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

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A captivating piece of mid-century horology, this Rado Golden Horse embodies the distinctive design language that made the brand famous. Featuring the iconic rotating anchor logo and a beautifully preserved sunburst dial, this timepiece offers a wonderful glimpse into Rado's rich heritage. The classic proportions and striking gold-tone aesthetics make it a charming, character-filled addition to any vintage collection. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Movement: Automatic Dial: Gold-tone sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, showing excellent preservation Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1960s Condition: Fair vintage condition with visible plating wear Dial and Hands The dial of this Golden Horse is a standout feature, presenting a radiant gold-tone sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied, faceted gold-tone hour markers and the signature free-rotating Rado anchor logo at twelve o'clock, featuring a striking red background. At six o'clock, the applied twin seahorse emblem sits proudly above the elegant script typography. The date aperture at three o'clock displays striking red numerals, magnified by a distinctive cyclops lens integrated into the crystal. The dial remains remarkably clean and well-preserved, free from heavy spotting or moisture damage. The gold-tone dauphine hands show honest, age-consistent oxidation and patina, complementing the authentic vintage character of the timepiece. Case and Crystal The 35mm gold-plated case features classic sweeping lugs and a polished bezel, paired with a stainless steel caseback. The case exhibits clear signs of its vintage journey, with significant brassing, surface scratches, and plating loss distinctly visible on the lug edges, bezel, and case flanks. These marks reflect decades of genuine use and daily wear, presenting an honest aesthetic. The domed acrylic crystal, complete with its internal date magnifier, remains in good condition, showing only minor surface wear consistent with age, allowing a clear view of the vibrant dial beneath. The ribbed crown is present and easily accessible for setting. Movement Housed within the case is a 30-jewel mechanical movement, consistent with the proud dial text of this era's premium Golden Horse models. While the movement is not pictured, these high-jewel calibers are known for their reliable performance and represent Rado's commitment to quality watchmaking and durability during the mid-twentieth century. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct brown leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile pattern. The strap shows signs of wear and use, and it is secured with a gold-tone pin buckle that visually complements the warm tones of the case material. Condition This Rado is presented in fair vintage condition. While the dial remains exceptionally attractive and well-preserved with a brilliant sunburst finish, the gold-plated case shows heavy wear, including noticeable plating loss, brassing, and softening of the case lines. It is an honest, character-rich example of a mid-century classic that wears its history openly. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The Golden Horse line is a cornerstone of Rado's vintage catalog, celebrated for its unique branding elements and robust, elegant design. This example, with its high-jewel count and striking dial configuration, is a testament to the brand's enduring mid-century appeal and creative design choices. History Introduced in the late 1950s, the Golden Horse was one of Rado's earliest major international successes and helped establish the brand's reputation for distinctive, high-quality timepieces. It was among the first models to feature the now-iconic rotating anchor logo, a clever mechanical symbol that became synonymous with Rado's automatic watches. The Golden Horse line was particularly popular in global markets and remains highly collectible today for its unique blend of classic mid-century elegance and quirky, recognizable design details. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0026