Rado Golden Horse 30 Jewels Ref. 11674/11675 (Vintage)
Dress Watch / Daily Carry · Rado (Member of The Swatch Group, though independent at time of manufacture). Tier: Mid-range luxury, known for innovation and reliability.
Period: Mid-Century Modern (Late 1950s - 1960s). Specific indicators include the sharp dauphine hands, faceted applied indices, and the 'pie-pan' style outer ring of the dial which was popular in this era.
Type
Dress Watch / Daily Carry
Brand
Rado (Member of The Swatch Group, though independent at time of manufacture). Tier: Mid-range luxury, known for innovation and reliability.
Movement
Automatic, likely A. Schild (AS) base caliber such as the AS 1700/1701. Features 30 jewels, approximately 42-hour power reserve, and a frequency of 18,000 bph.
Dimensions
Diameter: 34.5mm to 35.5mm (excluding crown); Thickness: 11mm; Lug-to-Lug: 43mm; Lug Width: 18mm.
Description
The Rado Golden Horse is a quintessential mid-century timepiece that represents Rado's transition into the luxury market. This specific model features a stunning 'sunray' dial and the famous 'swinging anchor' logo, which was designed to move with the wearer's wrist to indicate the use of an automatic movement. Its sharp case lines and elegant gold-on-silver aesthetic provide a high level of wrist presence for its modest 35mm diameter.
Key Features
Rotating anchor logo at 12 o'clock, 'Kissing Seahorses' logo above 6 o'clock, '30 Jewels' dial text, and the distinct faceted golden hour markers.
Dial Description
Silver sunburst dial with a vertical brushed texture; features gold-toned faceted applied indices, gold dauphine hands, a framed date window at 3 o'clock, the signature rotating Rado anchor logo at 12, and the iconic kissing seahorses 'Golden Horse' logo at 6.
Case Material
Gold-plated (likely 20 microns) or Gold-capped stainless steel. High polish finish on the thin bezel and tops of the sharp, elongated lugs.
Crystal Type
Box-style acrylic/hesalite crystal. Features a visible internal tension ring. Surface shows minor age-appropriate hairline scratches.
Bezel Details
Fixed, smooth, thin polished bezel in matching gold tone integrated into the case design.
Crown & Pushers
Small, fluted push-pull crown. It appears to be a replacement steel crown rather than the original signed gold-capped crown, which is common in vintage Rados of this age.
Bracelet or Strap
Black textured perlon or nylon NATO-style strap (aftermarket). Originally would have come on a beads-of-rice bracelet or a leather strap.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down stainless steel caseback. Usually features the Rado 'Water Sealed' emblem with three seahorses and the reference number.
Movement Type
Automatic, likely A. Schild (AS) base caliber such as the AS 1700/1701. Features 30 jewels, approximately 42-hour power reserve, and a frequency of 18,000 bph.
Water Resistance
Originally 120ft/30m (Water Sealed); currently considered non-water resistant due to likely gasket degradation and crown aging.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Lengnau, Switzerland. Uses a high-grade outsourced movement from A. Schild, modified and finished by Rado.
Age Estimate
Circa 1958-1965 based on the dial layout, 30-jewel designation, and the specific Seahorse logo style.
Cultural Significance
The Golden Horse series was Rado's breakthrough into Asian markets (particularly Japan) where it established the brand as a status symbol of reliability and 'Swissness' during the 1960s.
Condition Notes
Good - Very Good. The gold plating shows light wear on lug edges; dial is remarkably clean with no visible corrosion; the crown is likely non-original (steel vs gold case). The perlon strap is a modern addition.
Value Estimate
$400 - $700 USD. Value is driven by the cleanliness of the dial and the functionality of the rotating anchor logo. Box and papers for this era are rare and add significant premium.
Care & Maintenance
Water resistance is no longer reliable due to age; avoid all contact with water. Movement should be serviced every 5-7 years. Use a polywatch compound to buff the acrylic crystal if it acquires scratches.
Similar Watches
Omega Constellation 'Pie-Pan' (more expensive, similar dial geometry), Seiko ‘Lord Marvel’ (Japanese equivalent), Longines Flagship (similar heritage dress style).
Interesting Facts
The Golden Horse was the first collection released under the Rado name in 1957. The rotating anchor at 12 is mounted on a synthetic ruby and is designed to move freely; in many vintage pieces, this anchor becomes 'stuck' due to dried oils.