Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a classic two-tone Swiss dress watch featuring Rado's iconic dual-seahorse insignia and pivoting red anchor logo. Housed in a gold-plated case with a beads-of-rice style bracelet, it represents the brand's transitional era bringing historical flagship designs into precision quartz movements.
Story
Introduced in 1957, the Golden Horse was Rado's breakthrough line that conquered Asian and European markets. By the 1980s, Rado adapted this icon with Swiss quartz tech while keeping its legendary twin seahorses emblem.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. in Lengnau, Switzerland, the company launched the brand name Rado in the 1950s. They quickly distinguished themselves as pioneers of avant-garde case engineering, scratch-resistant materials, and distinctive dial motifs like the rotating anchor. Today, Rado is celebrated globally as the 'Master of Materials' within the Swatch Group.
Condition & Value
Very good to near-mint vintage condition with sharp case edges, clear dial, intact original caseback sticker, and minimal visible wear on the gold plating. The operational state of the quartz movement (battery life/clean circuit) will determine final market value.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.