Rado - Green Horse - No reserve price - 11657-1 - Men - 1972

Available now on auction by Second Vintage The Rado Green Horse stands as a testament to the brand's mid-century dedication to robust, daily-wear timepieces with distinctive character. Introduced as part of Rado’s famous "Horse" lineage, which signified enhanced water resistance and durability, this model captures the quintessential charm of 1970s watchmaking. With its iconic rotating anchor logo, vibrant green twin seahorse emblem, and the unexpected pop of a red date wheel, this timepiece offers a rich visual experience. It is a fantastic opportunity for collectors seeking a character-driven vintage automatic with honest, time-earned aesthetics. Brand: Rado Model: Green Horse Reference Number: 11657-1 Serial Number: 6571952 Movement: Automatic Caliber 2797, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, red date display, and visible stardust patina Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest dial patina and well-preserved case lines Dial and Hands The dial presents a classic silver sunburst finish that has aged over the decades to develop a distinct, even stardust patina, with visible spotting and freckling across the surface that speaks to its authentic vintage journey. The typography is crisp, featuring the printed "Green Horse" text alongside the applied double seahorse logo executed in a rich green tone. At twelve o'clock, the signature Rado anchor logo sits against a red background, positioned above the applied Rado brand name. The applied hour indices are faceted and feature black center inlays that match the original baton hands, providing excellent contrast and legibility. A standout feature is the date window at three o'clock, framed in polished steel and displaying the date in striking red numerals on a white disc. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case retains strong, attractive proportions with distinct transitions between the brushed upper lug surfaces and the polished case flanks. The lugs feature a sharp inner chamfer that remains nicely defined, showing only normal, age-consistent handling marks and light surface scratches. The watch is fitted with a domed crystal that perfectly complements the vintage profile and remains clear, allowing an unobstructed view of the dial. The original crown is present and proudly signed with the Rado anchor emblem. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down stainless steel caseback deeply engraved with the Rado twin seahorse medallion, brand name, and the clear reference and serial numbers, all remaining highly legible. Movement Powering this Green Horse is a beautifully finished gold-toned automatic movement, the Caliber 2797. The mechanism features a distinctive grid-patterned rotor, clearly signed "RADO 25 JEWELS SWISS". Close inspection of the baseplate reveals the caliber stamp "2797" along with "408" and "SWISS" markings. The movement presents cleanly, maintaining the authentic mechanical character of the era and showcasing Rado's commitment to reliable automatic calibers during this period. Strap The watch is currently paired with a period-correct black leather strap featuring subtle textured graining and matching black stitching. It is secured with a classic stainless steel pin buckle, offering a comfortable and versatile wearing experience that perfectly frames the stainless steel case. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case remains structurally sound with well-defined lines and honest signs of wear consistent with its age. The dial exhibits noticeable but visually cohesive stardust spotting and patina, adding unique vintage character without compromising the legibility of the applied furniture or printed text. The caseback engravings remain sharp and distinct. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Green Horse is a delightful representation of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, combining robust case architecture with playful design elements like the red date and green seahorse logo. Its honest patina and well-preserved case make it a compelling choice for vintage enthusiasts who appreciate watches that wear their history openly. It is a versatile and charismatic addition to any collection. History Rado introduced the Green Horse in the late 1950s as a cornerstone of their new strategy to market highly water-resistant watches. The "Horse" designation—ranging from Green and Purple to Golden and Silver—became synonymous with durability and reliability, particularly finding immense success in Asian markets. The twin seahorse logo engraved on the casebacks was specifically chosen to symbolize this aquatic capability. Over the decades, the Green Horse evolved through various iterations, but it always maintained its core identity as a dependable, stylish automatic watch equipped with the brand's signature moving anchor logo, cementing its place as a beloved classic in Rado's extensive archives. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0073