Rado Purple Horse 11794 (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This classic and recognizable vintage Rado design is defined by its striking silver sunburst dial, which remains exceptionally clean and attractive. Featuring the signature red painted seahorse logo above 6 o'clock and a detailed caseback medallion featuring three seahorses, this Purple Horse offers honest vintage character housed within classic 36mm stainless steel proportions. Brand: Rado Model: Purple Horse Reference Number: 11794 Serial Number: 15453123 Movement: Automatic, 25 jewels, caliber 2783 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices and red seahorse logo Case Size: 36mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -36-44s/day, running in operational condition. Dial and Hands The dial features a silver sunburst finish in well-preserved, exceptionally clean condition. It is detailed with applied faceted indices, the Rado anchor logo, and a distinctive red painted seahorse logo situated just above 6 o'clock. All printed text remains crisp and intact, with only very minor dust or spotting visible under macro inspection. The dauphine style hands contrast the dial's preservation, showing significant age with heavy oxidation and corrosion visible on both the hour and minute hands, alongside degraded or missing luminous material. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case retains an honest wear profile consistent with its age. Finished with polished surfaces, the case and its smooth integrated steel bezel show moderate scratches and scuffs throughout, particularly on the bezel area and lugs. The edges exhibit some softening from previous wear and potential polishing. The watch retains its crown, signed with the Rado anchor logo, which shows light wear while the logo remains clearly defined. The domed acrylic crystal provides clear visibility of the dial, presenting some light scratches and scuffs notably near the lower edge. Movement Powering this timepiece is a 25-jewel automatic movement, identifiable by its engravings as the caliber 2783. The gold-tone finished movement features a signed rotor and appears generally clean with minor signs of handling or age, displaying an ETA caliber stamp visible beneath the balance wheel. Timegrapher: -36-44s/day. Running in operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the watch. Strap The watch is fitted with a complementary black leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern and contrasting white stitching. The strap appears lightly used. Condition Good vintage condition. The silver sunburst dial is exceptionally clean and attractive, presenting a stark contrast to the dauphine hands, which exhibit significant aging, heavy oxidation, and degraded luminous material. The stainless steel case and smooth bezel display honest wear, with moderate scratches, scuffs, and softened edges from previous use. The domed acrylic crystal shows light scratches near the lower edge. The movement is running in operational condition. Dimensions Case Size: 36mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Purple Horse stands out for its well-preserved silver sunburst dial and the vibrant red seahorse logo that anchors its vintage appeal. The combination of its classic 36mm case proportions and the detailed caseback medallion makes it a highly wearable and recognizable addition to any collection. History The Purple Horse was part of Rado's broader 'Horse' collection, which emerged as a cornerstone of the brand's mid-twentieth century catalog, celebrated for its distinctive styling and reliable automatic movements. Produced during the 1970s, this example represents a well-known and relatively accessible era of Rado's design history, appreciated by collectors for its recognizable branding and enduring mechanical charm. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RPH-0006