Rado Golden Horse 11674 (1960-1969)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Discover a significant piece of horological history with this Rado Golden Horse. As one of Rado's earliest and most enduring collections, the Golden Horse helped establish the brand as a leader in durability and design. This specific example features a striking 30-jewel movement and the iconic rotating anchor logo, making it a highly desirable catch for collectors of mid-century Swiss timepieces. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 11674 Movement: Automatic, 30 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone markers Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated with Stainless Steel caseback Production Year: c. 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents a stunningly clean dial which contrasts beautifully with the case that shows honest signs of vintage wear and history. Timegrapher results indicate the movement is running with a variance of +27 to +33 seconds per day, suggesting an operational healthy movement. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the highlight of this timepiece, preserved in excellent condition with a bright and reflective finish. It features the signature rotating Rado anchor logo at 12 o'clock on a purple background, a quirky and beloved feature of the brand. The dial is adorned with applied faceted gold-tone baton indices and the iconic twin seahorse logo at 6 o'clock. The gold-tone dauphine hands show some expected oxidation and aging consistent with the era. A distinctive red date wheel is positioned at 3 o'clock, adding a subtle pop of color to the monochromatic elegance. Case and Crystal The case measures a classic 35mm and features gold plating over base metal, with a stainless steel screw-down caseback. The case shows honest vintage wear, with visible surface scratches and some softening of the gold plating on the lugs and bezel edges, adding to its authentic character. The caseback is stamped with the famous "Water Sealed" twin seahorse medallion and clear reference and patent numbers (11674, Pat +343942), confirming its identity. The acrylic crystal is generally clear, allowing for excellent visibility of the dial. Movement Powering this watch is a high-grade Rado signed automatic movement, based on the reliable AS 1700/01 caliber. Notable for its "30 Jewels" specification, the movement features a gold-tone rotor and is stamped "RADO" and "Swiss". The movement is currently running with a deviation of approximately +27 to +33 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern and contrasting stitching. It is secured by a gold-tone pin buckle that complements the case. The strap is in good condition and ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case exhibits visible scratches and signs of use typical for a watch of this age, the dial remains in remarkably fresh condition. The movement is winding and running, making this a wearable piece of history that presents very well on the wrist. Dimensions The case diameter is 35mm excluding the crown, a classic size for the era that offers a refined presence on the wrist. Remarks The Rado Golden Horse is a cornerstone model for the brand, representing their shift towards water-resistant, robust automatic watches in the late 1950s and 1960s. This example, with its high jewel count and red date wheel, is a charming representation of mid-century Swiss design. History Introduced in 1957, the Golden Horse was Rado's first collection presented under the Rado brand name, moving away from being solely a movement supplier. It was marketed as a water-sealed, shock-resistant automatic watch, setting the stage for Rado's future innovations in materials and durability. The twin seahorse logo became a symbol of water resistance and quality for the brand during this golden era of watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0054