Rado - Golden Horse - No reserve price - 11675 - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Rado Golden Horse stands as a remarkable testament to the brand's mid-century ambition, blending elegant design with impressive mechanical specifications. Introduced during an era of fierce horological competition, this particular iteration boasts an astonishing 57-jewel automatic movement, a feature that served as a profound statement of engineering prowess and luxury. With its signature rotating anchor logo and the distinctive twin seahorse emblem, this timepiece captures the adventurous and innovative spirit of vintage Rado. The combination of a refined silver sunburst dial, striking red date display, and a classic beads-of-rice bracelet makes this Golden Horse a highly compelling acquisition for collectors seeking character, history, and mechanical intrigue in a beautifully preserved package. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 11675 Serial Number: 343942 Movement: Automatic Caliber 1700/01 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices, rotating anchor, and golden seahorses, showing excellent preservation with minor age-appropriate patina Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: circa 1962 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial of this Golden Horse is a visual delight, featuring a radiant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. The typography is crisp and legible, with the iconic Rado name and "57 JEWELS" printed sharply below the 12 o'clock position. Above this sits the brand's legendary rotating anchor logo, set against a vibrant purple background that remains rich in color. At 6 o'clock, the applied golden twin seahorses provide a striking contrast against the silver dial, positioned elegantly above the stylized "Golden Horse" script. The applied faceted baton hour markers are highly polished, complementing the sharp dauphine hands. A framed date window at 3 o'clock displays the date in a bold red font, adding a perfect touch of vintage charm. Close inspection reveals an exceptionally clean dial surface with only the faintest signs of age-consistent patina, while the hands exhibit a gentle, honest oxidation that speaks to the authentic vintage nature of the timepiece. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case presents an elegant and versatile profile, characteristic of classic dress watches from the era. The case features smooth, sweeping lugs that retain good definition, transitioning cleanly between the polished bezel and the brushed and polished case flanks. The watch is fitted with a domed crystal that incorporates a distinct internal magnifier over the date window, enhancing legibility while maintaining the smooth exterior curvature. The original signed crown, bearing the Rado "R" logo, is present and well-preserved. Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down caseback that is nothing short of spectacular, featuring a deeply struck, highly detailed engraving of the Rado twin seahorses and "Water-Sealed" text. The case shows normal, honest signs of wear with light surface scratches consistent with careful use, but no major impacts or deep blemishes, preserving its handsome vintage appeal. Movement Powering this timepiece is the impressive automatic Caliber 1700/01, a movement renowned for its lavish 57-jewel count, which Rado proudly advertised to highlight its premium engineering and reduced friction. Visual inspection of the movement reveals a clean, well-maintained mechanism featuring a striking gold-tone rotor inscribed with "RADO 57 JEWELS" and the Golden Horse designation. The base caliber markings are clearly stamped near the balance wheel. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -37 to -40 seconds per day, reflecting reliable operational health for a watch of this vintage. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct stainless steel beads-of-rice bracelet that perfectly complements the mid-century aesthetic of the Golden Horse. The intricate, multi-link design provides exceptional articulation and comfort on the wrist. The bracelet is secured by a fold-over clasp that is distinctly stamped with the Rado brand name. The bracelet exhibits moderate stretch and light surface wear consistent with its age, and is sized to comfortably accommodate a wrist up to 18cm. Condition This Rado Golden Horse is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is outstandingly preserved, remaining bright and clean with only minor, attractive aging. The stainless steel case retains its structural integrity and elegant proportions, displaying only superficial handling marks. The deeply engraved caseback remains exceptionally crisp, a rarity for watches of this period, indicating that it has not been subjected to heavy polishing. Dimensions The watch measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The proportions are classically restrained, offering a refined and understated presence that wears beautifully on the wrist. Remarks Finding a vintage Rado Golden Horse with the 57-jewel movement and such a well-preserved dial and caseback is a distinct pleasure. The combination of the purple-backed rotating anchor, the golden seahorses, and the red date wheel creates a dial dynamic that is instantly recognizable and highly sought after by brand enthusiasts. This is a watch that offers significant historical charm and mechanical uniqueness. History Rado introduced the Golden Horse collection in 1957, marking a pivotal moment in the brand's history as one of its first major successes under the Rado name. The collection was designed to offer robust, water-resistant elegance, heavily promoted for its durability and precision. The inclusion of high-jewel-count movements, such as the 57-jewel caliber seen here, was part of a broader industry trend in the late 1950s and 1960s where brands competed to offer the most frictionless and luxurious mechanical calibers. The Golden Horse established the aesthetic and technical foundation for Rado's future innovations, making it a cornerstone model in the brand's rich horological legacy. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0083