Rado Golden Horse 343942 (1960-1969)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Rado Golden Horse stands as a significant pillar in the brand's mid-century catalog, representing an era of robust and elegantly designed automatic timepieces. Introduced in the late 1950s, the Golden Horse collection was pivotal in establishing Rado's reputation for creating durable, water-resistant watches with distinctive styling. This particular example showcases the charm of a well-loved vintage tool watch, featuring the iconic rotating anchor logo and the unmistakable twin seahorse emblem that has become synonymous with Rado's heritage. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 343942 Serial Number: 345602 Movement: Automatic, caliber AS 1700/01, 30 jewels Dial: Champagne dial displaying heavy age-consistent patina, spotting, and surface wear Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive aging Dial and Hands The dial of this Golden Horse presents a deeply characterful champagne tone, exhibiting heavy, even patina and spotting across its surface that speaks to decades of authentic wear. The dial features faceted, applied baton indices that catch the light beautifully, complemented by the applied Rado anchor logo at the twelve o'clock position and the signature twin seahorses above the six o'clock mark. The typography remains legible, with crisp printing denoting the brand, jewel count, and model name. A striking red date wheel is positioned at three o'clock, framed by a subtle window. The classic dauphine hands show oxidation and aging consistent with the dial, completing the cohesive vintage aesthetic. Careful inspection reveals surface marks and crazing on the dial, which add to the rugged, historical appeal of the timepiece without compromising its essential legibility. Case and Crystal Constructed from robust stainless steel, the thirty-five millimeter case retains its classic proportions and elegant, tapered lugs. The smooth, polished bezel frames the dial handsomely, showing honest signs of use, including light scratches and handling marks typical of a watch from this era. The case flanks and lug profiles maintain their structural integrity, with the transition between surfaces remaining distinct. The watch is fitted with a signed Rado crown bearing the recognizable R logo, displaying some surface wear. The screw-down caseback is a highlight, featuring a deeply engraved twin seahorse medallion along with the Rado name and patent numbers, remaining highly detailed and crisp. The dial is protected by a domed acrylic crystal that exhibits some light surface wear and fine scratches, perfectly in keeping with the watch's overall vintage condition. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made automatic movement, clearly marked as a thirty jewel caliber. Close inspection of the movement beneath the balance wheel reveals the caliber stamping 1700/01, identifying it as an AS base movement customized for Rado. The rotor is handsomely finished and signed with the Rado Golden Horse nomenclature. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -25 to -30 seconds per day. Strap The watch is currently mounted on a handsome dark brown crocodile-embossed leather strap. The strap features contrasting stitching and is secured by a classic stainless steel pin buckle, providing a comfortable fit and complementing the warm tones of the patinated dial. Condition This Rado is presented in good vintage condition, showcasing honest wear and a highly patinated aesthetic. The case exhibits normal scratches and handling marks, while the dial displays significant spotting, aging, and surface wear that will appeal to collectors who appreciate a watch with visible history. The structural integrity of the case and the crispness of the caseback engraving remain impressive. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures thirty-five millimeters in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The proportions offer a classic, understated presence on the wrist, typical of mid-century dress and casual watches. Remarks With its distinctive branding and robust build quality, the Golden Horse remains a favorite among vintage Rado enthusiasts. The combination of the rotating anchor, the twin seahorse caseback, and the rich patina make this a compelling piece of Swiss watchmaking history. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado originally began as the Schlup and Co. watchmaking factory in 1917 before launching watches under the Rado name in the 1950s. The Golden Horse collection, introduced in 1957, was one of the brand's first major successes, designed to offer reliability and water resistance in a stylish package. It laid the groundwork for Rado's future innovations in materials and design, cementing the brand's status in the global watch market. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0020