Fully Restored! Collectible! 1957 Rado Golden Horse AS1700 30J Mechanical Watch (OH)

Make: Rado
Type: Mechanical
Model: Golden Horse "Pie-Pan" Dial
Year of Production: 1957
Movement: Swiss AS1700
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 30
Hands and Dial: "Pie-Pan" Silver Dial, 3D Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 35mm
Height: 43mm
Thickness: 11.5mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Strap: Original Rado Signed Super Engineer Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

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

The Rado Horse line was introduced by Swiss watchmaker, Rado in 1957. The watches in this line were characterized by their distinctive designs, often featuring cushion-shaped cases, durable construction, and a focus on classy aesthetics.

The Horse line gained great popularity during the 1950s to 1960s. These were the decades when Rado was experimenting with different materials for watch cases. Rado was one of the pioneers in using materials like hard metals, ceramics, and other innovative materials in their watch designs.

Within the Horse line, there were various models with different features, case shapes, and functions. Tungsten carbide, which is exceptionally scratch-resistant is such an example. This emphasis on durability and quality materials was a hallmark of the Rado brand. These models included both time-only and chronograph variations, catering to different preferences and needs.

For Rado Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Rado GOLDEN HORSE that comes with the awesome AS1700 Swiss movement. This watch had gained Collector's status when Rado decided to relaunch this series creating a huge surge for the real and original 1957 model.

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

Its timeless shaped classic silver case and ala Pie-Pan dial, 3D indices, hands and date window were given a good buff that removed most of the obvious scratches and age marks. The result - a Golden Horse in MINT condition.

The signed crown is original and is located at the 3H position and is neither too big nor too small to handle. The date and hands operate in the traditional manner by pulling out and rotating the crown which works flawlessly.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 4 September 2023; hence, it had undergone an overhaul and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years at the very least thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

This Golden Horse is equipped with the world-renowned AS1700 movement with an impressive 30 Jewels that operates at 18,000 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 194 with a relatively straight line! Such readings are 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, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking calibration conducted.

The watch also comes with an original Rado Signed Super Engineer SS bracelet that was also cleaned via ultrasonic immersion and polished. The result - MINT condition bracelet that can pass off as brand new!

The case width and height are approximately 35m (without crown) and 43mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; hence, this watch is 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 parts or modified thereby it is considered in MINT condition.

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

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in MINT 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 nice purposeful carrying case or box will be provided instead.

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.

Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none in mint and as well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone. Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to polish and tighten bracelet links for the entire watch ~ these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a highly sort-after Rado Golden Horse with Pie Pan dial in MINT CONDITION; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Rado die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector!