Rado - Sapphire Horse - No reserve price - 12101 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This captivating Rado Sapphire Horse exemplifies the brand's mid-century design ingenuity and commitment to robust elegance. Emerging from an era where Rado boldly experimented with distinctive case shapes and striking dial furniture, this timepiece offers a brilliant combination of a substantial cushion case and a meticulously detailed silver sunburst dial. With its charming applied seahorse emblem and iconic anchor logo, this watch represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a character-rich vintage Swiss piece that remains incredibly stylish today. Brand: Rado Model: Sapphire Horse Reference Number: 12101 Serial Number: 1012285 Movement: Automatic ETA caliber 2783 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and highly preserved Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably clean dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The silver dial features a striking radial sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully from every angle. It is remarkably well-preserved, presenting a clean surface free of significant spotting, staining, or moisture damage. The dial is adorned with applied faceted rectangular indices featuring dark center inserts, adding exceptional depth and contrast to the display. A framed date window at the three o'clock position reveals the date in a vibrant red typography. The iconic applied Rado anchor logo sits at twelve o'clock over a deep red background, while the distinctive applied seahorse emblem rests proudly above the elegant Sapphire Horse script at six o'clock. The baton hands feature matching dark central stripes, complementing the indices perfectly. Under high magnification, the dial and hands show only the faintest signs of age-appropriate patina, maintaining a crisp and highly attractive aesthetic. Case and Crystal The thirty-six millimeter stainless steel cushion case is a standout feature, boasting a robust tonneau profile with a broad, polished bezel and gracefully sweeping lugs. The case remains in excellent vintage condition, retaining sharp, well-defined edges and honest signs of light wear in the form of superficial surface scratches. The original Rado-signed crown, bearing the anchor emblem, sits neatly against the case flank. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Rado twin seahorse medallion, alongside the reference and serial numbers, remaining highly legible and crisp. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that provides a warm vintage distortion to the dial edge and presents clearly without major blemishes. Movement Inside the robust case beats the reliable Swiss ETA caliber 2783 automatic movement. The gold-plated mechanism features a beautifully textured rotor signed with the Rado name and noting its twenty-five jewels. Close inspection reveals the ETA shield and caliber stamping clearly visible under the balance wheel. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results reflect +48s+52s/d. Strap The watch is paired with a period correct black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile grain pattern and contrasting white perimeter stitching. It is secured with a classic stainless steel pin buckle, offering a comfortable and versatile wearing experience that perfectly frames the silver dial. Condition This Rado Sapphire Horse is presented in excellent vintage condition. The case exhibits normal, honest wear with light handling marks while retaining strong structural integrity and sharp lines. The dial stands out for its outstanding preservation, remaining bright and clean with perfectly intact applied furniture and bold printing. The caseback engravings are deep and wonderfully preserved, completing a highly attractive vintage package. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This piece is a wonderful representation of vintage Rado, combining an adventurous case silhouette with refined dial details. The presence of the original signed crown and the beautifully preserved caseback medallion make it a highly collectible example for enthusiasts of distinctive Swiss design. History Rado has long been celebrated for its pioneering approach to watchmaking, particularly in its use of unconventional case shapes and materials. The Sapphire Horse line emerged during a golden era of Rado mechanical production, sitting alongside other legendary models like the Green Horse and Purple Horse. These watches were designed to be durable daily wearers, distinguished by the brand signature anchor logo and twin seahorse caseback emblems. Today, they remain highly sought after by collectors who appreciate their unique blend of mid-century aesthetics and reliable Swiss engineering. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-SHX-0003