Rado adds new ocean inspired models to its Captain Cook collection

Rado has introduced two Captain Cook Automatic models. Both versions are inspired by the ocean and debut a smaller 39 mm case diameter. The new models join the lineup of the brand’s Captain Cook collection, a design that can trace its origins back to 1962.

Key Features

Functions 

Hours, minutes, and seconds with a stop seconds function.

Date at 3 o’clock.

Dial

Two versions

Left: The lighter dial version features a “light blue-to-silver gradient” dial. Right: The darker dial version features a “black-to-turquoise gradient” dial. The brand’s rotating anchor logo at 12 o’clock is on a ruby backplate. The colour of the printed text is different on both versions. Grey (left) and white (right). The red colour of the numerals on the date window really pops out against the backdrop of both dials.

On both versions, the rhodium-coloured hands and applied hour-markers are coated with white Super-LumiNova.

The lighter dial version evokes “summer holiday vibes, with a light blue-to-white dial and light blue ceramic bezel insert – a spectrum that’s a first for Rado – that will transport you back to St Barts, to that boat trip you took to the Barrier Reef or your honeymoon bungalow in the Seychelles.” 

The darker dial version with its “black-to-turquoise dial and black high-tech ceramic bezel insert suggests a more adrenaline-fuelled style of oceanic adventure – of sailing in Costa Rica, deep-sea fishing in Egypt, or cold-water swimming in the Norwegian fjords.” 

Case

Image: Both versions have a high-tech ceramic bezel insert. The lighter dial version’s insert is light blue (polished) “with silver metallised numbers, markers and triangle.” The darker dial version’s insert is black (polished) “with numbers, markers and triangle in white Super-LumiNova.” Notice (left) the box-shaped sapphire crystal. The brand’s anchor logo is embossed and laser enhanced on the crown. Notice (right) the three seahorses embossed on the caseback.

The case, turning bezel, caseback, and crown are made from polished stainless steel. Diameter: 39 mm. Thickness: 12 mm. Lug-to-lug distance: 45.50 mm. Dial side features a box-shaped and scratch resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. Closed screw-down caseback. Water resistant up to 300 metres or 1000 feet.

Both versions come with a rice grain-style bracelet made from polished and brushed stainless steel, fitted to a stainless steel 3-fold clasp. The bracelet features the brand’s interchangeable EasyClip system, enabling the wearer to substitute the bracelet for straps of their choice.

Movement

Image: The turning bezel measures elapsed times. The individual components of the rice grain-style bracelet resemble water droplets. An abundance of dial, case, movement, and bracelet details.

Powered by Rado calibre R763, a mechanical automatic movement that drives the hours, minutes, seconds with stop seconds function, and date. It is based on an ETA calibre. Jewels: 25. Frequency: 21,600 vph or 3 Hz. Power reserve: 80 hours. Regulated in 5 positions.

The movement features an antimagnetic Nivachron™ hairspring. It is manufactured by Nivarox-FAR SA (“Nivarox”), a Swiss company that specialises in watch components such as escapements, oscillators and mainsprings, turned micro-components (screws, rods, axels, etc.), metallurgical innovations (such as Nivachron – an innovative alloy), precious metals, services such as assembly (“sub-assemblies of micro-components”), and solar cells (for watches that operate using this technology). Rado, ETA, and Nivarox are owned by the Swatch Group.

Our Thoughts

Image: Both versions are ocean inspired, yet evoke two unique personalities. Both are equally at ease on land in any setting, as well as when swimming underwater. My favourite is the darker dial version – preferably on a dark brown strap.

Rado has a winner on its hands with both versions of the Captain Cook Automatic. Its price tag of CHF 2,200 gets you a choice of two dial / bezel versions clothed in a 39 mm case (just right) with ceramic bezel insert (a material Rado is renowned for), a matching rice grain-style metal bracelet, and a dependable movement featuring a Nivachron hairspring beating at a luxurious rate of 3 Hz!

Rado excels in making interesting – often unique watches – accessible to a broader segment of watch collectors. The DiaStar Original X Tej Chauhan Special Edition and Captain Cook Over-Pole are two examples.

Additional Details

Name: Captain Cook Automatic – lighter dial version

Reference: R32223203

Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 2,200 

Name: Captain Cook Automatic – darker dial version

Reference: R32223213

Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 2,200

Both models come with a five-year warranty.

Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.

0