Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Purple Horse is a charismatic example of the brand's mid-century tool watch design, featuring the distinctive seahorse iconography and Rado's signature rotating anchor logo. This specific example, reference 11796, stands out with its honest vintage character and a dial that has developed a unique, heavy patina often referred to by collectors as "stardust" aging. Powered by a robust Swiss automatic movement and housed in a versatile 36mm stainless steel case, this timepiece offers a genuine vintage wearing experience with a reliable mechanical heart. Brand: Rado Model: Purple Horse Reference Number: 11796 Serial Number: 15463395 Movement: Automatic Caliber AS 1859 Dial: Silver with heavy "stardust" patina Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch displays significant and uniform aging on the dial which gives it a unique vintage aesthetic. The case remains sharp with normal signs of wear. The movement is performing exceptionally well for its age. Dial and Hands The dial features a silver sunburst base that has developed a consistent and heavy spotting patina across the entire surface, creating a distinct "stardust" effect that speaks to its age. The applied block indices are faceted to catch the light, matching the baton-style hands. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, displaying the day number, day name, and date, a characteristic feature of the underlying caliber. At 12 o'clock sits the applied Rado anchor logo which rotates freely, while the signature twin seahorse logo is printed in red at the 6 o'clock position. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 36mm in diameter and features strong, tapered lugs that provide a comfortable fit on the wrist. The surfaces show honest wear consistent with decades of use, including hairline scratches and small marks, but the case geometry remains well-defined. The crown is signed with the Rado anchor symbol. The screw-down caseback is deeply embossed with the Rado "Water Sealed" medallion featuring three seahorses, and the reference and serial numbers are clearly legible. Movement Powering the watch is a copper-colored Rado signed automatic movement, based on the reliable Swiss A. Schild caliber 1859 with 25 jewels. The movement is clean and visually attractive, featuring a decorated rotor. Timegrapher testing shows the movement is running within vintage tolerances between +6 and +12 seconds per day, indicating a healthy mechanism that is ready for daily wear. Strap The watch is fitted with a new reddish-brown leather strap featuring padding and contrast stitching. The strap complements the red accents on the dial and adds a warm, dressy tone to the stainless steel case. It is secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The primary characteristic is the heavy oxidation pattern on the dial, which is uniform and stable. The hands show signs of aging to the luminous inserts. The case has not been over-polished and retains its original lines. The acrylic crystal is clear with minor handling marks. The movement functionality is excellent, winding smoothly and keeping good time. Dimensions The case measures 36mm in diameter excluding the crown. The lug width accommodates standard straps, making this a versatile size that fits well on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Purple Horse line was one of Rado's most successful series during the 1960s and 70s, representing their commitment to water-resistant, automatic everyday watches. This example, with its specific reference 11796, combines the charm of the swinging anchor logo with a robust A. Schild movement. The heavy patina makes this a "piece unique" in terms of aesthetics, appealing to collectors who prefer watches that proudly display their history rather than pristine, untouched examples. History Rado, originally founded as Schlup & Co. in 1917 in Lengnau, Switzerland, began selling watches under the Rado brand name in the 1950s. The "Horse" series, including the Green, Purple, and Golden Horse models, established the brand's reputation for water-resistant sports watches in Asia and Europe long before they became famous for their high-tech ceramic scratch-proof materials. The Purple Horse models were marketed as robust, reliable automatics and remain a cornerstone of affordable vintage collecting today. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1-3 days after purchase. The watch will be securely packaged and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. Please review the pictures carefully before bidding. We strive to showcase the watch from multiple angles for an accurate representation. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. The watch will be delivered in fully functional working condition. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RPH-0007