Rado - Silver Horse - No reserve price - 11832/1 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of mid-century Swiss design, this Rado Silver Horse embodies the robust elegance that defined the brand's golden era. Characterized by its distinctive cushion case and the iconic rotating anchor emblem, this timepiece offers a wonderful blend of mechanical intrigue and architectural case geometry. The Silver Horse line remains a favorite among collectors for its distinct visual identity and dependable engineering, making this a charismatic addition to any vintage portfolio. Brand: Rado Model: Silver Horse Reference Number: 11832/1 Movement: Swiss automatic, 25 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with faceted indices, showing edge patina and localized age spots Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest signs of wear and age-consistent patina Dial and Hands The dial presents a striking silver sunburst finish, adorned with applied faceted diamond-shaped hour markers that catch the light dynamically. At the nine o'clock position, the signature Rado rotating anchor sits within a metallic ruby-red circle, while the applied twin seahorse emblem anchors the lower half above six o'clock. The dial features a date aperture at three o'clock framed by a faceted metallic window, displaying the date in striking red typography. The dial exhibits clear signs of its vintage journey, with noticeable edge degradation, perimeter spotting, and surface patina, particularly concentrated along the outer track between the six and ten o'clock positions. The dauphine hands feature black central inserts and display age-consistent oxidation and surface wear, perfectly matching the honest, patinated character of the dial. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel cushion case features a compelling blend of brushed upper surfaces and polished flanks. The lug profile remains well-defined, though the transitions between the brushed and polished sections show the softening typical of normal vintage wear and historical handling. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that exhibits some surface wear and fine crazing consistent with its age, adding to the authentic vintage charm. The polished caseback is heavily decorated, featuring the deeply stamped Rado twin seahorses medallion, the Water-Sealed designation, and the reference number 11832/1, remaining highly legible despite expected surface scratches. The crown completes the case architecture. Movement Inside the case beats a robust Swiss-made automatic movement, beautifully finished with a gold-plated aesthetic. The winding rotor is proudly signed with the Rado name, the anchor logo, and proudly declares its 25-jewel construction. A close inspection of the caliber reveals authentic signs of its mechanical lifespan, including minor surface oxidation and honest wear on the screw heads. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher records a deviation of +75 to +80 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a period-correct black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile grain pattern and tonal stitching. The strap is supple and complements the steel case, securing to the wrist with a classic stainless steel pin buckle. Condition Graded as being in good vintage condition. This Rado Silver Horse displays an authentic and unpolished aesthetic, bearing the honest marks of decades of use. The dial shows prominent edge patina and surface spotting, while the case retains its structural integrity with moderate handling marks. The movement is fully operational, and the overall presentation is that of a character-rich, well-loved vintage timepiece. Dimensions Case width: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The rotating anchor on the dial, originally designed to indicate when the watch required service by eventually stopping its rotation, remains one of the most charming mechanical quirks of vintage Rado timepieces. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, in 1917 as Schlup and Co., the company eventually launched the Rado brand in the 1950s. Rado quickly distinguished itself through unconventional case designs and a pioneering focus on durability and water resistance. The Horse collections, including the Green, Purple, and Silver Horse, became the backbone of Rado's mid-century catalog, celebrated for their robust construction and distinctive branding. These models cemented Rado's reputation in international markets and remain iconic representations of 1960s and 1970s horological design. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-SHX-0001