With its distinctly classic aesthetic, the new Captain Cook Over-Pole takes on a unique role within Rado’s otherwise futuristic design language. It brings back the charm of a bygone era. This reinterpretation of the original Rado Over-Pole world time watch, first launched in 1962, stays close to its historical roots – particularly in terms of dial and bezel – while combining these vintage elements with the case architecture of the modern Captain Cook.
Visually, the new Captain Cook Over-Pole draws inspiration from the first re-edition introduced in 2022, which featured the Over-Pole dial in a 37 mm Captain Cook case for the first time. The current version, however, opts for a slightly enlarged 39 mm case with yellow gold-coloured PVD coating.
This same vintage aesthetic defines the components that make up the sunbrushed silver-coloured dial of the limited edition. Bold, gold-coloured rectangular hour markers and hands in vintage style set the tone, framed by a 24-hour scale on the rehaut – the essential functional element of the world time display.
The design of the Captain Cook Over-Pole is crowned by a bidirectional ceramic bezel into which 24 city names have been laser-engraved. These represent the 24 major time zones, which can be read in conjunction with the 24-hour scale on the rehaut. To use the function, the bezel is simply rotated until the name of the current city aligns with the local time on the Rehaut’s 24-hour scale. Once set, the local time in all other cities can be read directly from the rehaut.
Notable too are the polished-edged rectangular hour markers that reinforce the watch’s vintage character. Each is paired with a small circular dot of luminescent material positioned just below. The gold-coloured accents of the markers and hands contrast clearly with the silver dial, offering excellent legibility – even more so than the grey-black fumé aesthetic seen in the 2022 model. The bezel itself is finely fluted and extends beyond the case, which contributes to the overall look, though it may slightly hinder access to the crown when winding.
Turning the Captain Cook Over-Pole over reveals blued screws, a Nivachron balance spring and Geneva stripes decorating the R862 calibre, all visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. Based on the ETA C07.711, the hand-wound movement is regulated in five positions and offers a date display at 3 o’clock, along with an 80-hour power reserve. Also engraved on the caseback is a reference to the watch’s 100-metre water resistance, along with individual numbering for each piece.
Limited to just 1,962 pieces, the Captain Cook Over-Pole delivers an authentic gold-toned vintage aesthetic – not at the price of a solid gold timepiece, but at a far more accessible € 3,150. With its 39 mm diameter and 10.90 mm height, it wears comfortably on the wrist and is available with either a yellow gold-coloured bracelet or a brown leather strap. The watch is delivered in a matching leather travel case.
