Rado Golden Horse 11675 (1960-1969)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This is an exceptional example of the Rado Golden Horse, distinguished immediately by its rare and highly collectible "57 Jewels" dial signature. A true collector's piece from the golden era of Swiss watchmaking, this example boasts a preservation level that is seldom seen, featuring the iconic rotating anchor and the double seahorse emblem in crisp detail. Combining mid-century elegance with Rado's innovative engineering, this timepiece represents a significant chapter in the brand's history and offers a unique opportunity to own a high-jewel count vintage marvel in stunning condition. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 11675 Movement: Automatic, 57 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with rotating anchor Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1960s Condition: Stunning vintage condition with timegrapher results showing +28s to +35s per day which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is preserved in outstanding condition and retains a vibrant and consistent finish that catches the light beautifully. It features the signature applied Rado anchor logo on a ruby-colored background which rotates freely as intended. The applied silver baton indices are sharp and high-polished. At the six o'clock position the applied double seahorse logo remains crisp alongside the desirable "57 Jewels" text. The dauphine-style hands are original and show no significant corrosion. A date window is positioned at three o'clock displaying distinct red numerals beneath a cyclops magnifier. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 34mm in diameter and displays strong architectural lines with lugs that remain thick and well-defined. The surfaces show only very minor handling marks consistent with a watch that has been carefully stored. The signed crown is correct for the model and sits flush against the case. The screw-down caseback is a highlight featuring the deeply embossed Golden Horse seahorses and water-sealed bayonet lock design with patent numbers 343942 and 345602 clearly legible. The acrylic crystal is clear and includes the characteristic magnification lens over the date. Movement Powering this timepiece is a high-grade Rado automatic movement notable for its impressive 57-jewel count which was a technical achievement and marketing feature of the era. The gold-plated rotor is clean and the movement presents beautifully with no signs of oxidation. Timegrapher testing indicates a daily rate of +28s to +35s which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap is in new condition and complements the monochromatic aesthetic of the silver dial and steel case making it ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is virtually flawless with no visible spotting or patina degradation. The case edges remain sharp suggesting the watch has seen minimal polishing if any. The caseback engravings are deep and crisp. Overall the watch presents as a very fresh example of a 1960s classic. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in diameter excluding the crown. The lug-to-lug length ensures a comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes while maintaining the classic mid-century proportions that dress watches of this era are known for. Remarks The Golden Horse collection was Rado's first major breakthrough in the 1950s and established the brand as a leader in materials and water resistance. The "57 Jewels" variant is particularly sought after by collectors due to the unusually high jewel count which was used to reduce friction in the automatic winding mechanism and as a demonstration of horological prowess. Finding one in this condition with such a clean dial and sharp caseback is becoming increasingly difficult. History Introduced in 1957 the Golden Horse was Rado's first collection marketed under the Rado name rather than as a movement supplier. It was designed to be water-resistant and elegant symbolizing the brand's transition into a standalone luxury manufacturer. The use of the seahorse motif and the rotating anchor logo became hallmarks of the brand that persist to this day. This specific reference captures the peak of that early innovation period. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0025