iteration boasts an impressive 41 jewels, a higher count than standard, indicating Rado's commitment to reducing friction and ensuring longevity. The gold-tone rotor is clean and the mechanism appears visually well-preserved. Practical testing on a timegrapher shows the watch running between -12 and -20 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement performing well within acceptable vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a modern black textured leather strap featuring contrasting yellow stitching that complements the gold tones of the case and hands. The strap is in excellent condition and secures with a gold-tone pin buckle, ready for immediate wear. Condition This piece is in good vintage condition. It exhibits honest signs of use and age, including surface scratches on the case and crystal, as well as plating wear on the lugs. The dial shows natural aging and patina, preserving the original character of the watch without restoration. It is a genuine example of a 1960s daily wearer that has been enjoyed over the decades. Dimensions The case measures approximately 35 mm in diameter excluding the winding crown, a classic size for the era that offers a refined presence on the wrist. The lug width and case thickness are proportioned to slide easily under a shirt cuff. Remarks The Rado Green Horse is a cornerstone of the brand's history, representing one of their first major successes in the water-resistant automatic market. This specific example, with its high-jewel count movement and retained original details like the crown and caseback medallion, offers a compelling mix of mechanical interest and vintage charm. History Introduced in the late 1950s, the Green Horse collection was pivotal in establishing Rado as a global brand. Marketed for its water resistance and durability, the line utilized the horse motif as a symbol of strength and reliability. The integration of the rotating anchor logo, which moves based on the orientation of the watch to mimic the automatic winding rotor, became a beloved feature that identified Rado mechanical watches for decades to come. This model captures the transitional period where Rado began to heavily emphasize unconventional materials and robust engineering. /Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0015