Rado - Purple Horse - No reserve price - 11744/1 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A striking example of mid-century Swiss design, this Rado Purple Horse captures the distinctive charm and robust engineering that defined the brand’s golden era. Characterized by its finely fluted bezel and iconic red seahorse emblem, this timepiece offers a brilliant mix of dress-watch elegance and everyday durability. The classic silver sunburst dial, refined case profile, and distinctive Purple Horse identity make this an instantly recognizable vintage Rado that remains as stylish today as it was upon its original release. Brand: Rado Model: Purple Horse Reference Number: 11744/1 Serial Number: 13511258 Movement: Rado-signed Swiss 21-jewel manual-wind movement Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices, red seahorse emblem, and exceptionally clean preservation Case Size: 34 mm excluding the crown Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably pristine dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial features a refined silver radial sunburst texture that captures the light dynamically from every angle. It is adorned with applied, faceted baton hour markers featuring precise black center stripes for enhanced legibility. At twelve o’clock sits the applied Rado anchor emblem, while the vibrant red printed double seahorse motif anchors the lower half above the Purple Horse script. A polished, framed date window at three o’clock displays the date with a striking red numeral. The silver dauphine hands perfectly match the indices with their own black center striping and show only the faintest, age-appropriate micro-oxidation under loupe magnification. The dial itself is exceptionally preserved, free from noticeable spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration, presenting a crisp and highly attractive vintage aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 34mm stainless steel case features a prominent fluted bezel that contrasts beautifully with the smooth polishing of the gracefully curved lugs. The case retains strong lines and factory proportions, showing only honest, light superficial wear consistent with careful use over the decades. The signed Rado anchor crown operates correctly, winds the movement as intended, and sits neatly against the case flank. The screw-down caseback is deeply and clearly engraved with the classic Rado water-sealed seahorse medallion, reference 11744/1, and serial numbers. The acrylic crystal features an internal date magnifier and remains clear, allowing an unobstructed view of the pristine dial beneath. Movement Inside beats a Rado-signed 21-jewel Swiss manual-wind movement, beautifully finished with rich gold plating across the plates. The ruby jewels are clearly visible, and all mechanical components present in excellent visual condition. The movement winds smoothly and performs well within expected vintage tolerances, running strong and steady. Timegrapher results show +19 to +25 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black textured leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching and a standard steel pin buckle. This strap choice perfectly complements the monochromatic steel case and allows the red accents of the dial to stand out prominently. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean and vibrant, standing out as a premium example of the model. The case and fluted bezel retain sharp definition with only minor handling marks. The manual-wind movement is clean, reliable, and functioning strongly, making this a superb addition to any vintage collection. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm excluding the crown Remarks A highly attractive and well-preserved Rado Purple Horse that delivers tremendous vintage character and distinct brand DNA. Its combination of a flawless silver sunburst dial, striking red accents, sharp fluted bezel, and classic hand-wound mechanical movement creates a compelling presence on the wrist. History Rado, originally founded as Schlup & Co. in 1917, launched its own brand name in the 1950s and quickly became known for its innovative designs and durable cases. The “Horse” collections, including the Green, Golden, and Purple Horse lines, were introduced in the late 1950s and 1960s as symbols of water resistance and reliability. These models heavily contributed to Rado’s massive success in the Asian and global markets during the mid-20th century, cementing the brand’s reputation for producing distinctive, robust, and elegant timepieces. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-PHX-0005 SKU: RAD-PHX-0005