Rado - Golden Horse - No reserve price - 11816 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Rado Golden Horse stands as a testament to mid-century Swiss watchmaking, blending robust everyday capability with highly distinctive design elements. Introduced during an era of rapid expansion for the brand, the Golden Horse helped establish Rado's reputation for creating durable, water-resistant timepieces with a unique visual identity. This example captures the quintessential charm of the era, featuring the iconic swiveling anchor logo, the deeply stamped twin seahorses, and a versatile cushion case that wears beautifully on the wrist. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 11816 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices, showing age-related spotting and edge wear Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear Dial and Hands The dial features a classic silver sunburst finish, anchored by the signature swiveling Rado anchor logo set against a vibrant purple background at the twelve o'clock position. Applied golden twin seahorses sit proudly above the six o'clock marker, complemented by a framed day-date complication at three o'clock displaying a blue day wheel alongside black date numerals. The hour markers are faceted batons with prominent black central inserts, which are echoed by the design of the main handset. Careful visual inspection reveals clear signs of vintage age and environmental exposure. The dial exhibits scattered surface spotting, minor blemishes, and localized wear along the outer edge near the minute track. The faceted hands show noticeable oxidation and aging, presenting an entirely honest, untouched aesthetic that speaks directly to the history of the timepiece. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel case showcases a distinctive cushion profile, transitioning smoothly from brushed upper surfaces to polished flanks. The case geometry remains well-defined, though it exhibits moderate surface scratches, handling marks, and minor edge softening consistent with decades of regular wear. The winding crown is properly signed with the Rado anchor motif. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, displaying some light surface scuffs and minor scratches visible under magnification. The screw-down caseback is a particular highlight of this model, heavily decorated with the deeply stamped Rado twin seahorses, stars, and the "Water-Sealed" script, alongside the 11816 reference number. The caseback shows expected friction marks and scratches from historical wear, yet the intricate embossing remains wonderfully pronounced. Movement Inside beats a robust Rado-signed automatic caliber, beautifully finished in a rich gold tone and clearly marked for 25 jewels. The movement presents cleanly in the provided macro images, with the sweeping rotor and bridges retaining a bright, well-preserved luster. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results reflect a current performance of +20 to +25 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct black leather strap, detailed with contrasting white stitching that complements the dial aesthetics, secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition Good vintage condition. This Golden Horse exhibits the honest, accumulated signs of a life well-lived. The stainless steel case retains its fundamental shape while showing regular surface wear and scratches throughout. The dial and hands display noticeable aging, including spotting, edge discoloration, and metal oxidation, which contribute heavily to its authentic vintage character without compromising overall legibility. The elaborately decorated caseback remains highly detailed and attractive. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This timepiece offers a wonderful opportunity to acquire a highly recognizable vintage Rado with true mechanical character. Its combination of the swiveling anchor, the elaborate caseback, and the honest patina makes it a compelling addition for collectors who appreciate unpolished, historically intact mid-century design. History Introduced in the late 1950s, the Golden Horse was one of Rado's first major commercial successes and played a pivotal role in establishing the brand's global footprint. It was designed to offer superior water resistance and reliability, heavily promoted under the "Water-Sealed" banner. The model introduced the now-legendary swiveling anchor logo, a clever mechanical detail indicating the automatic winding nature of the movement, which has remained a hallmark of Rado design for over half a century. The Golden Horse line continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts for its unique blend of robust engineering and expressive, character-rich styling. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0068