Overview of Rado's Captain Cook Dive Watch

Rado has made waves in the watchmaking industry with its illustrious Captain Cook line, named after the intrepid British explorer. Originally launched in 1962, the Captain Cook was a cutting-edge dive watch boasting an impressive water resistance of 220 meters. However, the original model faded from prominence by 1968, becoming a rare gem among collectors.

Revival of the Captain Cook

In a surprising turn, Rado revived the Captain Cook in 2017, captivating enthusiasts with a modern reimagining that features a sleek matte black case made of high-tech ceramic, complete with striking rose gold accents. The restoration of this vintage classic has led to a renewed appreciation for its iconic design and ultimate functionality.

Vintage Re-Edition and Modern Innovations

The joyous journey continued with the Captain Cook's first vintage re-edition, presented in a 37mm steel casing that included the curved, concave bezel reminiscent of its forebear. With a nostalgic box-shaped sapphire crystal, evocative of the original acrylic styles, the new model maintained its signature detail: the swinging anchor at twelve o'clock—albeit sacrificing the iconic magnifying lens over the date window and halving the water resistance to 100 meters.

The 42mm Bronze Case and Beyond

In 2020, Rado capitalized on its innovative materials by introducing the Captain Cook in a robust 42mm bronze case, paired with vibrant high-tech ceramic bezels. A year later, the brand raised the stakes by unveiling a larger 43mm iteration, crafted from its signature high-tech plasma ceramic combined with an impressive 300-meter depth rating and a contemporary openworked dial. For those favoring traditional timekeeping, the collection also caters to enthusiasts with smaller, closed dial models available in either steel or two-tone finishes.

Latest Iteration Features

The latest iteration boasts a robust 43mm case with a thickness of 14.6mm, yet its luxurious matte black high-tech ceramic construction ensures it feels lightweight on the wrist. Sporting a striking combination of black and gold hues, this watch employs rose-gold toned accents throughout, including the PVD-coated notches on the stainless steel bezel and the elegant markings on the laser-etched surface.

Innovative Movement and Design

A black-tinted box-shaped sapphire crystal guards the watch face, which features a black sloping ring with rose gold minute markers and luminous hour indicators. Unconventionally, the large arrow typically found on the minutes hand has migrated to the hour hand, while the central hands shine in gold against the backdrop of the dial, delivering a dramatic blue glow in low-light conditions.

Calibre R808 and Signature Features

Viewers can appreciate the intricacies of the credible calibre R808 through the tinted sapphire crystal; highlights include a golden wheel bridge and a sizable barrel that provides an impressive 80-hour power reserve. At the top of the watch sits the signature moving anchor against a rich purple background, encapsulating Rado's innovative spirit. This movement is based on the Swatch Group's Powermatic 80, fitted with an anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring.

Bracelet and Pricing

Completing the ensemble is a three-row bracelet made of matte black ceramic, equipped with a triple-folding titanium clasp for durability and comfort. This innovative piece, recognized as the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton, has been priced at EUR 4,900—an investment for watch lovers eager to embrace both history and technological prowess in one exquisite package.

Conclusion

Don't miss the chance to explore this nautical masterpiece—Rado's Captain Cook line is setting the gold standard for modern dive watches!