Technical Evolution of a Classic: Rado Captain Cook Chronograph

It was a couple of years back that Swiss brand Rado first revived its successful diver's watch that made waves in the early 60's, the Captain Cook. Water-resistant to 200 meters, this original timepiece was equipped with a concave bezel for setting the dive time and a slightly domed dial. Distinctive sword and arrow shaped hands and bold indices ensured best legibility. In modern days, Rado pulls out all the stops to subtly reworking its classic of yesteryear and present it in a plethora of color and material variations. While the design of the luminescent dial revisits the original with great attention to detail, the features and mechanics are state-of-the-art.

With the Captain Cook Chronograph, Rado continues the success story of this resilient yet charming timepiece. It is distinguished by the characteristic box-shaped glass, in scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both faces. The thinner, more comfortable and stylish 43mm case, in either polished stainless steel or circular-brushed bronze, features a polished high-tech-ceramic inlay on the bezel, in blue or black, as a perfect complement to the flange and the dial colour of the particular model.

The latter presents a silver-to-blue gradient, another silver-to-black and another a blue sunray finish. The date is displayed at 6 o'clock, as is the case with previous three-hand executions.

Inside, the new, thinner R801 automatic movement with 59 hours of power reserve and an antimagnetic Nivachron hair spring sets the pace. Water resistance to 30 bar is assured by a screw-down case back, screw-in crown and push buttons.

The Captain Cook Chronograph is delivered with two additional straps in different materials and shades, according to the specific model. The two stainless steel executions come with a matching three-row stainless steel bracelet with brushed central links and extensible folding clasp, and an additional coffee-brown or blue leather strap with contrasting stitching, as well as a sporty NATO-style, woven nylon strap, in blue or black. The bronze-colored model comes with a NATO-style strap with a gold-colored stripe, as well as a blue leather strap with accent stitching, and an additional NATO-style strap in deep blue.

The new Rado Captain Cook Chronograph will be available this month, with a price tag of $3,710 for stainless steel and $4,410 for the bronze execution.

To learn more, visit Rado, here.