Rado - Purple Horse - No reserve price - 11795-1 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of Rado's mid-century design prowess, the Purple Horse line represents the brand's dedication to robust everyday elegance. Known for their distinctive styling and the iconic free-spinning anchor, these timepieces offer a rich blend of character and reliable Swiss mechanics. This specific example stands out with its finely textured dial and vibrant accents, capturing the essence of vintage horology in a highly wearable profile. Brand: Rado Model: Purple Horse Reference Number: 11795-1 Serial Number: 35961021 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Finely textured silvered dial with applied faceted indices, free-spinning anchor logo, and red twin seahorse motif, presenting exceptionally clean with very even, attractive aging. Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a beautifully preserved dial. Dial and Hands The dial is a standout feature of this timepiece, exhibiting a stunning fine frosted or stardust texture that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied, faceted gold-tone baton indices that feature a distinctive ridged top surface, adding remarkable depth to the display. At twelve o'clock, the signature Rado free-spinning gold anchor sits against a deep purple background, while the iconic twin seahorse logo is prominently printed in a striking pink-red hue at six o'clock. The date aperture at three o'clock is framed in gold-tone metal and displays the date in a vibrant red typography. The gold-tone hands feature a central black stripe for enhanced legibility and show natural, age-consistent oxidation. The dial remains exceptionally clean, free of heavy spotting, moisture damage, or significant print loss, demonstrating careful preservation over the decades. Case and Crystal The 36 mm gold-plated case features a classic sweeping lug profile and a smooth, polished bezel. The case exhibits honest signs of vintage wear, with light surface scratches and minor brassing along the sharpest edges of the lugs and the crown, which is completely consistent with a gold-plated watch of this era. The original signed crown, bearing the Rado anchor emblem, remains sharply defined. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado twin seahorse medallion, the "Water-Sealed" script, and clear reference and serial numbers. The watch is fitted with a high-domed acrylic crystal complete with an integrated date magnifier, which remains clear and free of deep, obtrusive scratches, offering an undistorted view of the intricate dial. Movement Inside beats a robust Swiss-made automatic movement, beautifully finished with gold-tone bridges and a matching signed Rado rotor. The mechanism is marked with "25 JEWELS" and "SWISS," showcasing the traditional finishing techniques of the era. The movement components, including the balance and gear train, present cleanly in the detailed macro imagery. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances, running strong and steady. The timegrapher records a performance of -17 to -22 s/d. Strap The watch is paired with a thick, high-quality black leather strap featuring prominent contrasting gold-tone stitching. This strap complements the gold-plated case and dark dial accents perfectly, secured by a standard gold-tone pin buckle. Condition Good vintage condition. The watch presents a highly attractive overall appearance, with a remarkably well-preserved dial that stands out for its clean texture and crisp printing. The gold-plated case shows normal, age-appropriate wear and minor plating loss on the extremities, maintaining its structural integrity and vintage charm. The stainless steel caseback retains its deep, factory engravings. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Rado Purple Horse is a vibrant and texturally rich vintage piece. The combination of the frosted dial, the whimsical red and purple brand accents, and the classic gold-tone case makes it a compelling acquisition for collectors who appreciate distinctive mid-century Swiss design. History Rado's "Horse" collection, introduced in the late 1950s, marked the brand's commitment to creating water-resistant, durable, and stylish automatic watches. The Purple Horse, alongside its Green and Golden siblings, became a cornerstone of Rado's catalog, renowned for the free-spinning anchor logo that subtly indicated the mechanical vitality of the movement. These models encapsulate a period of immense creativity for Rado, preceding their later famous innovations in ceramic and scratch-resistant materials, and remain highly sought after for their classic proportions and unique dials. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-PHX-0004