Rado - Golden Horse - No reserve price - 11674 - Men - 1960-1969

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A captivating mid-century dress watch, this Rado Golden Horse exemplifies the brand's bold yet elegant design language of the era. With its distinctive twin seahorse emblem and the iconic rotating anchor logo, this piece captures the essence of classic Swiss watchmaking. The rich gold tones paired with a striking sunburst dial make it a versatile and highly collectible vintage timepiece that carries the undeniable charm of its period. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 11674 Movement: Automatic, Caliber AS 1789, 30 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices and rotating anchor logo, exceptionally clean with minimal signs of age Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated and stainless steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear to the gold plating Dial and Hands The dial is a stunning example of mid-century design, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. Applied gold-tone faceted hour markers provide excellent depth, complementing the sharp gold-tone dauphine hands. At the twelve o'clock position, the signature Rado rotating anchor logo sits over a deep red background, adding a perfect touch of color. The lower half of the dial proudly displays the applied twin seahorse emblem above the elegant Golden Horse script. A framed date aperture at three o'clock features distinctive red numerals. The dial remains in exceptionally well-preserved condition, showing only the faintest microscopic signs of age, completely free of heavy spotting, moisture marks, or surface damage. Case and Crystal The case features an elegant profile with sweeping lugs, rendered in a warm gold-plated finish. The case shows honest vintage character, with visible fading and wear to the gold plating along the lug edges and case flanks, revealing the base metal beneath in certain areas. Despite this wear, the overall case geometry remains attractive and well-defined. The original Rado-signed crown, featuring the anchor motif, operates correctly and retains good knurling. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, presenting clearly with only faint surface handling marks. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is crisply embossed with the Rado twin seahorse medallion, the reference number, and patent details. Movement Inside beats the reliable Swiss automatic caliber AS 1789, a robust thirty-jewel movement. The mechanism is beautifully finished, featuring a striking gold-tone rotor proudly signed with the Rado name and anchor logo. The plates and bridges appear bright and well-kept, with the caliber designation clearly stamped beneath the balance wheel. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of +30 to +35 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodilian pattern and contrasting brown stitching. This period-correct addition complements the warm gold tones of the case and the elegant dial, securing comfortably to the wrist with a standard tang buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The dial and hands are remarkably preserved, offering a highly attractive face with exceptional clarity. The gold-plated case exhibits clear signs of regular use, with noticeable plating loss on the lug extremities and edges, consistent with a lovingly worn mid-century dress watch. The stainless steel caseback remains sharp, and the movement is clean and operational. Dimensions The case measures 35 millimeters in diameter excluding the crown. The lug width accommodates standard vintage straps, providing a classic and comfortable fit for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Golden Horse line represents a significant chapter in Rado's history, combining robust automatic movements with distinctive styling. The presence of both the rotating anchor and the seahorse medallion makes this specific reference a joy for collectors who appreciate the brand's unique design heritage and mid-century aesthetic. 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 durable automatic watches. The twin seahorse emblem was chosen to symbolize water resistance and reliability, traits that Rado would continue to build upon in the following decades. This era cemented the design codes, including the playful rotating anchor, that remain beloved by vintage watch enthusiasts today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-GHX-0006