This timepiece is a magnificent artifact from circa 1975, a period when Rado was solidifying its reputation for avant-garde design and technical durability. As an expert in horology, I can tell you the Golden Horse line is one of Rado's most historic and enduring collections, first introduced in 1957. This specific Reference 11816 houses the legendary ETA 2824-2 movement a tractor of the Swiss watch world known for its high-beat precision (28,800 vibrations per hour) and incredible reliability.
The architecture is quintessentially bold, utilizing a 35mm cushion-shaped stainless steel case that provides a purposeful, architectural presence on the wrist. The sunburst silver dial is a work of high-end Swiss art, featuring the iconic rotating anchor logo at 12 o'clock a mechanical soul that actually signifies the watch is ready to be worn and the twin seahorses at 6 o'clock. Flipping the watch over reveals the Water Sealed case back with three stars and three seahorses, definitively confirming its authentic heritage as a professional-grade instrument designed for the discerning 1970s gentleman.
