Rado - Golden Horse - No reserve price - 11816 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Discover a distinct piece of mid-century Swiss horology with this Rado Golden Horse Day-Date. A celebrated model within the Rado archives, the Golden Horse line represents the brand's commitment to durability and avant-garde design. This specific example features the iconic rotating anchor logo and the twin seahorse emblem, housed in a robust stainless steel case that sits comfortably on the wrist, making it a perfect daily companion for the vintage enthusiast. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 11816 Serial Number: 13362459 Movement: Rado signed automatic caliber, 25 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with day-date complication Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: c. 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of age, particularly on the dial, while maintaining a sharp case and reliable mechanical performance. Dial and Hands The dial features a silver sunburst finish that has developed a unique vintage character over the decades. It is adorned with thick, faceted applied hour markers that catch the light beautifully. At the 12 o'clock position sits the signature Rado anchor logo which rotates on a ruby-colored background, while the applied twin seahorse "Golden Horse" logo resides at 6 o'clock. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, offering practical utility. The dial shows visible patina and spotting, particularly on the left side between the 8 and 10 o'clock markers, adding to its authentic vintage appeal. The hands remain legible and retain their original form. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion-style design typical of the era, combining polished surfaces with sturdy architecture. The lugs are thick and flow seamlessly into the case body. The case retains good definition, showing normal surface scratches consistent with age and use. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor. The screw-down caseback is a highlight, featuring the crisp and deeply embossed "Water-Sealed" medallion with the triple seahorse motif, a testament to the watch's original water-resistant engineering. The acrylic crystal is in good condition and includes a magnifier lens over the date window for improved legibility. Movement Powering this timepiece is a high-quality Swiss automatic movement, signed by Rado with 25 jewels. The gold-toned rotor spins freely, and the movement architecture suggests a robust caliber likely based on an A. Schild base, common for high-grade Rados of this period. The mechanism appears clean and well-maintained visually. Timegrapher results show the watch is running between +22 and +31 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement operating within acceptable vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a new black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching and a padded profile. It secures with a stainless steel pin buckle and complements the sporty yet dressy aesthetic of the Golden Horse, fitting a wrist size up to approximately 20 cm. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the dial exhibits noticeable patina and aging spots, the case remains structurally sound with well-defined edges. The movement is functioning correctly, and the date change mechanism operates as intended. It presents as an honest, unpolished example that wears its history proudly. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage fit that works well on a variety of wrist sizes. The lug width is proportionate to the case, ensuring a balanced look on the wrist. Remarks The Rado Golden Horse is a significant model that helped establish Rado as a serious manufacturer of waterproof automatic watches in Asia and Europe. This specific reference, with its day-date configuration and intact caseback medallion, offers a wonderful entry point into collecting unusual Swiss designs. History Rado was founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. in Lengnau, Switzerland. They launched the Golden Horse collection in 1957, which was one of the first lines to appear under the Rado brand name. The collection was marketed heavily on its water resistance and durability, symbolizing the brand's transition from movement supplier to a standalone watchmaker. The rotating anchor logo, introduced during this era, was originally designed to indicate when the watch needed service (if the anchor stopped spinning), but it quickly became the brand's most recognizable trademark. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0034