Rado - Golden Horse - No reserve price - 11675 - Men - 1960-1969

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This classic timepiece represents a fascinating era in mid-century horology when brands fiercely competed to showcase mechanical prestige through increasingly complex calibers. Boasting an impressive jewel count, this watch perfectly encapsulates the ambitious spirit of the era, combining robust stainless steel architecture with refined, elegant dial furniture. The iconic twin seahorse motif and the freely rotating anchor logo serve as enduring symbols of the brand's commitment to durability and distinctive design. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 11675 Movement: Automatic, caliber AS 1700/01, 57 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, red date display, and visible age-consistent spotting Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest surface wear and attractive dial patina Dial and Hands The dial presents a beautiful silver surface finished with a subtle radial sunburst texture that catches the light elegantly. It features applied, faceted block indices with ridged detailing, adding significant depth to the display. At twelve o'clock, the signature applied Rado anchor sits within a purple circular frame, positioned above the painted branding. At six o'clock, the applied twin seahorse emblem rests proudly above the Golden Horse script. A distinct feature of this layout is the date window at three o'clock, which displays the date in striking red typography framed by a silver border. The original dauphine hands exhibit a sharp profile. Upon close inspection, the dial shows honest vintage condition with visible spotting, light surface marks, and evenly distributed patina across the silver finish. The hands also display light oxidation consistent with the age of the timepiece, contributing to its authentic vintage character. Case and Crystal The 35 millimeter stainless steel case features a robust profile with thick, faceted lugs that transition cleanly between brushed upper surfaces and polished flanks. The polished bezel frames the dial beautifully, while the signed crown, bearing the Rado anchor, sits flush against the case side. The domed acrylic crystal is uniquely equipped with an internal cyclops magnifier positioned precisely over the date window, ensuring clear legibility while maintaining a smooth exterior surface. The case remains in good vintage condition, exhibiting normal handling marks, superficial scratches, and slight softening of the lug chamfers indicative of regular wear over the decades. The screw-down stainless steel caseback is a highlight, featuring a deeply engraved twin seahorse medallion alongside the "Water-Sealed" script, reference number 11675, and patent numbers 343942 and 345602. Movement Powering this timepiece is a highly jeweled automatic movement, specifically the reliable A. Schild caliber 1700/01, as clearly marked beneath the balance wheel. The movement is distinguished by its striking gilt rotor, which is proudly engraved with the Rado signature and the impressive 57 jewels designation. This exceptionally high jewel count was a hallmark of luxury watchmaking during this period, designed to reduce friction and increase longevity in the gear train. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher indicates an accuracy of +34 to +36 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring a classic crocodile grain pattern. The strap is detailed with contrasting yellow stitching that complements the warm tones of the vintage dial and is secured to the wrist by a polished stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case retains its fundamental geometry while showing honest, age-appropriate surface scratches and wear. The dial exhibits a clear vintage aesthetic with noticeable spotting and patina that collectors often appreciate for its authenticity. The crystal is generally clear with minor surface wear, and the movement operates with strong vintage performance. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 millimeters in diameter when excluding the signed crown. Remarks This piece stands as a wonderful representation of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, offering a compelling blend of distinct design language and mechanical ambition. The combination of the red date display, the internal crystal magnifier, and the proudly displayed 57-jewel movement makes it a highly engaging watch for the dedicated collector. History Introduced in 1957, the Golden Horse collection was a major milestone, serving as one of the very first collections marketed under the brand's own name. It was designed to offer superior water resistance and reliability, symbolized by the twin seahorse emblem on the caseback. During the 1960s, the watch industry engaged in a "jewel war," where manufacturers continuously increased the jewel counts in their movements to signal ultimate luxury and mechanical sophistication. This specific execution, with its remarkable 57-jewel movement, stands as a prime artifact of that competitive and highly creative era in horological history. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0077