Rado - Purple Horse - Zonder minimumprijs - 11744/1 - Heren - 1960-1969

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Rado Purple Horse is a charming and character-rich example of mid-century Swiss watchmaking. Featuring a striking silver sunburst dial punctuated by a vibrant red date display and a distinctive fluted bezel, this timepiece captures the essence of 1960s design. Preserved with honest signs of its journey, it offers collectors an authentic vintage experience combined with the enduring appeal of a classic mechanical Rado. Brand: Rado Model: Purple Horse Reference Number: 11744/1 Serial Number: 1621035 Movement: 17-Jewel Manual Wind Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied indices, showing light spotting and age-consistent patina Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and appealing vintage character Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial features applied faceted indices with black accent inserts, complemented by a striking red date wheel at the three o'clock position. The dial displays an honest, age-consistent patina with light spotting, surface aging, and subtle discoloration visible under close inspection. The dauphine hands exhibit visible oxidation and lume degradation, adding to the authentic vintage character of the piece. The applied Rado anchor logo and the printed red seahorse emblem remain clear and well-preserved against the patinated background. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case is paired with a distinct fluted bezel that shows visible signs of tarnish and wear, highlighting its historical journey. The case flanks and lugs retain their classic profile, exhibiting moderate handling marks, surface scratches, and softened edges typical of a well-enjoyed vintage timepiece. The signed Rado crown is present and features the classic anchor motif. The domed acrylic crystal presents clearly, offering an unobstructed view of the dial while showing minor surface wear. The screw-down caseback features crisp engravings, including the iconic Rado water-sealed seahorse emblem, reference 11744/1, and serial number 1621035. Movement Inside beats a golden-finished 17-jewel manual wind movement, proudly signed by Rado. The movement components present cleanly in the detailed macro photography, showcasing the classic Swiss mechanical engineering of the era. 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 fitted with a its original stainless steel jubilee-style bracelet, complete with a folding clasp bearing the Rado seahorse emblem. The bracelet shows stretch and wear consistent with its age, seamlessly continuing the vintage aesthetic of the case. Condition Good vintage condition. The timepiece exhibits normal vintage wear, moderate patina on the dial and hands, and a well-defined case profile. The fluted bezel shows notable tarnish and the case displays honest handling marks, contributing to its unpolished, original appearance. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 18 cm Remarks This Rado Purple Horse is a delightful representation of classic everyday vintage wear. The combination of the red date numeral, the textured fluted bezel, and the patinated dial creates a visually engaging piece on the wrist. It stands as a testament to Rado's robust mid-century design language. History Rado, originally founded as Schlup & Co. in 1917, has a rich heritage of producing robust and distinctive timepieces. The Purple Horse line, introduced in the mid-20th century, was part of Rado's highly successful "Horse" collection, which emphasized water resistance and reliable daily performance. These models helped cement Rado's reputation in global markets, particularly in Asia, establishing a foundation of durability and distinctive styling long before the brand became famous for its pioneering use of high-tech, scratch-resistant materials. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RPH-0013