Rado - Golden Horse - No reserve price - 11674 - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, this Rado Golden Horse embodies the ambitious and distinctive design language of the era. Renowned for its impressive high-jewel automatic movement, this timepiece was a statement of technical pride and luxury during the highly competitive Swiss watch industry of the time. The Golden Horse line played a crucial role in establishing Rado's reputation in international markets, offering a robust yet elegant dress watch aesthetic. This particular example wears its history openly, showcasing a beautifully aged dial and the iconic Rado anchor logo that defines the brand's vintage catalog. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 11674 Movement: 57-Jewel Automatic Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied indices, exhibiting heavy stardust patina and even spotting throughout Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated stainless steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive, pronounced dial patina Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial features applied gold-tone faceted baton indices, creating a striking contrast against the textured background. The dial exhibits a pronounced, even stardust patina, with visible spotting and fine aging across the entire surface, reflecting its decades of life. A framed date window at the three o'clock position displays the date in striking red typography. The dial is further distinguished by the applied Rado anchor logo at twelve o'clock and the twin seahorse emblem at six o'clock. The gold-tone dauphine hands showcase aged luminous material that has darkened to a deep, earthy tone, complementing the overall vintage character of the timepiece. Case and Crystal The thirty-five millimeter gold-plated case presents a classic mid-century silhouette with gracefully sweeping lugs that retain their distinct profile. The case exhibits honest signs of wear, with surface scratches and areas of plating loss along the sharpest edges and the Rado-signed crown, which displays significant oxidation and wear. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is remarkably well-preserved, proudly displaying the deep-stamped Rado Water-Sealed seahorse medallion alongside the reference number 11674. A domed acrylic crystal featuring a date magnifier protects the dial and shows minor surface handling marks consistent with careful vintage use. Movement Inside beats a remarkable fifty-seven jewel automatic movement, a testament to Rado's pursuit of mechanical prestige during this era. The movement features a distinctive gold-finished rotor signed with the Rado name and jewel count, contrasting beautifully against the rhodium-plated bridges beneath. Close inspection reveals crisp factory engravings and a clean overall appearance. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era, recording a timegrapher result of -55 to -60 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome dark brown leather strap, featuring contrasting vibrant orange stitching that highlights the warm gold tones of the case. The strap is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle and remains in excellent, highly wearable condition. Condition Good vintage condition. The watch presents a highly authentic, aged aesthetic with prominent and even spotting across the dial. The case shows expected surface wear and minor plating loss on the extremities, while the caseback engravings remain exceptionally sharp and legible. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Rado Golden Horse is a fantastic conversation piece for the dedicated collector of mid-century oddities and high-jewel count movements. Its distinctive patina, vibrant date display, and undeniable charm make it a standout addition to any vintage portfolio. History Introduced in the late 1950s, the Golden Horse was one of Rado's most successful early collections, helping to pivot the brand from a movement manufacturer to a globally recognized watchmaker. The use of incredibly high jewel counts, such as the fifty-seven jewels found in this model, was part of a fascinating era among Swiss manufacturers aiming to signify ultimate luxury and mechanical refinement. The Golden Horse remains an enduring symbol of Rado's innovative spirit and design heritage. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0087