Vintage Rado wristwatch Daymaster 11754 Automatic cal 4009 circa 1965

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Rado Daymaster 11754
Movement: Automatic Felsa calibre 4009
Age: circa 1965
Case Size: 35mm
Case Thickness: 13mm
Lug to Lug: 42mm
Lugs: 19mm
Condition: used Rado watch
Box & Papers: No
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition, with light wear from use 
  
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
  
• Case back lugs has some patina
• Sunburst dial
  
• Rado signed crown
• Full day wheel
• Fully serviced automatic movement
  
• Paired with an unworn black leather strap

The Rado Daymaster ref. 11754 is a vintage Swiss automatic wristwatch produced in the 1960s to early 1970s, during a period when Rado was known for combining robust mechanical movements with distinctive mid-century design. The Daymaster line represented Rado’s practical everyday watch concept, featuring day and date windows, a stainless steel 35mm case , and the brand’s iconic rotating anchor logo at 12 o’clock. Its style clean sunburst dials, geometric lugs, and applied indices—reflects the era’s emphasis on functional elegance rather than the modern high-tech ceramic designs Rado is known for today. Although not as famous as models like the DiaStar, the Daymaster is appreciated by collectors for its solid Swiss engineering with a 30-jewel automatic movement and classic period aesthetics.

In the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, Rado introduced a series of water-resistant automatic watches (such as the Golden Horse, Green Horse, Purple Horse and related “Horse” models). These watches were often marketed with an emphasis on reliability and water protection, and Rado used the seahorse emblem on the case back as a visual seal signifying water resistance, often accompanied by the words “Water-Sealed.” The number of seahorses (for example, two or three) could vary depending on the specific model and type of case back (bayonet vs. screw-down).

This motif wasn’t arbitrary, the “horse” name and seahorse symbol helped reinforce brand identity and product positioning in an era when Rado was expanding globally and distinguishing its waterproof automatics from competitors. Seahorses continued to appear on bracelet clasps and in some model names over the years, becoming part of the classic visual language of Rado’s vintage watches.

Inside the watch is a vintage Swiss automatic movement 4009, made by felsa and decorated by Rado. It is part of the Felsa 4000 series and is designed for automatic winding with central seconds, and it adds day and date displays, making it a practical choice for everyday watches. The calibre runs at 18,000 vibrations per hour, and offers a power reserve of around 40 hours approx. Depending on the specific version, it can have 17 to 30 jewels, (this one has 30), with higher jewel counts indicating more refined finishing and smoother operation. 

A BIT OF TRIVIA

Rado began in 1917 in Switzerland as Schlup & Co., a small watch movement factory, and later launched the Rado brand in 1957. The company quickly became known for innovation and durability, especially with its water-resistant “Horse” series in the 1950s and 1960s and the iconic DiaStar in 1962, the world’s first scratch-proof watch. In the 1980s and beyond, Rado became a pioneer in using high-tech ceramics and advanced materials, redefining modern watch design with sleek, durable timepieces that combine style and engineering.

OUR THOUGHTS

The Rado Daymaster ref. 11754 is a great choice because it combines classic vintage style with reliable Swiss mechanical craftsmanship, offering a timeless look that stands out from modern watches. Its frshly serviced automatic movement with day and date functions makes it practical for everyday wear while still providing the satisfying feel of a true mechanical timepiece. As a vintage Rado, it carries collectible appeal and historical significance, especially with iconic details like the seahorse case back and rotating anchor logo, which connect it to Rado’s mid-century heritage.