The Captain Cook is perhaps one of the most popular models in Rado’s portfolio. First launched in 1962, the Captain Cook represented the era of great expeditions, explorers and adventures, and at the same time served the emerging trend of diving watches. Now, with the new Captain Cook, Rado presents a model that not only adopts the name and spirit of its predecessor, but is also – with the exception of the case back – made entirely of ceramic for the first time. This timepiece draws inspiration not only from its predecessor in its visual design, but also from the year in which it was created. Thus, the new Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Limited Edition is available in an edition of 1,962 pieces.
Chronologically speaking, high-tech ceramics were first introduced by Rado in 1986. High-tech ceramics are related to regular ceramics in many ways, but are, as the name suggests, a product of science. To produce this material, different powders with an equal grain size are brought into a specific shape and then fired at a high temperature. This process results in the material’s highly valued scratch resistance and surface texture.
As mentioned, the case of the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Limited Edition is made with a monobloc construction from the matt black high-tech ceramic. The rotating bezel made of the same material has a black, laser-engraved ceramic insert with bold, gold-coloured numbers and markings. The lightly tinted sapphire crystal gives the watch its special character. The look of the sapphire crystal is continued on the titanium caseback, which reveals the Côtes de Genève engraving and the bridge with a yellowed finish. There is also an engraving on the caseback that reveals the model number of each special model. The case has a diameter of 43 mm and a water resistance of 300 m.
The dial is the clear eye-catcher of the watch, revealing the open-worked movement. The visual composition that begins with the bezel and its striking numerals is continued by the dial with its black and gold indices. With their broad, striking shape, the hour and minute hands cleverly complete the visual picture. Thanks to the Super-LumiNova coating, they are easy to read even in more challenging lighting conditions.
Inside the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Limited Edition, the three-hand movement R808 is hard at work. The movement’s skeletonised plate offers an impressive view of the movement’s mechanics. The staging of the open-worked plate creates a lively interplay of colours with the black high-tech ceramic of the case and bezel. It also has a solid power reserve of 80 hours. With an oscillating weight inspired by the shape of the Rado anchor, the movement is also visible on the back.
The look of the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Limited Edition is completed with a strap made of matt black high-tech ceramic and a titanium triple clasp equipped with ceramic pushers. This special edition is available in an edition of 1,962 pieces and costs 4,890 euros.
