10/19/2020

A Closer Look At The Colorful Rado Golden Horse 1957 Limited Edition

With the Golden Horse 1957 Limited Edition projecting a mid-century feel into 2020, Rado shows once again that being inspired by the past doesn't mean being out of fashion.

By Viviana Shanks

Contributor

There is always something appealing about an emblematic design. It's classic and will never go out of style because it isn't ostentatious or too flashy. And while it comes from the past, it aims to the future.

Milestones and Anchors

Initially called Schlup & Co., Rado was founded in 1917 in the small town of Lengnau, Switzerland, as a modest watchmaking atelier. Then, in the 1950s, the company started to sell watches under the Rado moniker, a name that the brand still proudly carries today.

The New Rado Golden Horse 1957 Limited Edition

In 1957, Rado launched the Golden Horse collection, and a year later, the brand released its first water-resistant model, the Green Horse. These two collections became synonymous with quality and strength. They were also the first Rado watches with the moving anchor on the dial. Now, the golden-colored anchor sits atop a contrasting red background and can be found on all automatic Rado watches. It's like the watch's beating heart.

The New Rado Golden Horse 1957 Limited Edition

Today, Rado is best known for its colorful and industry leading high-tech ceramics. And by incorporating some of its latest innovations into the new vintage-inspired Captain Cook and Golden Horse collections, Rado makes clear the brand did not forget about its past.

The New Rado Golden Horse 1957 Limited Edition

The Rado Golden Horse

For this edition, Rado stayed true to its origins and kept its most precious vintage characteristics intact. The new Golden Horse 1957 kept the same indices and hands as the original but in a more polished way. The two emblematic golden seahorses, floating just above 6 o'clock, contrast beautifully with the brightly colored curved gradient dials. The gradient looks like a nod to Rado’s pie-pan dials from the Sixties but in a more modern and colorful way.

Another difference from the original Golden Horse is the box-shaped sapphire crystal in place of the polymer glass, making it even more resistant and durable. Cased in a versatile 37mm stainless steel case, it is impeccable and has an elegant look while also being suitable for a more casual and laid-back setting.

The New Rado Golden Horse 1957 Limited Edition

The screw-down caseback is stamped with the traditional triad of seahorses separated by stars. Finally, the beads of rice bracelet perfectly captures that vintage vibe, and it’s also comfortable to wear.

The New Rado Golden Horse 1957 Limited Edition

Mid-Century feel

Watchonista recieved the green and blue versions of the Rado Golden Horse 1957 Limited Edition for this review. Both limited to 1,957 pieces each, I can't help but get Mad Men vibes from its feel and design. It’s a watch that I could easily picture Don Draper wearing. As a lover of all things Sixties and mid-century style and an architecture fan, the Golden Horse 1957 ticks all my boxes and gives me a nostalgic feeling. It's a great combination: the modern design with a vintage base. The eye-catching colors of the dials make these pieces truly timeless.

The New Rado Golden Horse 1957 Limited Edition

This 37mm timepiece is advertised for gents, but I believe it fits perfectly on a lady's wrist, and I would know! Its 10.8mm height timepiece is ideal for wearing under a cuff or with a nicely colored dress and is perfect for everyday wear. You can make it yours for $1,800, now available on the Rado website.