Rado Sapphire Horse 12101 (1974)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Rado Sapphire Horse is a charismatic example of the brand's adventurous design language from the 1970s. Known for their "Horse" series which signified water resistance and durability, this specific model stands out with its distinctive green twin seahorse logo and robust cushion-shaped case. It combines the quirky appeal of mid-century Rado with a reliable Swiss automatic movement, making it a compelling choice for collectors who appreciate vintage watches with genuine character and history. Brand: Rado Model: Sapphire Horse Reference Number: 12101 Serial Number: 1010986 Movement: Automatic Caliber 2797 Dial: Silver sunburst with green seahorse logo Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of age including visible patina on the dial and surface wear to the case, yet it retains a strong and attractive presence on the wrist. Timegrapher results indicate an accuracy of approximately +13 to +20 seconds per day which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial offers a classic backdrop for the distinctive features of this model. It displays the signature Rado rotating anchor logo on a red background at the 12 o'clock position and the applied green twin seahorse emblem at 6 o'clock. The dial shows evident aging in the form of scattered spotting and freckling across the surface which gives the watch a true vintage aesthetic. The applied block indices and stick hands with black inlays remain intact and legible. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion shape that was highly popular during the 1970s, offering a substantial feel on the wrist without being clear of oversized. The surfaces show scratches and marks consistent with normal vintage wear but the case lines remain defined. The screw-down caseback is crisply engraved with the Rado water-sealed logo along with the reference and serial numbers. The crown is signed with the Rado anchor symbol. Movement Inside beats a Rado signed automatic movement with 25 jewels. The base plate is stamped with the caliber number 2797. The movement features a gold-plated rotor and is offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a stainless steel link bracelet that complements the case design. The folding clasp is embossed with the Rado seahorse logo. The bracelet will fit a wrist size of approximately 18.5cm. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case and bracelet show surface scratches and wear typical for a watch of this age. The dial has developed a noticeable patina with spotting throughout, which is common for silver dials from this era. The movement is clean and running within vintage tolerances. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown. The lug width and bracelet integration provide a comfortable fit suitable for various wrist sizes. Remarks The Sapphire Horse is a memorable entry in Rado's lineage, sitting alongside the Green Horse and Golden Horse models. This particular example, with its specific reference 12101 and green logo variation, represents the funky and robust styling that defines 1970s horology. History Rado was founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. in Lengnau, Switzerland, initially producing movements for other brands. By the 1950s, they launched under the Rado name and quickly became known for their use of innovative materials and water-resistant designs symbolized by the Seahorse collection. The Sapphire Horse series underscored Rado's early commitment to durability and scratch resistance, a philosophy that would eventually lead them to become the masters of high-tech ceramic watches in later decades. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RSH-0001