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Set sail with the Rado Captain Cook
Rado's name conjures up images of elegant, indestructible ceramic watches. It also conjures up avant-garde design language. This is not surprising considering Rado's pioneering work with ceramics. Rado's innovative use of materials has earned them a reputation. Rado has a long, but brief, history beneath the waves.
Explore the Past
In 1962, the Captain Cook was first introduced to the public. This was at a time when people were still fascinated by the unknown world of the deep. Dive watches became a fad with the echoes of Jacques Cousteau’s landmark documentary Le Monde du Silence reverberating culturally. Rado was not surprised to get in on the action. It was a latecomer to dive watches, having started in the mid- to late '50s alongside Rolex and Blancpain. This meant that it had to work harder than the rest to stand out. It did this with a forward-looking bezel and case design that was both instantly recognisable and easy to use. The design is still as effective today as it was back then. It doesn't look retro just because it's retro.
Rado Hyperchrome Captain Cook (2017)
Captain Cook's distinctive design was largely due to its inward-sloping glass. This, combined with the box acrylic crystal, created a feeling of weight that was larger than its 35.5mm size. The Captain Cook was rated at a depth of 220m. This was quite a feat in an era where 100m was considered to be a great dive.
Vintage Captain Cooks are still rare on the vintage market due to their low production numbers (around 8,000) and the fact they were used exactly as Rado intended.
Smooth sailing ahead
The Captain Cook was not produced for six more years. In 1968, it went into the sunset. Rado brought the collection back to life in 2017 with a remarkable tribute to the original.
The new Captain Cook measured in at just 37mm in diameter. It was smaller than the original but it was still a close match. Rado called it a "vintage reproduction" at the time. The key details were all present and correct, but many of them have been updated with modern technology. The charming box acrylic crystal was replaced by sapphire. And, perhaps most importantly, because the brand is ceramic, the concave bezel has been rendered in ceramic. For those looking to make a modern statement, the Captain Cook hyperChrome was released simultaneously. It was entirely made of hardened titanium and measures a solid 45mm in diameter.
[It is important to note that Revolution was so impressed by the reincarnated Captain Cook, that Rado partnered with him twice with his limited editions of "Ghost Captain", in 37mm and 42mm.
Rado x The Rake & Revolution Captain Cook “Ghost Captain” (Image (c), Revolution / Photographer : Munster / Fashion Styling : Marie Lee
These watches were initially considered oddities in Rado's collection. But, their style, provenance and affordability quickly made them popular among collectors. The original Captain Cook was a popular choice due to its limited production. However, Captain Cook introduced a new generation of divers to Rado's underwater diver. Their success led to the creation a whole collection. The collection today has something for everyone.
Rado still offers the 37mm homage, but it is no longer available in their catalogue. The current go-to size is now 42mm. This can be ordered in stainless steel or bronze. (The 45mm titanium version was discontinued). While the steel version may be closest to the original, bronze models have been the most popular. Bronze is not a new concept in dive watch diving. Everyone and their grandmother have jumped on board the bandwagon. But, few of the current bronze divers look as convincing as Captain Cook and certainly not at this cost.https://www.bestintimes.me Rado used a bronze/aluminium alloy, similar to Tudor's. This reduces the ageing trademark associated with the material (patina enthusiasts, take note). The Captain Cook Bronze comes in three colours: green, brown, and brown. They also come with matching ceramic bezels, leather straps, and a matching leather belt.
Stainless steel is your best choice. However, there are other options.
The Captain Cook Bronze in Blue with matching ceramic bezels, leather straps ((c),Revolution)
All 42mm Captain Cook models, regardless of case material, follow the same vintage-inspired design. This is evident in details such as the red-printed date wheels, a period-correct beads of-rice bracelet option and the playful pivoting anchor that proudly sits on the dial. Rado's EasyClip system has been implemented here. This makes it easy to swap out metal bracelets, leather, and NATO textile straps without tools. Water resistance has been increased to 300m.
One could expect to find the legendary ETA calibre 2824 under the hood. This movement has been the choice of many tool watches due to its robust construction and ease-of-use. Rado has chosen to use the powerful RADO Caliber 763 (ETA caliber C07.611) instead. This movement is different from other standard offerings at this level due to its 80-hour power reserve.Panerai Replica Watches ETA reduced the beat rate from 28,800 vph to 21,600 vph. However, the hat trick is that they managed to maintain accuracy even at lower power levels thanks to new manufacturing processes.
Set a course for the future
The Captain Cook Bronze in Green with matching ceramic bezels, leather straps ((c),Revolution)
It is remarkable that after being dormant for so many decades, it still resonates strongly today. This is testament to the vision of Captain Cook's original designers. Rado is a brand that has not diluted or strained their old catalogues in order to create timepieces with little to no resemblance to what they have before. Rado, however, has kept their roots intact and has created a collection that will last well into the future.
A quick glance into our crystal ball suggests new dial/bezel colors,Rolex Submariner Replica Watches possibly even a fully ceramic version. Only time will tell. The course is set and there are clear skies ahead.
Specifications
Movement
RADO Caliber 763 (ETA calibre C07.611)
Case
42mm bronze, high-tech ceramic
Strap
With an optional metal bracelet and NATO straps, leather strap with easy clip system.
Price
USD 2,600
Captain Cook Automatic Bronze, Blue 01.763.0504.3.120; Green Ref. 01.763.0504.3.131; Brown Ref. R32504306 | 01.763.0504.3.230
