Rado Golden Horse 623.3001.4 (1972)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado Golden Horse is a superb example of the brand's mid-century design language, combining robust engineering with elegant dress watch aesthetics. Known for its distinct personality and durability, the Golden Horse line helped establish Rado as a serious contender in the Swiss watchmaking industry. This particular example features a stunningly preserved silver sunburst dial, the iconic rotating anchor logo, and a razor-sharp caseback medallion that is often lost on lesser examples. It represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a piece of Swiss horological history in excellent condition. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 623.3001.4 Serial Number: 46750340 Movement: Automatic, Rado signed 25 Jewels (ETA 2797 base) Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices and rotating anchor logo Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1972 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and sharp case lines. Dial and Hands The dial is the highlight of this timepiece, presenting a flawless silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. It features applied faceted baton hour markers that add depth and sophistication. Below the 12 o'clock position sits the signature Rado rotating anchor logo against a red background, a hallmark of the brand's automatic models. At 6 o'clock, the dial displays the applied double seahorse logo and the "Golden Horse" script in crisp black print. A date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring distinctive red numerals. The silver-tone Dauphine hands are in excellent condition, free from corrosion, and complement the central sweep seconds hand perfectly. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 35mm in diameter and remains in excellent vintage condition. The polished surfaces show only minor handling marks consistent with careful use, while the lug edges remain defined. The watch is fitted with a signed Rado crown featuring the anchor symbol. The acrylic crystal is clear and includes a cyclops magnifier over the date window for improved legibility. The screw-down caseback is particularly impressive, featuring the deeply embossed "Water Sealed" medallion with three seahorses, which remains sharp and unpolished, showcasing the reference and serial numbers clearly. Movement Powering this watch is a gold-plated Rado automatic movement, based on the reliable ETA 2797 caliber. The rotor is signed "RADO 25 JEWELS," contrasting with the input data but visually confirmed by the images. The movement appears clean and well-maintained. It is running within vintage tolerances, showing a consistent +27 to +28 seconds per day on the timegrapher, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch comes paired with a high-quality black leather strap featuring a crocodile grain texture and matching black stitching. It is finished with a simple, polished silver-tone pin buckle that suits the dressy nature of the watch. The leather is supple and ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is near-mint, showing virtually no signs of aging or spotting. The case retains its original geometry with strong lines, and the caseback engraving is exceptionally well-preserved, which is a rare find for this model. The movement is clean and functioning well. Overall, this is a collector-grade example that has been treated with care throughout its life. Dimensions With a case diameter of 35mm excluding the crown, the watch offers a classic vintage fit that slides easily under a shirt cuff. The lug-to-lug distance ensures a balanced presence on a variety of wrist sizes, embodying the traditional proportions of 1970s dress watches. Remarks The Rado Golden Horse is a cult classic among vintage enthusiasts, celebrated for its unique branding elements like the rotating anchor and the seahorse motifs. Finding one with such a pristine dial and a sharp, unpolished caseback medallion is becoming increasingly difficult. This example stands out for its red date wheel and the clarity of its silver dial, making it a versatile piece that works as well with a suit as it does with casual attire. History Rado, originally founded as Schlup & Co. in Lengnau, Switzerland in 1917, began selling watches under the Rado brand name in the 1950s. The Golden Horse collection, introduced in 1957, was one of the first series to bring the brand international acclaim. It was marketed as a water-resistant, robust automatic watch, symbolizing the brand's commitment to durability and style. The line remains a pillar of Rado's heritage, with modern reissues proving the timeless appeal of this specific design. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0045