Rado - Green Horse - No reserve price - 11657/1 - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Rado Green Horse represents a fascinating era of Swiss watchmaking, combining robust engineering with distinctive design elements. Known for its iconic rotating anchor logo and the twin seahorse emblem, the Green Horse was part of Rado's successful "Horse" series, which aimed to offer durable, water-resistant watches for the active professional. This particular example, boasting an impressive 41-jewel movement, highlights Rado's commitment to mechanical sophistication and enduring style during the mid-20th century. Brand: Rado Model: Green Horse Reference Number: 11657/1 Movement: 41-Jewel Automatic Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, rotating anchor logo, and applied twin seahorse emblem. Shows even, light aging and minor spotting consistent with vintage character. Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a well-preserved caseback medallion. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial features a subtle, attractive texture that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied, faceted, dart-style hour markers that provide excellent depth and legibility. At the 12 o'clock position sits the signature Rado rotating anchor logo set against a red background, while the lower half proudly displays the applied green twin seahorse emblem above the "Green Horse" script. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring a red date wheel. The dial exhibits an honest, even patina with minor spotting and slight discoloration around the edges and near the center, authenticating its vintage age. The dauphine hands, along with the central sweeping seconds hand, show signs of oxidation and aging, matching the overall aesthetic of the dial. The "SWISS MADE" text is clearly visible at the bottom edge. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case retains its classic proportions and sharp lug profile. The smooth bezel and case flanks display normal signs of handling and superficial scratches expected from a watch of this era, indicating it has been worn and enjoyed but not over-polished. The signed Rado crown is present and features the anchor logo. The screw-down caseback is a particular highlight, featuring a deeply embossed twin seahorse medallion set against a textured background, proudly stating "Water-Sealed." The reference number "11657/1" and patent numbers are clearly engraved on the outer edge. The domed acrylic crystal presents well, offering a clear view of the dial, though it may show very faint, superficial handling marks upon close inspection. Movement Powering this Green Horse is an impressive 41-jewel automatic movement, a testament to Rado's engineering ambition during this period. The movement is beautifully finished in a golden tone, with the rotor signed "RADO" and "41 JEWELS" alongside the Rado anchor logo. The caliber is clean and visually well-preserved. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher result shows a deviation of -33 to -35 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring a classic alligator-grain pattern. The strap is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle, complementing the dressy yet robust nature of the timepiece. Condition This Rado Green Horse is presented in good vintage condition. The dial shows an attractive, even patina with minor age-related spotting. The case retains strong lines with honest surface wear and scratches consistent with normal use. The caseback medallion remains crisp and deeply defined. The movement is visually clean and operational. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This 41-jewel Green Horse is a superb example of Rado's mid-century design language. The combination of the high-jewel count movement, the distinctive dial furniture, and the beautifully preserved caseback medallion make it a compelling piece for collectors of vintage Swiss automatics. History Introduced in the late 1950s, the Green Horse was one of Rado's earliest models to feature the now-iconic rotating anchor logo, originally intended to indicate when the watch needed servicing (as the anchor would stop spinning when the oils dried up). The "Horse" collection, which included the Purple, Golden, and Silver variations, was pivotal in establishing Rado's reputation for producing reliable, water-resistant watches. The inclusion of high-jewel movements, such as the 41-jewel caliber seen here, was a marketing strategy to emphasize precision and reduce friction, highlighting Rado's competitive edge in the bustling post-war Swiss watch industry. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0075