Collectible Circa 1960 Rado 11674 Golden Horse AS1700 57J Automatic (OH)

Make: Rado Switzerland
Type: Automatic
Model: Golden Horse 11674 Pie Pan Dial
Year of Production: Circa 1960
Movement: Swiss AS-1700
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 57
Hands and Dial: 3D Gold-Plated Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 35mm
Height: 42.5mm
Thickness: 10.5mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Strap: Vintage Snake Brand Gold Plated Snake Skin Designed 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 the world's first 57J timepiece circa 1960 Rado Golden Horse 11674 that comes with the awesome AS-1700 Swiss movement. This watch is extremely rare and had gained Collectible status when it was discontinued.

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

Its timeless shaped classic gold-plated case and ala Pie-Pan dial were cleaned albeit miniscule scratches do remain and there is build-up of patina on the dial respectively. The 3D Gold-Plated indices, hands and date window were also 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 as it should. 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 17 June 2024; hence, it had undergone a proper overhaul and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

This movement is the AS-1700, 57 Jewels that operates at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher shows excellent readings of -2 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 244 with a relatively 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.

An actual vintage Snake brand gold-plated SS bracelet with a snake-skin designed links is provided with the timepiece. It too was given a deep cleaning albeit miniscule scratches synonymous with age.

The case width and height are approx. 35m (w/o crown) and 42.5mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 17cm; 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, and its value will appreciate over time.

This is an extremely rare, highly sort-after world's first 57J circa 1960 Rado Golden Horse 11674 with Pie Pan dial in excellent vintage condition; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.