Rado Golden Horse 36840732 (1960-1969)

Description: Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Rado Golden Horse stands as a significant pillar in the brand's mid-century history, embodying the transition toward robust, water-resistant automatic timepieces that defined the era. With its distinctive applied seahorse emblem and the iconic rotating anchor logo, this model represents Rado's commitment to both striking design and dependable mechanics. This particular example, featuring a rich gold-tone case and a beautifully preserved silver dial, captures the essence of 1960s elegance while offering the enduring appeal of a classic vintage dress watch. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 36840732 Serial Number: 6333442 Movement: Automatic, 17 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices, rotating Rado anchor, and applied Golden Horse logo; clean and well-preserved. Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Gold-plated stainless steel Production Year: Circa 1963 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably clean dial and honest case wear. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is exceptionally clean, showing an even and attractive finish with minimal signs of aging. It features applied gold-tone, faceted baton indices that catch the light beautifully, complemented by a framed date window at the three o'clock position. The iconic Rado rotating anchor logo sits prominently below the twelve o'clock marker, set within a red background, while the applied Golden Horse emblem is positioned above the six o'clock mark. The gold-tone dauphine hands are well-preserved, exhibiting a sharp profile and a bright finish that harmonizes perfectly with the dial furniture. The typography remains crisp and fully intact throughout. Case and Crystal The 35mm gold-plated case presents in excellent vintage condition, retaining strong lines and well-defined lugs. The polished surfaces show honest, light handling marks and superficial scratches consistent with careful wear over the decades, without any major dings or significant plating loss visible on the upper surfaces. The caseback features the detailed Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion, which remains deeply engraved and highly legible, alongside the reference and serial numbers. The crystal is clear and free from deep scratches or chips, providing an unobstructed view of the pristine dial. Movement Powering this Golden Horse is a Swiss-made automatic movement, clearly marked with Rado branding and "17 Jewels." The movement presents cleanly, with the rotor and bridges showing a bright, uncorroded finish. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece, the timegrapher results show a deviation of -9 to -15 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a striking two-tone stainless steel and gold-plated beads-of-rice style bracelet. The bracelet complements the case design perfectly and shows normal signs of vintage wear, with some expected fading to the gold plating on the center links, adding to its authentic vintage character. Condition This Rado Golden Horse is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is a standout feature, remaining incredibly clean and vibrant. The case shows honest, age-appropriate wear while maintaining its structural integrity and visual appeal. The caseback engraving is notably sharp. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: Accommodates up to 18 cm Remarks This piece offers a fantastic opportunity to acquire a classic Rado design with a highly attractive dial and dependable automatic movement. Its elegant proportions and distinctive branding make it a versatile addition to any vintage collection. History Introduced in the late 1950s, the Golden Horse was one of Rado's earliest and most successful collections, helping to establish the brand's reputation for producing durable, water-resistant watches with a distinct aesthetic identity. The use of the seahorse emblem symbolized the watch's water-resistant qualities, while the rotating anchor became a hallmark of Rado's automatic models. The Golden Horse remains a beloved classic among collectors, appreciated for its elegant design and historical significance within the Rado archives. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0072