Rado - Green Horse - No reserve price - 343942 - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage An iconic example of mid-century design, this Rado Green Horse represents a fascinating era in Swiss horology known for its adventurous styling and robust engineering. Distinguished by the rare and collectible "57 Jewels" signature on the dial, this timepiece combines technical curiosity with the classic aesthetic of the 1960s. The watch features a charming silver sunburst dial accented by the signature rotating anchor logo and a distinctive red date wheel, making it a charismatic choice for the vintage collector looking for a conversation piece with genuine character. Brand: Rado Model: Green Horse Reference Number: 11674 Movement: Automatic, signed Rado Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated / Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher testing indicates a variance of +15s to +22s/day, which indicates healthy movement and running within vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial presents an honest vintage aesthetic, displaying evenly distributed spotting and patina known as "tropical" aging that confirms its age and history. It features applied gold-tone baton hour markers and the signature applied twin-seahorse "Green Horse" logo at 6 o'clock. The celebrated Rado anchor logo at 12 o'clock sits on a purple gemstone base. A distinct red date wheel is positioned at 3 o'clock. The gold-tone dauphine hands show signs of aging consistent with the dial. The text "57 JEWELS" is proudly displayed, a hallmark of Rado's golden era. Case and Crystal The case measures 34mm and features gold plating over a stainless steel base. The case shows general wear, surface scratches, and some softening of the plating, particularly on the lugs, typical for a watch of this vintage. The crown is original, stamped with the Rado anchor symbol. The stainless steel caseback is a highlight, featuring the elaborate "Water-Sealed" embossing and the twin seahorse medallion, along with the reference number 11674 and patent number 343942. Movement Powering the watch is a Rado Swiss automatic movement. The rotor is engraved "RADO GOLDEN HORSE" and "FIFTYSEVEN 57 JEWELS SWISS," highlighting the brand's unique marketing approach to jewel counts during this period. The movement is clean and functional. Timegrapher testing indicates a variance of +15s to +22s/day, which indicates healthy movement and running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring contrasting yellow stitching that complements the gold tones of the case. The strap is in fresh condition and ready for wear. Condition This timepiece is in Good vintage condition. While it shows clear cosmetic signs of age—specifically the freckling on the dial and surface wear on the gold plating—it retains a strong, cohesive vintage look. The caseback engravings remain sharp and legible. Dimensions Case diameter: 34 mm Lug to lug: Approx. 42 mm Lug width: 18 mm Remarks The "57 Jewels" designation on this Rado is a specific point of interest for collectors; during this era, Rado utilized high jewel counts (incorporating both functional and non-functional jewels in the reverser wheels and calendar mechanism) to signify luxury and smooth operation. The combination of the "Green Horse" dial and the "Golden Horse" signed rotor is a known variation occasionally seen in vintage Rado models from this transition period. History The Green Horse line helped establish Rado as a serious contender in the water-resistant watch market during the late 1950s and 1960s. Before the high-tech ceramic era Rado is known for today, models like the Green Horse and Golden Horse were the backbone of their success, marketed as robust, waterproof, and stylish everyday watches for the active gentleman. This example captures specifically the design language of the early 1960s. /Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0016