Rado Green Horse 11658 (1960-1969)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Rado Green Horse, a distinctive timepiece that captures the adventurous spirit and technical ambition of the brand during the golden era of Swiss watchmaking. Distinguished by its impressive 41-jewel automatic movement, this specific variation is a coveted find for collectors who appreciate internal complexity matched with external elegance. The watch features the iconic rotating anchor logo and the signature twin seahorse emblem in green, set against a radiant sunburst dial that remains in beautiful condition. It represents a wonderful opportunity to own a piece of Rado’s celebrated history, combining mid-century design with robust engineering. Brand: Rado Model: Green Horse Reference Number: 11658 Movement: Automatic, 41 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with green twin seahorse logo Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated Production Year: c. 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest vintage aesthetic with visible wear to the gold plating on the case lugs, while the dial remains in exceptionally preserved condition. The movement is running with a timegrapher reading of +50 to +52 seconds per day, which indicates a functioning vintage movement. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the highlight of this timepiece, preserved in stunning condition with a bright and consistent radial finish. It features substantial, faceted gold-tone hour markers that catch the light beautifully. At the 12 o'clock position sits the famous Rado rotating anchor logo against a ruby-colored background, while the 6 o'clock position displays the distinctive green twin seahorse emblem and "Green Horse" script. The date window at 3 o'clock features a period-correct red date wheel. The gold-tone dauphine hands show very light signs of aging but remain sharp and legible. Case and Crystal The case measures 35mm in diameter and is finished in gold plating. As is common with honest vintage pieces of this era, there is visible wear to the plating, particularly on the high points of the lugs where the base metal is showing through, adding to its vintage character. The signed crown features the Rado anchor symbol. The screw-down stainless steel caseback is elaborately detailed with the large seahorse medallion and clearly engraved patent and reference numbers. The acrylic crystal is in presentable condition with no major distracting marks. Movement Powering the watch is a high-grade Rado signed automatic movement boasting an impressive 41 jewels, a significantly higher count than standard movements of the period, designed to reduce friction and increase longevity. The gold-plated rotor is signed "Rado 41 Jewels Swiss." The watch has been tested on a timegrapher and is currently running at approximately +50 to +52 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement for a vintage timepiece of this age. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring a textured pattern and contrasting yellow stitching that complements the gold tones of the case. It is secured by a gold-tone pin buckle. The strap is in good condition and ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case shows clear evidence of its age and use through plating wear on the lugs and edges, the watch retains a strong and attractive presence on the wrist. The dial is exceptionally clean, elevating the overall appearance significantly. The movement winds and runs reliably within the stated vintage tolerances. Dimensions The case measures 35mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic mid-century profile that sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. The lug design gives it a slightly larger presence than the dimensions might suggest. Remarks The "41 Jewels" variant of the Green Horse is less common than the standard versions, making this a desirable piece for Rado enthusiasts. The combination of the red date wheel, the rotating anchor, and the vibrant green logo creates a colorful and dynamic dial layout that is quintessential Rado. History Rado, founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, established itself as a pioneer in materials and design. The Green Horse collection was introduced in the late 1950s as one of the brand's first water-resistant automatic lines, symbolized by the seahorse logo. It played a crucial role in establishing Rado's reputation for durability and quality in Asian and global markets. The use of 41 jewels in this era demonstrated Rado's commitment to over-engineering their movements to ensure long-term reliability. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0036