Rado - Purple Horse - No reserve price - 11761/1 - Men - 1960-1969

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Rado Purple Horse stands as a testament to mid-century Swiss watchmaking, perfectly balancing dress watch elegance with everyday durability. Introduced during an era when Rado was rapidly expanding its global presence, the "Horse" collections became synonymous with reliability and distinctive design. This particular example showcases the brand's signature aesthetic elements, from the dynamic rotating anchor logo to the proud twin seahorse emblem, offering collectors a highly charming and well-preserved piece of Rado's vibrant history. Brand: Rado Model: Purple Horse Reference Number: 11761/1 Movement: Automatic, Caliber AS 1858 Dial: Silver vertical brushed dial with applied faceted indices and red seahorse motif, remarkably clean condition Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a pristine dial and well-defined case architecture Dial and Hands The dial of this Purple Horse is a visual delight, featuring a prominent vertical brushed finish that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied faceted baton indices, each featuring a central black channel that perfectly matches the styling of the polished dauphine hands. At the twelve o'clock position sits Rado's iconic rotating anchor logo set against a deep purple background, a signature hallmark of the brand's automatic timepieces. The three o'clock position hosts a framed date window displaying crisp red numerals. Above the six o'clock marker, the dial features the vibrant red twin seahorse logo and the elegant "Purple Horse" script. The dial is in outstanding condition, completely free of significant spots, stains, or moisture damage, presenting a remarkably clean and highly attractive face that is a joy to inspect under a loupe. Case and Crystal The 34 millimeter stainless steel case maintains a sharp and classic profile, characterized by its elegantly sweeping lugs and a smoothly polished bezel. The transition between the case flanks and the upper lug surfaces remains well-defined, showing only honest, light surface wear consistent with careful vintage use rather than heavy polishing. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that adds wonderful vintage warmth and slight edge distortion to the dial. On the right side, the original crown is proudly signed with the Rado anchor emblem. The screw-down stainless steel caseback is a highlight in itself, featuring deep, crisp engravings of the Rado twin seahorses, the "Water Sealed" designation, and the distinct 11761/1 reference number. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust gold-tone automatic movement, based on the reliable A. Schild caliber 1858, as clearly stamped beneath the balance wheel alongside the AS shield logo. The movement features a beautifully finished rotor engraved with the Rado name, the anchor logo, and its 25-jewel count. The caliber presents well visually, with crisp engravings and a clean overall appearance. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +55 to +62 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a period-appropriate black textured leather strap, featuring a distinctive reptile grain and prominent white contrast stitching that perfectly complements the vintage character of the dial. It is secured with a classic polished stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Rado is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, standing out as the primary focal point with its flawless vertical brushing and bright red accents. The stainless steel case retains strong lines and attractive proportions, exhibiting only minor, age-appropriate handling marks. The engraved caseback remains sharp and fully legible, completing a highly collectible and aesthetically pleasing vintage package. Dimensions Case width: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks With its perfect blend of dressy proportions and quirky brand signatures, this Purple Horse captures the essence of 1960s Rado. The combination of the striking vertical brushed dial, the functional rotating anchor, and the pristine red accents makes this a highly wearable and conversation-starting addition to any vintage watch collection. History Originally founded as Schlup & Co. in the early twentieth century, the company officially launched the Rado brand in the 1950s, quickly establishing a reputation for innovative designs and robust cases. The introduction of the "Horse" series, including the Green, Golden, and Purple Horse, marked a significant milestone for the brand, emphasizing water resistance and everyday durability. These models helped cement Rado's popularity in global markets, particularly in Asia, where the seahorse emblem became a recognized symbol of quality and longevity. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RPH-0014