Rado - Golden Horse Sport - No reserve price - 11743 - Men - 1964

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Rado Golden Horse stands as one of the most recognizable and enduring pillars of the brand's mid-century catalog, representing an era of ambitious design and robust mechanical watchmaking. This specific Golden Horse Sport is a brilliant execution of 1960s Swiss styling, featuring a distinctive engine-turned bezel and a highly detailed dial that captures the light beautifully. With its signature rotating anchor logo and heavily jeweled automatic movement, this timepiece offers a fantastic blend of character, durability, and vintage charm that appeals deeply to collectors of mid-century Swiss horology. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Sport Reference Number: 11743 Serial Number: 3345602 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 1700/01, 30 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied ribbed indices and rotating anchor logo, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1964 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp details and outstanding dial preservation Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a masterclass in mid-century texture and depth, preserved in exceptionally clean condition with barely any signs of age. It features prominently applied, faceted block indices with a unique ribbed texture that catches the light from every angle. At the twelve o'clock position sits the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo set against a deep red background, functioning exactly as intended. The lower half of the dial proudly displays the twin seahorse emblem alongside the "Golden Horse SPORT" script. A framed date window at three o'clock reveals a striking red date wheel, magnified by an internal cyclops on the crystal. The polished dauphine hands remain sharp and well-preserved, complementing the intricate dial furniture perfectly. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case boasts a strong, classical profile with sweeping, polished lugs that retain excellent definition. The standout feature is the intricately engine-turned or fluted bezel, which adds a layer of formal elegance and dynamic light play to the watch. The case flanks show honest, light superficial wear consistent with careful vintage use, but no deep scratches or signs of over-polishing. The original Rado crown, signed with a prominent 'R', is present and operational. The domed acrylic crystal features an integrated date magnifier and remains clear, offering an unobstructed view of the stunning dial beneath. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down caseback deeply stamped with the Rado Water Sealed twin seahorse medallion, which remains crisp and highly legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the impressive Rado-signed Caliber 1700/01 automatic movement, boasting a substantial 30 jewels. The movement presents beautifully, featuring a contrasting gold-tone rotor signed with the Rado anchor against the rhodium-plated bridges. Close inspection reveals clean surfaces and well-preserved components. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece, the timegrapher results show an exceptional precision of -7 to -10 seconds per day. The movement is running with outstanding health and reliability. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct black leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern, complementing the formal yet sporty nature of the timepiece. Condition This Rado is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the clear highlight, remaining incredibly fresh and free of any notable spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration. The case retains its structural integrity and factory lines, with the engine-turned bezel remaining sharp and well-defined. The caseback engraving is deep and clear, indicating that the watch has been treated with respect throughout its life. Dimensions The case measures a versatile 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic and comfortable presence on the wrist that suits a wide variety of sizes. Remarks Finding a vintage Rado Golden Horse Sport with such a pristine dial and sharp case details is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the ribbed indices, the engine-turned bezel, and the red date wheel makes this a visually captivating piece that punches well above its weight in terms of design and mechanical pedigree. History Rado introduced the Golden Horse collection in 1957, marking a significant milestone for the brand as one of its earliest collections marketed under the Rado name. The line was built around the concept of durability and water resistance, symbolized by the twin seahorse logo on the caseback. Over the years, the Golden Horse evolved into numerous variations, including the Sport models, which often featured slightly more dynamic case designs or textured bezels. These watches were immensely popular in global markets and helped cement Rado's reputation for producing reliable, distinctively styled automatic watches long before they became famous for their high-tech ceramic materials. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0033