Rado - Golden Horse - No reserve price - Cal. AS 1700/01 - Men - 1960

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a collector's favorite. The Rado Golden Horse with the rare "57 Jewels" movement signature represents the "Golden Age" of Rado design. The silver sunburst dial is stunning, and the overall presentation is crisp, making it a highly desirable piece for enthusiasts of mid-century horology. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Movement: Automatic Cal. AS 1700/01 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1960 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher results indicate a daily rate of approximately +25 to +30 seconds, which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is preserved in remarkable condition, displaying a radiating finish that catches the light beautifully. It features the iconic rotating Rado anchor logo in purple at the 12 o'clock position, a signature kinetic feature of the brand. The dial is adorned with applied faceted baton hour markers and the distinct twin seahorse logo at 6 o'clock. A date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, displaying red numerals which add a vibrant and characteristic vintage touch to the monochrome aesthetic. The silver dauphine-style hands are sharp and clean, complementing the overall elegance of the face. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 35 mm and retains strong, defined lines, particularly on the lugs which exhibit a slight inward curve typical of the era. The surface shows a high-polished finish that remains bright and attractive with only minor signs of age. The signed crown features the Rado anchor symbol. The screw-down caseback is a highlight, featuring the deeply embossed twin seahorse medallion and "Water-Sealed" text, with the textured engravings remaining crisp and clearly legible. The crystal is clear and provides excellent visibility of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is a highly collectible Rado automatic movement, based on the reliable AS 1700/01 caliber. This specific iteration is signed with "57 Jewels" on the gold-plated rotor, a famous and desirable specification from Rado's history that aimed to showcase engineering prowess. The movement appears visually clean and well-maintained, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white vintage-style stitching near the lugs. The strap is supple and complements the stainless steel case perfectly, offering a classic and versatile look suitable for daily wear. Condition This vintage Rado is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean for its age, with no significant staining or damage. The case shows only minor handling marks consistent with careful use over the decades. The movement is functioning well, with timegrapher readings showing a rate of approximately +25 to +30 seconds per day, indicating a healthy movement for a watch of this vintage. 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 Golden Horse "57 Jewels" is a cult classic among vintage enthusiasts. Finding one with such a clean dial and the correct high-jewel movement signature is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the rotating anchor, the 57-jewel claim, and the twin seahorse caseback makes this a quintessential example of Rado's mid-century charm. It is a stunning piece of horological history that wears beautifully today. History Debuting in 1957, the Golden Horse collection was Rado's first major success as a standalone brand, marking their transition from a movement supplier to a watchmaker. It was marketed as a robust, water-resistant automatic watch, symbolized by the seahorse motif. The "57 Jewels" marketing campaign was a bold move in the late 1950s and early 1960s to signify luxury and technical superiority, making these specific models highly sought after by collectors for their place in the brand's timeline. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0055