Rado Silver Horse 72016544 (1970-1979)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Silver Horse captures the bold design language and innovative spirit of 1970s Swiss watchmaking. Known for their distinctive case shapes and striking dials, Rado consistently pushed the boundaries of conventional aesthetics during this era. This particular example showcases a vibrant blue dial complemented by the brand's signature rotating anchor logo, offering a compelling blend of vintage charm and robust mechanical engineering that collectors continue to appreciate. Brand: Rado Model: Silver Horse Serial Number: 72016544 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Vibrant blue sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, rotating anchor logo, and silver seahorse motif. Clean condition with light age-consistent wear. Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Normal vintage wear, moderate patina, well-defined case. Dial and Hands The striking blue sunburst dial is the undeniable focal point of this Silver Horse, exhibiting a dynamic play of light that shifts depending on the angle. The dial features a prominent, applied Rado logo at nine o'clock, balanced by a framed date window at three o'clock showcasing red numerals. The iconic Rado rotating anchor logo sits just below the twelve o'clock position, while a polished silver seahorse applique rests above six o'clock. The applied, faceted hour markers feature a distinctive blocky design, adding depth to the visual layout. The dial shows light, honest signs of age, with faint surface marks visible under close inspection, yet it remains vibrant and highly attractive. The faceted baton hands are well-preserved, complementing the applied indices and featuring slender luminescent strips that have aged evenly. The sweeping seconds hand extends gracefully to the outer minute track. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinctively robust, tonneau-style profile characteristic of the 1970s. The sweeping lugs integrate seamlessly into the case flanks, creating a smooth and continuous line. The transition between the polished bezel area and the brushed upper surfaces is well-defined, indicating careful preservation. The case displays honest signs of wear, including fine scratches and minor handling marks consistent with its age and use, but retains strong geometry without appearing over-polished. The original Rado-signed crown, featuring the anchor motif, sits flush against the case at three o'clock. The screw-down caseback is beautifully decorated with the Rado seahorse emblem, stars, and "Water-Sealed" text in deep relief, alongside the clearly engraved serial number 72016544. A domed crystal protects the dial, showing minor surface wear but offering a clear view of the vibrant blue display beneath. Movement Powering this Silver Horse is a clean, Rado-signed 25-jewel automatic movement. The gold-toned rotor is clearly engraved with "RADO" and "25 JEWELS," while the mainplate features the "RADO SWISS" stamp. The movement architecture is well-preserved, with the balance wheel, hairspring, and ruby jewels presenting beautifully in the macro photography. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher result reads +40 to +46 s/d. Strap The watch is fitted with a robust black leather strap featuring striking contrast stitching in white and orange. This contemporary pairing complements the vibrant dial and the sturdy case design, securing with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Rado Silver Horse is presented in good vintage condition. The case exhibits normal vintage wear and handling marks, while retaining its bold, characteristic shape. The dial is well-preserved, showing minor age-related characteristics that do not detract from its striking visual appeal. The movement is clean and operational. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This piece represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a distinctive and characterful example of Rado's 1970s design ethos. The combination of the vibrant blue dial, robust steel case, and the iconic rotating anchor makes it a standout addition to any vintage collection. History Rado, originally founded as Schlup & Co. in 1917, began using the Rado name in the 1950s and quickly established a reputation for innovative designs and the use of unconventional materials. The "Horse" lines, including the Green Horse, Purple Horse, and Silver Horse, became central to the brand's identity in the mid-20th century, offering reliable automatic movements housed in water-resistant cases. These models frequently featured the brand's signature rotating anchor logo on the dial, a clever mechanical detail that served as a visual indicator of an automatic movement inside. The Silver Horse line, in particular, often showcased bold, colorful dials and sturdy case designs, reflecting the adventurous aesthetic trends of the late 1960s and 1970s. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RSH-0002