Rado - Purple Horse - No reserve price - 11782/1 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This attractive Rado Purple Horse is a standout example of 1970s Swiss design, combining robust engineering with a refined aesthetic. The watch features a striking charcoal grey sunburst dial that contrasts beautifully with the stainless steel case and fluted bezel, giving it a classic and versatile presence on the wrist. Distinctive details such as the rotating anchor logo at 12 o'clock and the twin seahorse emblem at 6 o'clock make this a collectible piece for vintage enthusiasts. With its practical day-date complication and iconic jubilee-style bracelet, this timepiece offers both historical charm and reliable daily wearability. Brand: Rado Model: Purple Horse Reference Number: 11782/1 Serial Number: 157305835 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Charcoal grey sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Very good vintage condition with only small wear on the dial and with well-preserved case structure. Running within vintage tolerances. Operating and functioning. Dial and Hands The dial is a deep charcoal grey with a rich sunburst finish that catches the light dynamically. It features thick applied silver baton indices with luminous inserts, complemented by matching silver baton hands. The signature Rado anchor logo at 12 o'clock rotates freely against a red background, a beloved feature of the brand. At 6 o'clock, the red twin seahorse logo and "Purple Horse" script remain crisp and vibrant. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, adding functional utility to the balanced layout. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel case is in well-preserved condition, featuring a distinctive fluted bezel that adds a touch of dressy elegance. The lugs remain defined with visible brushing on top and polished sides. The caseback is the screw-down type, proudly displaying the deeply embossed Rado triple seahorse medallion and "Water-Sealed" engravings, which are sharp and clearly legible. The crown is original and signed with the Rado anchor symbol. The crystal shows minor signs of age but remains clear and presentable. Movement Powering the watch is a high-quality Swiss automatic movement with 25 jewels. The movement is gold-plated and features a signed rotor with the Rado anchor logo. It is clean and running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance for the new owner. Strap The watch is fitted with its original vintage Rado stainless steel jubilee-style bracelet. The bracelet is comfortable and flexible, showing normal stretch consistent with its age. It secures with a stainless steel folding clasp that features a large embossed Rado anchor logo. The bracelet will fit a wrist size of approximately 18.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is in very good vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean, which is a significant highlight for a watch of this era. The stainless steel case shows normal signs of wear with light surface scratches but retains its original geometry without signs of heavy polishing. The fluted bezel is sharp. The movement is clean and functioning correctly. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage proportion that sits comfortably on the wrist. Remarks The Rado Purple Horse is a charming alternative to more ubiquitous dress watches of the period, offering distinct character through its unique branding and logos. The combination of the fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet, and dark grey dial creates a sophisticated look suitable for both casual and formal occasions. This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a well-preserved piece of Rado's "Horse" collection history. History Rado introduced the "Horse" collection in the late 1950s, starting with the Green Horse, which was one of the first Rado models to emphasize water resistance and automatic movements. The Purple Horse followed as part of this successful lineage, representing a blend of durability and style. These models were instrumental in establishing Rado's reputation in Asian and European markets as a manufacturer of premium, robust wristwatches. The rotating anchor logo found on this model was a patented Rado innovation intended to indicate when the movement might need service, though today it serves primarily as a charming horological quirk beloved by collectors. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD19KWVE5000