Collectible Birthday Watch 1983! Rado Golden Horse ETA2824-2 Ref 633.3649.2 17J Gold Plated Automatic Watch (OH)

Make: Rado Switzerland
Type: Automatic
Model: Golden Horse 633.3649.2 "Pie-Pan" Dial 
Year of Production: 1983
Movement: Swiss ETA 2824-2
BPH: 28,800
Number of Jewels: 17
Hands and Dial: 3D Gold-Plated Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands on Pie-Pan Dial
Width: 34.5mm
Height: 42.5mm
Thickness: 11.5mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Strap: Original 2 Tone Rado Signed Gold-Plated Jubilee Design SS Bracelet 
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

Rado was founded in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, by brothers Fritz, Ernst, and Werner Schlup. Initially, the company was called Schlup + Co.

In 1957, the Schlup family rebranded the company as Rado Uhren AG. The name "Rado" is derived from the word "radar," reflecting the brand's commitment to innovation and technology. The same year saw Rado launch the Horse Collections, marking an important milestone for the brand. It was one of Rado's early collections and quickly gained popularity for its combination of precision engineering and timeless style.

In 1962, Rado launched an ambitious advertising campaign to showcase the durability of the Golden Horse. They conducted a "Golden Horse Endurance Test," whereby a Golden Horse watch was strapped to the leg of a golden eagle and released into the Swiss Alps for several days. The watch emerged from the ordeal virtually unscathed, cementing its reputation for durability and toughness.

In recent years, vintage Rado watches, including those from the Horse Collection have gained tremendous popularity among watch collectors and enthusiasts. The distinctive designs, historical significance, and quality construction contribute to their appeal.

For Rado Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a 1983 Rado GOLDEN HORSE 633.3649.2 that comes with the awesome ETA 2824-2 Swiss movement. This watch had gained Collectible status when Rado decided to relaunch this series creating a huge surge for the original model.

The Rado logo, which often features an anchor, is unique and present on the watch dial (that is operable) and crown as well.

Its timeless shaped classic gold-plated case and ala Pie-Pan dial, 3D Gold-Plated indices, hands and date window were given a good buff that removed most of the obvious scratches and age marks, and is now in near mint condition.

The crown is located at the 3H position. The date and hands operate in the traditional manner by pulling out and rotating the crown that works flawlessly. The crystal was buffed and is also in near mint condition.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 7 June 2024; hence, it had undergone an overhaul and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

This movement is the ETA 2824-2, 17 Jewels that operates at a hi-beat 28,800 BPH. The time-grapher shows excellent readings of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 296 with a super straight centered line! Such readings are truly exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, the meticulous care provided over the years, and the painstaking calibration conducted.

The original Rado Signed 2 tone gold-plated Jubilee designed bracelet accompanies this timepiece. It too was given a deep cleaning and is now in near mint condition albeit miniscule scratches on the buckle.

The case width and height are approx. 34.5m (w/o crown) and 42.5mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; hence, suitable for men and the modern women.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Rado components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket or modified parts.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided shows the watch in superb condition, and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear + tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. A brand new EVA pouch is provided.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

This very rare watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in 1983, and its value will appreciate over time.

This is a highly sort-after 1983 Two-Tone Rado Golden Horse 633.3649.2 with Pie Pan dial in stunning condition; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.