Rado Purple Horse 11726/2 (1960-1969)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Rado Purple Horse, a timepiece that perfectly captures the adventurous and robust spirit of Rado's mid-century design language. Distinguished by its manual-wind movement and the vibrant, playful purple seahorse logo on the dial, this watch represents a specific era of Swiss horology where durability met distinct style. The condition of this piece is exceptional, particularly the deeply embossed "Water Sealed" caseback which retains all its original detail, making it a true collector's highlight. Brand: Rado Model: Purple Horse Reference Number: 11726/2 Serial Number: 615981375 Movement: Manual Wind Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1960s Condition: Near-mint vintage vintage condition with an exceptionally preserved dial and sharp case lines. Timegrapher testing indicates a rate of approximately -40 to -42 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in spectacular condition, radiating a clean and bright finish that catches the light beautifully. It features substantial applied silver block indices and sharp dauphine-style hands that add to the sporty yet elegant aesthetic. The dial is signed with the applied Rado anchor logo at the 12 o'clock position and the iconic purple twin-seahorse logo at 6 o'clock, which remains vivid and colorful. The text is crisp, and the overall presentation is pristine. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is extremely well-preserved, retaining sharp edges and its original geometry. The lugs are thick and defined, showing minimal signs of wear. The signed crown features the Rado anchor logo. The screw-down caseback is a standout feature, displaying the elaborate "Water Sealed" medallion with three seahorses in high relief, surrounded by the reference and serial numbers which are clearly legible. The crystal is clear and free of distracting marks. Movement Inside beats a signed Rado manual wind movement with 21 jewels, presenting a clean gold-colored finish. The mechanism winds smoothly and sets correctly. Timegrapher testing indicates a rate of approximately -40 to -42 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring a textured, scale-like pattern and contrasting white stitching. The strap complements the vintage character of the watch perfectly and is in excellent, ready-to-wear condition. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial shows virtually no signs of aging, spots, or patina, appearing nearly as fresh as the day it was made. The case shows only very minor handling marks consistent with careful storage, and the caseback engravings remain incredibly deep and crisp, suggesting the watch has seen very little wrist time over the decades. Dimensions With a diameter of 35 mm excluding the crown, the watch offers a classic vintage proportion that sits comfortably on the wrist. The lug-to-lug length and case profile give it a presence that feels substantial yet refined. Remarks Finding a manual-wind Purple Horse in this state of preservation is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the "Water Sealed" caseback, the specific reference 11726/2, and the flawless dial makes this a significant opportunity for the discerning Rado collector. History Rado, originally founded as the Schlup & Co. clockwork factory in 1917, began selling watches under the Rado brand name in the 1950s. The "Horse" collection—including the Green, Golden, and Purple Horse models—became one of their most successful and recognizable lines in the late 1950s and 1960s. These watches were marketed for their water resistance and robustness, cementing Rado's reputation for engineering excellence and innovative materials that continues to this day. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RPH-0003