Rado - Purple Horse - No reserve price - 11794 - Men - 1960-1969

Now available at auction from Second Vintage Rado holds a distinctive place in mid-century horology, celebrated for combining robust, water-resistant case designs with undeniable visual flair. The Purple Horse line emerged during a golden era for the brand, offering collectors a durable everyday timepiece characterized by its signature rotating anchor logo and elegant dial architecture. This specific example captures the essence of 1960s watchmaking, pairing a highly detailed sunburst dial with a classic stainless steel profile, making it a versatile and historically compelling addition to any vintage collection. Brand: Rado Model: Purple Horse Reference Number: 11794 Movement: Automatic Caliber, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, rotating anchor logo, and red date display, showing exceptional preservation. Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and honest, attractive case lines. Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in mid-century texture and depth, featuring a brilliant silver finish with a pronounced radial sunburst pattern. It is adorned with highly dimensional, applied rectangular indices that feature intricate striated metallic detailing and dark inserts, perfectly catching the light. The brand’s iconic rotating anchor logo sits dynamically at the twelve o'clock position against a vibrant purple backdrop, balanced by the applied "- RADO -" text at nine o'clock and the elegant serif cursive "Purple Horse" script at three o'clock. A prominent red double seahorse motif anchors the lower half of the dial above the Swiss Made designation. The date window is framed in polished steel and displays a striking red numeral. The dial condition is truly outstanding, presenting an exceptionally clean surface free from visible spotting, moisture marks, or print loss. The polished dauphine hands show a natural, attractive surface oxidation and light patina that perfectly suits the vintage character of the piece. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel case is elegantly proportioned, featuring a smooth, polished bezel and sweeping lugs that conform comfortably to the wrist. The original signed crown, complete with the Rado anchor emblem, remains intact and clearly defined. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that incorporates an internal magnification lens seamlessly integrated over the date aperture. The robust screw-down caseback is deeply stamped with the classic Rado Water-Sealed medallion, prominently displaying the twin seahorses, three stars, and the 11794 reference number. The case remains in excellent vintage condition, exhibiting honest, superficial scratches and light handling marks consistent with normal wear, while maintaining its structural integrity and handsome factory geometry. Movement Powering this timepiece is a richly gold-tone finished Rado automatic caliber featuring 25 jewels. The rotor is cleanly signed with the Rado name and anchor logo, sweeping over well-preserved bridges with crisp jewel sink chamfers and bright, functioning gear trains. Based on the provided timegrapher data showing a variance of +10 to +14 seconds per day, the movement is very healthy. It is running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is paired with a supple black leather strap featuring contrasting white vintage-style side stitching. It is secured by a polished stainless steel pin buckle, providing a comfortable and aesthetically cohesive match for the polished elements of the case and dial. Condition This Rado is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, standing out as a pristine focal point with no visible surface damage or deterioration. The case shows moderate, age-appropriate surface wear without deep gouges, retaining its authentic vintage charm. The deeply engraved caseback remains highly legible. The handset displays a fine, honest patina, and the movement performs strongly. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures a classic 36 mm in diameter, excluding the signed winding crown. Remarks This Rado Purple Horse is a vibrant testament to the brand's innovative design language of the 1960s. The combination of the flawlessly preserved sunburst dial, the pop of the red date wheel, and the dynamic rotating anchor makes this watch incredibly engaging on the wrist. It represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a highly distinctive, collector-grade vintage automatic. History Founded as the Schlup & Co. watchmaking factory in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, the company officially launched the Rado brand in the 1950s. Rado quickly differentiated itself by focusing on durability and water resistance, introducing the famous "Horse" collections, which included the Green, Golden, and Purple Horse variants. These models were designed as elegant yet highly durable watches capable of withstanding the rigors of daily life. The introduction of the rotating dial anchor, initially conceived as an indicator of service needs when it stopped moving freely, quickly transitioned into a beloved brand signature. Today, vintage Rado models from this era are highly regarded for their unique aesthetic identity and robust Swiss engineering. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RPH-0009