Rado - Golden Horse - No reserve price - 623.3001.4 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Rado Golden Horse represents a pivotal chapter in the history of Swiss watchmaking, embodying the brand's mid-century dedication to robust elegance and distinctive design. First introduced in the late 1950s, the Golden Horse was Rado's premier line of water-resistant automatic timepieces, distinguished by its iconic twin seahorse emblem and the ever-charming rotating anchor logo. This particular example is a masterclass in vintage preservation, boasting a spectacular sunburst dial, an intricately decorated caseback, and a highly articulated beads of rice bracelet. It is a sophisticated, highly wearable vintage piece that seamlessly bridges the gap between a capable daily wearer and a refined dress watch, appealing immensely to collectors who appreciate nuanced mid-century aesthetics. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 623.3001.4 Serial Number: 46751607 Movement: Automatic ETA Caliber 2783, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices and logos, excellent preservation with minimal age-consistent wear Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition, exceptionally preserved with crisp dial details and a sharp case Dial and Hands The dial of this Golden Horse is a visual delight, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully from every angle. The dial furniture is highly dimensional, showcasing applied, faceted baton hour markers that provide excellent depth. At twelve o'clock sits the iconic Rado rotating anchor logo set against a vibrant red background, while the lower half of the dial proudly displays the applied twin seahorse emblem above the Golden Horse script. A striking red-numeral date display is positioned at three o'clock, framed by a subtle metallic window. The dauphine hands are sharp and elegant, featuring central luminous strips that have aged gracefully to a dark, honest patina. Upon close inspection, the dial remains exceptionally clean and well-preserved, free from heavy staining or moisture damage, showing only the faintest micro-spotting consistent with careful aging. Case and Crystal The 34-millimeter stainless steel case exhibits a timeless, sweeping profile with elegantly curved lugs that hug the wrist perfectly. The transition between the polished bezel and the top of the lugs remains well-defined, showing normal, honest signs of wear in the form of superficial hairline scratches. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that enhances the vintage warmth of the dial while offering clear, distortion-free legibility. The original signed crown, bearing the Rado anchor logo, sits flush against the case flank. Turning the watch over reveals a spectacular screw-down caseback, deeply embossed with the Rado twin seahorses, stars, and the "Water-Sealed" designation. The reference and serial numbers remain crisp and entirely legible, a testament to the unpolished nature of the caseback. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust and reliable ETA Caliber 2783, a 25-jewel automatic movement finished with striking gold plating. The movement is beautifully detailed, featuring a customized Rado rotor decorated with an intricate etched grid pattern. The caliber markings and jewel counts are clearly visible on the mainplate and bridges. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate an exceptional precision of +2 to +7 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is presented on its original stainless steel beads of rice bracelet, a highly sought-after configuration that offers unmatched comfort and vintage appeal. The bracelet features a signed Rado folding clasp with the anchor logo proudly stamped on the outer cover, while the inner blade correctly bears the "100% Stainless Steel Rado" engraving. The links remain in excellent condition with minimal stretch, comfortably accommodating a wrist size of up to 17.5 centimeters. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The case retains its original geometry with light, age-appropriate handling marks. The dial is outstanding, preserving its vibrant sunburst texture and crisp typography with only minor natural aging to the luminous material on the hands. The mechanical health is superb, and the original bracelet completes a highly collectible package. Dimensions The case measures 34 millimeters in diameter, excluding the crown. The included bracelet will accommodate a wrist circumference of up to 17.5 centimeters. Remarks Finding a Rado Golden Horse in such cohesive, original condition with its factory beads of rice bracelet is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the silver sunburst dial, the red date wheel, and the deeply engraved caseback makes this a standout example for any serious vintage enthusiast. History Rado introduced the Golden Horse in 1957, marking the brand's first major success in creating a truly water-resistant, durable, and stylish automatic watch. The seahorse emblem was chosen specifically to symbolize this water-resistant capability, while the rotating anchor logo became a hallmark of the brand's automatic movements. Over the decades, the Golden Horse line has remained one of Rado's most beloved and historically significant collections, celebrated for its unique design language and enduring build quality. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0047