Rado Golden Horse 11817 (1970-1979)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This is an exceptional example of the Rado Golden Horse, a flagship model that defined the brand's rise to prominence in the mid-20th century. This specific reference stands out with its distinct cushion case design and the highly desirable vertical day-date configuration at the 6 o'clock position. Preserved in stunning condition, the watch features the signature rotating anchor logo and the iconic seahorse imagery, making it a highly collectible piece for enthusiasts of unconventional vintage design. With its pristine silver sunburst dial and sharp gold-tone case, this timepiece offers a sophisticated presence on the wrist that perfectly captures the charm of the 1970s. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 11817 Serial Number: 4221366 Movement: Automatic Cal. AS 1859 Dial: Silver sunburst with vertical day-date Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated stainless steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Stunning vintage condition with a pristine dial and sharp case preservation, running strong with timegrapher results between +6 and +15 seconds per day which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in immaculate condition, retaining a bright and flawless finish that plays beautifully with the light. It features heavy applied gold block indices that are multi-faceted to catch reflections. At 12 o'clock sits the iconic Rado anchor logo on a ruby-red background, which rotates freely as intended. The lower half of the dial displays the applied twin seahorse logo and the rare vertical day-date window at 6 o'clock, framed in gold. The gold baton hands are excellent, featuring original lume that has aged to a warm, consistent tone. Case and Crystal The 35mm cushion-shaped case is gold-plated and remains in remarkable condition, showing crisp edges and original finishing with only minimal handling marks. The gold plating is thick and intact, showing no signs of brassing on the visible surfaces. The crystal is clear and free of deep scratches, ensuring perfect legibility. The signed crown is original and crisp. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is exceptionally well-preserved, featuring the deep relief "Water Sealed" medallion with the three seahorses, and all reference and serial numbers are sharp and clearly legible. Movement Powering the watch is the reliable Swiss automatic Caliber AS 1859, a 25-jewel movement known for its durability. The movement is clean and the rotor is signed by Rado. It is currently running strong and keeping good time, with timegrapher readings showing approximately +6 to +15 seconds per day, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a new high-quality black leather strap featuring a lizard-grain texture. The strap is accented with yellow contrast stitching that perfectly complements the gold tones of the case and dial, secured by a matching gold-tone buckle. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is virtually flawless, which is rare for watches of this era. The case retains its architectural definition without the over-polishing often seen on vintage pieces. The movement is clean and functioning correctly, including the day and date change functions. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage fit that wears slightly larger due to the cushion case shape. Remarks The Rado Golden Horse reference 11817 is a standout model due to its specific combination of the cushion case and the vertical day-date layout. Finding an example with a dial this clean and a caseback medallion this sharp is increasingly difficult. It is a dress watch that possesses enough character for daily wear, representing a high point in Rado's vintage catalog. History Introduced in 1957, the Golden Horse collection was Rado's first major breakthrough as a standalone brand, celebrating their 40th anniversary. It utilized the seahorse symbol to denote water resistance and became a massive success, particularly in Asian markets. The line established Rado's reputation for using high-quality materials and robust movements. This specific era of the Golden Horse showcases the brand's transition into bolder 1970s aesthetics while maintaining the elegance of the original design language. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0048