Rado Purple Horse 11761/1 (1970-1979)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This classic Rado Purple Horse offers a highly recognizable aesthetic, defined by its distinctive red accents and traditional fluted bezel. The silver sunburst dial provides a brilliant backdrop for the red seahorse logo and matching date numerals, delivering a strong visual presence on the wrist. Brand: Rado Model: Purple Horse Reference Number: 11761/1 Serial Number: 345602 Movement: Automatic, 25 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices and red accents Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +6+9s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is exceptionally well-preserved, featuring crisp printing and applied faceted indices that catch the light beautifully. An applied Rado anchor logo sits at 12 o'clock, complemented by the printed Purple Horse text and the red seahorse logo above the 6 o'clock position. A date window at 3 o'clock displays striking red numerals. The dial appears clean, showing minimal signs of aging or spotting. The original dauphine-style hour and minute hands, along with the sweep seconds hand, show expected age-related surface oxidation and minor scratches, adding honest character to the display. Case and Crystal The polished stainless steel case features moderate scratches and scuffs along the flanks and lugs, representing honest wear consistent with its age. A fluted stainless steel bezel frames the dial, showing moderate wear, scratches, and a gentle softening of the fluted edges. The domed acrylic crystal exhibits minor surface scratches visible under certain lighting angles. On the side, the crown is signed with the Rado anchor logo and shows moderate wear. The stainless steel caseback retains clear engravings and the signature seahorse medallion, with some wear and minor pitting visible along the outer edge. Movement Inside beats a gold-tone 25-jewel automatic movement. The rotor is engraved with the Rado name, anchor logo, and jewel count. While the movement plates appear generally clean, there is visible oxidation and discoloration along the edge of the rotor. Measuring +6+9s/day on the timegrapher, the movement is exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a complementary black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap is in good condition, showing light wear that suits the overall aesthetic of the timepiece. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial remains in excellent, clean shape, while the original hands display natural surface oxidation. The polished case and fluted bezel show moderate scratches and some softening of the edges, with minor pitting noted on the caseback perimeter. The domed crystal has minor superficial scratches. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm, excluding the crown. Remarks This Purple Horse is defined by its pristine silver sunburst dial and the striking contrast of its red date and seahorse logo. The combination of the fluted bezel and strong mechanical performance makes this an appealing choice for collectors of mid-century design. History Rado introduced the Horse collection in the late 1950s to designate their premium automatic watches. The Purple Horse became a signature model within this family, instantly recognizable by its seahorse branding and styling cues. Produced during the 1970s, this specific reference highlights the era's appreciation for textured bezels and bold dial accents, remaining appreciated by vintage enthusiasts today. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-PHX-0008