Rado Green Horse 11727/1 (1960-1969)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This is a charming example of the Rado Green Horse, a cornerstone of the brand's celebrated "Horse" collection that debuted in the late 1950s. Distinguished by its manual-winding movement—a less common configuration than its automatic counterparts—this piece offers a tangible connection to traditional watchmaking. With its signature twin seahorse logo in striking green and a robust "Water Sealed" caseback, this timepiece captures the quirky and robust design language that defined Rado during the golden age of Swiss mechanical watches. Brand: Rado Model: Green Horse Reference Number: 11727/1 Serial Number: 6205189 Movement: Manual winding, 21 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with Green Horse logo Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch displays honest signs of age with an evenly spotted patina on the dial and normal wear to the case, presenting a genuine vintage character. Dial and Hands The dial features a silver sunburst finish that has developed a distinct, even stippled patina across the surface, lending the watch a warm, authentic vintage aesthetic. It is adorned with applied silver baton hour markers and the signature Green Horse text above the 6 o'clock position, accompanied by the iconic green twin seahorse logo. A date aperture framed in silver is positioned at 3 o'clock. The silver dauphine hands are original to the watch and retain a sharp profile, complemented by a central sweep seconds hand. The perimeter is marked with a simple minute track, and the dial is signed "Swiss Made" at the bottom. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 35mm in diameter, offering a classic mid-century proportion. The case retains its original shape with gently curved lugs, though it shows surface scratches and wear consistent with decades of use. The signed crown, featuring the Rado anchor, is present. A prominent feature of this model is the screw-down caseback, which displays the intricate and deeply embossed "Water Sealed" medallion featuring two seahorses on a textured background. The reference and serial numbers engraved on the caseback remain crisp and legible. The crystal is fitted with a cyclops magnifier over the date window, enhancing readability. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Rado-signed 21-jewel manual winding movement. The movement is finished in gold plating, a standard for high-quality Rado calibers of this era, and visually appears clean and well-maintained. The mechanism is currently running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance for a mechanical watch of this age. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching and a crocodile-style grain. It is secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle, providing a comfortable fit and a sporty contrast to the classic steel case. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case shows normal wear with visible scratches but no significant impact damage or deep dings. The dial has aged with a noticeable but uniform patina that many collectors find desirable in unmolested vintage pieces. The movement winds and runs smoothly. The caseback engravings are particularly well-preserved, highlighting the quality of the original machining. Dimensions Case diameter: 35 mm (excluding crown) Lug to Lug: approx. 42 mm Remarks The Green Horse was one of Rado's first major successes and paved the way for the brand's reputation for durability and unique design. Finding a manual-wind version with the "Water Sealed" back adds a layer of collectability for enthusiasts of the brand. This specific reference 11727/1 combines the elegance of a dress watch with the robust case construction Rado was famous for, making it a versatile piece for daily wear or display. History Rado introduced the "Horse" collection in 1957 with the Green Horse, which was marketed for its water resistance and durability—a significant technological focus for the brand at the time. The collection eventually expanded to include the Golden Horse and Purple Horse models. The "Water Sealed" branding on the caseback was a testament to Rado's pioneering work in case sealing technology, which would eventually lead to their mastery of high-tech materials. This model stands as a testament to the era when Rado established itself as a serious innovator in the Swiss watch industry. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD7JUP2K0000