Rado - Golden Horse - No reserve price - 11674/2 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of mid-century Swiss design, this Rado Golden Horse exemplifies the brand's adventurous spirit and distinctive aesthetic language. Introduced during an era when Rado was solidifying its reputation for robust, water-resistant automatic timepieces, the Golden Horse line became a cornerstone of their catalog. This particular reference 11674/2 beautifully balances elegance with everyday durability, featuring the iconic dual seahorse emblem and the signature anchor logo that continues to charm collectors today. With its warm gold-tone case and brilliantly preserved sunburst dial, this timepiece offers a wonderful entry point into vintage Rado collecting, presenting a sophisticated wrist presence that transitions effortlessly from formal to casual settings. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 11674/2 Serial Number: G37142271 Movement: Automatic Rado Caliber 2783/2793, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices and red date wheel, exceptionally clean condition with minimal signs of aging Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Gold-plated stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and a remarkably well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a standout feature of this timepiece, catching the light beautifully and remaining in exceptionally clean vintage condition. It features applied gold-tone faceted hour markers that provide excellent depth, complemented by the applied Rado anchor emblem with its vibrant red background at twelve o'clock and the applied dual seahorse logo at six o'clock. The dial shows virtually no spotting, moisture damage, or significant discoloration, presenting a crisp and highly attractive face. A framed date aperture at three o'clock displays striking red numerals, magnified by an internal cyclops integrated into the crystal. The gold-tone dauphine hands exhibit some light, age-consistent oxidation and micro-spotting visible under close inspection, authenticating the vintage nature of the watch while maintaining excellent legibility. Case and Crystal The 35mm gold-plated case features a classic profile with thick, downturned lugs that retain their structural integrity and shape. Honest signs of wear, including surface scratches and minor softening of the lug chamfers, are present and consistent with regular use over the decades. The transition between the case flanks and the smooth bezel shows typical handling marks, while the stainless steel crown provides a subtle two-tone contrast against the gold case. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado seahorse medallion, reference numbers, and patent details, all remaining crisp and highly legible. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that exhibits light surface wear but provides a clear, unobstructed view of the dial beneath. Movement Inside beats a robust Rado-signed automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels and a beautifully finished gold-tone rotor. Close inspection of the movement reveals caliber stampings of 2793 and 2783 on the baseplate and beneath the balance wheel, indicating its reliable Swiss architecture. The movement components display a clean overall appearance, though the vintage black caseback gasket shows expected signs of age and degradation around the outer perimeter. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +38 to +41 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a period-correct brown leather strap featuring contrasting yellow stitching that perfectly complements the gold tones of the case and dial furniture. It is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle, offering a comfortable and stylish fit for daily wear. Condition This Rado Golden Horse is presented in good vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable highlight, remaining remarkably clean and free of significant flaws, spots, or distracting patina. The case exhibits honest, expected wear, including surface scratches and minor edge softening typical of a loved gold-plated vintage piece. The hands show attractive, age-appropriate micro-oxidation. The movement is running and operational, with the caseback engravings remaining sharp and distinct. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm Remarks The Rado Golden Horse represents a fantastic era of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, offering distinctive design elements like the red date wheel and iconic seahorse branding. Its combination of a superbly preserved dial and a reliable automatic caliber makes it an excellent choice for both seasoned collectors and those new to vintage horology. History Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., Rado initially produced watch movements before launching its own brand of finished timepieces in the 1950s. The Golden Horse collection, introduced in 1957, was one of Rado's first major successes under its new name, famously marketed for its water resistance and durability. The seahorse emblem became synonymous with Rado's commitment to robust, everyday wearability. Over the decades, the Golden Horse line evolved, yet it always retained its core identity of elegant resilience, cementing its place as an iconic pillar in Rado's rich history of innovative watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: RADFUTPL70000