Rado - Golden Horse Sport - No reserve price - 11743 - Men - 1960-1969

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Rado Golden Horse stands as a monumental pillar in the brand's mid-century catalog, representing a perfect synthesis of everyday durability and striking visual design. This Golden Horse Sport captures the adventurous yet refined spirit of the era, distinguished by its textured dial elements, iconic rotating anchor, and a beautifully executed fluted bezel. Pieces like this highlight Rado's commitment to creating robust, water-resistant automatic watches that did not compromise on intricate aesthetic details, making them highly sought after by collectors of character-rich vintage timepieces. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Sport Reference Number: 11743 Movement: Automatic, 30 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, showing light age-consistent spotting and visible oxidation on the hands Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a gracefully aged dial Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a masterclass in mid-century texture and depth, anchored by applied faceted rectangular indices that feature a distinctive ridged pattern. At the twelve o'clock position sits the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo, set against a deep purple background, while the lower half proudly displays the applied twin seahorse emblem above the printed Golden Horse Sport text. A framed date window at three o'clock reveals striking red numerals, adding a subtle touch of color to the monochromatic landscape. The faceted dauphine hands have aged authentically, displaying visible oxidation and darkening on their metallic surfaces. A careful visual inspection reveals light, localized spotting and a gentle, age-consistent patina across the dial surface, particularly concentrated near the center pinion and outer edges, confirming its unpolished vintage integrity. Case and Crystal The 36 millimeter stainless steel case is characterized by its classic proportions and the visually arresting fluted bezel. The bezel shows moderate softening and honest wear, reflecting decades of genuine use while still catching the light beautifully. The lugs retain their fundamental profile but exhibit expected surface scratches, minor nicks, and handling marks consistent with the watch's age. The signed Rado crown, featuring the classic R logo, sits flush against the case flank. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down caseback deeply engraved with the Rado twin seahorse medallion, reference number 11743, and patent markings, all remaining crisp and highly legible. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal featuring an internal cyclops magnifier over the date, showing minor surface wear that aligns with the overall condition of the timepiece. Movement Powering this timepiece is a 30 jewel automatic movement, visually distinguished by its striking gold-tone rotor signed with the Rado name and anchor logo. This golden oscillating weight contrasts beautifully against the clean, silver-toned bridges of the base caliber. The visible components present cleanly in the provided images, showing appropriate care over its lifespan. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates a rate of -8 to -12 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is paired with a period-correct style black leather strap. The strap features contrasting brown vintage-style side stitching near the lugs, which complements the aged tones of the dial and hands while providing a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. Condition This Golden Horse Sport is presented in good vintage condition. It is a highly authentic piece that wears its history openly. The case and fluted bezel show moderate, honest wear with surface scratches and slight softening of sharp edges. The dial and hands exhibit clear signs of aging, including metallic oxidation and light surface spotting, which provide a rich, character-driven patina without compromising the inherent charm or legibility of the watch. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm Remarks With its blend of intricate dial furniture, the signature rotating anchor, and the sporty fluted bezel, this Rado offers an immense amount of vintage character. The presence of the original signed crown and the deeply stamped caseback further elevate its appeal, making it a highly wearable and conversation-starting addition to any collection focused on mid-century Swiss design. History Introduced in the late 1950s, the Golden Horse was a foundational model for Rado, designed to showcase the brand's advancements in water resistance and automatic winding technology. It quickly became a flagship line, paving the way for Rado's future reputation as a pioneer of durable, uniquely styled timepieces. The Sport designation on this particular model, combined with the fluted bezel, speaks to a specific era where consumers demanded watches that could seamlessly transition from formal settings to active weekend pursuits. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-GHS-0001