Rado - Golden Horse Sport - No reserve price - 11743 - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Rado Golden Horse Sport is a standout example of mid-century Swiss horology, combining robust mechanics with elegant design cues. Featuring the highly desirable 30-jewel automatic movement and a distinctive fluted bezel, this reference 11743 represents the golden era of Rado production. The watch distinguishes itself with its "Sport" designation and the charming use of a red date wheel, making it a sophisticated choice for collectors valuing both aesthetic condition and mechanical pedigree. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Sport Reference Number: 11743 Movement: Automatic, Caliber AS 1700/01 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied block indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a very well-preserved dial and sharp case lines. Timegrapher testing indicates reliable performance. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in remarkable condition, retaining a bright and uniform finish that plays beautifully with the light. It features Rado's signature rotating red anchor logo at the 12 o'clock position, which spins freely as intended. The dial is adorned with applied, faceted block indices and the iconic twin seahorse logo at 6 o'clock. A silver-framed date window at 3 o'clock displays the date in red, adding a vibrant touch to the monochromatic face. The silver dauphine hands are sharp and corrosion-free, contributing to the watch's high legibility and refined appearance. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case is well-defined, showcasing the distinctive fluted bezel that remains crisp and catches the light effectively. The lugs remain thick with sharp edges, indicating the watch has seen minimal polishing over the decades. The screw-down caseback is particularly impressive, featuring a deep and clear relief of the Rado seahorses and the "Water Sealed" text, along with clearly legible patent and reference numbers. The acrylic crystal features a magnifying cyclops over the date window and is free from distracting marks. Movement Powering this timepiece is a high-grade, copper-finished automatic movement, based on the reliable AS 1700/01 caliber. This specific iteration is signed "Rado 30 Jewels" on the rotor, indicating a higher specification than standard models of the era. The movement is clean and visually impressive. Timegrapher testing shows the watch running between +7 and +10 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement operating well within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring contrasting brown stitching. The strap is in excellent condition, soft and pliable, and complements the sporty yet dressy aesthetic of the watch perfectly. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is nearly flawless with no significant spotting or patina. The case shows only minor surface hairline scratches consistent with careful handling and age, with no deep dings or heavy wear. The fluted bezel retains its architectural sharpness. The movement is clean, running strong, and functioning correctly. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the winding crown. The lug-to-lug length ensures a comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes, offering a classic vintage presence that remains relevant today. Remarks Finding a Golden Horse "Sport" variant with the 30-jewel movement in this state of preservation is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the fluted bezel, the red date wheel, and the crisp caseback engraving makes this a collector-grade example. It is a watch that bridges the gap between dress and sport, embodying the robust elegance Rado was famous for in the 1960s. History Introduced in 1957, the Golden Horse collection was Rado's first major breakthrough series, marketed heavily in Asia where the seahorse symbol represented luck and prosperity. It established Rado as a serious manufacturer of water-resistant automatic watches. The success of the Golden Horse line paved the way for Rado's future innovations in materials and design, making these early steel examples historically significant milestones for the brand. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0040