Rado - Green Horse - No reserve price - 11657 - Men - 1960-1969

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Rado Green Horse represents a fascinating era of mid-century Swiss horology, defined by distinct branding and highly jeweled mechanical calibers. Known for its charming aquatic motifs and the signature free-swinging anchor logo on the dial, the Green Horse was a foundational model that helped establish Rado global reputation for durable, distinctive timepieces. Housing an impressive forty-one jewel automatic movement, this specific example blends technical ambition with an exceptionally well-preserved aesthetic, making it a highly compelling acquisition for enthusiasts of unique vintage design. Brand: Rado Model: Green Horse Reference Number: 11657 Movement: Automatic Caliber AS 1700/01, 41 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, applied rotating anchor logo, twin green seahorses, and a red date display, presenting an exceptionally clean and well-preserved surface Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably crisp dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a standout feature of this timepiece, presenting in remarkably clean condition with no significant spotting, stains, or moisture marks visible. The surface radiates an elegant metallic texture that interacts beautifully with the light. The dial features crisp black printing, utilizing a mix of bold serif typography for the Rado brand name and sleek sans-serif text for the jewel count and Swiss Made designation. At twelve o'clock, the iconic Rado rotating anchor emblem is set against a deep purple background, while the signature twin green seahorses are sharply printed just above six o'clock. The applied faceted steel indices reflect light dynamically and are perfectly complemented by the polished, sharp dauphine hands. A framed date window at three o'clock displays the date via a striking red roulette-style date wheel, positioned under a cyclops magnifier integrated into the crystal. Case and Crystal The 34 millimeter stainless steel case remains in good vintage condition, exhibiting honest, age-appropriate wear including superficial surface scratches and minor handling marks throughout the polished flanks. The case retains its classic rounded shape, with slightly curved lugs that maintain a well-defined profile. A smooth polished bezel frames the dial, while the winding crown correctly features the embossed Rado anchor logo. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado water-sealed seahorse emblem, alongside clearly legible reference and patent numbers, showing typical minor tool marks from past opening. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that remains clear and free of major distracting scratches, featuring an integrated internal magnification lens directly over the date aperture. Movement Powering this timepiece is the heavily jeweled automatic Rado caliber based on the AS 1700/01 architecture. Close inspection of the movement reveals the "AS 1700/01" caliber stamp visible near the balance wheel, along with the proud "41 JEWELS" engraving on the gilt winding rotor. The base movement displays clean, well-preserved metallic surfaces, while the brass rotor exhibits heavy, age-consistent tarnish and spotting, representing entirely natural patina for this specific material over decades of use. Running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance, the movement produced a timegrapher result of -51s-60s/day. Strap The watch is appropriately paired with a period correct black leather strap featuring prominent white contrast stitching. The strap exhibits minimal signs of wear and is secured by a classic stainless steel pin buckle, providing a comfortable fit that perfectly complements the vintage character of the stainless steel case. Condition This Rado is graded in excellent vintage condition, distinguished primarily by its phenomenally preserved dial. The dial face and hands are near flawless, showing none of the typical degradation often found on watches from this period. The stainless steel case displays authentic, unpolished vintage character with scattered light scratches and handling marks that confirm its history without detracting from its charm. The caseback engravings are sharp and well-defined. Internally, the movement operates smoothly, bearing expected cosmetic oxidation on the gilt rotor while the underlying base caliber remains exceptionally tidy. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 34 mm in diameter excluding the signed crown. The proportions are distinctly mid-century, offering an understated and elegant presence on the wrist that slides easily beneath a shirt cuff. Remarks The Rado Green Horse is a quintessential representation of 1960s design confidence, combining high jewel counts with immediately recognizable branding elements. The forty-one jewel movement was a mark of mechanical pride during this era, intended to minimize friction and extend the lifespan of the caliber. With its swinging anchor logo and pristine sunburst dial, this example captures the enduring appeal of vintage Rado in an incredibly well-preserved package. History Founded in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado originally began as the Schlup and Co. movement factory in 1917 before launching fully assembled watches under the Rado brand name in the 1950s. The Green Horse collection debuted as one of their earliest major successes, designed to showcase improved water resistance and durability for active mid-century consumers. Rado quickly distinguished itself during this period through the use of highly jeweled automatic movements and the innovative free-swinging anchor logo on the dial. Originally intended as a practical feature to indicate when the watch required service by stopping its rotation due to dried lubricants, the swinging anchor quickly became the most beloved and enduring aesthetic signature of the Rado brand. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-RGH-0001