Rado is well-known for its innovative use of materials in watchmaking. High-tech ceramic, for example, is an extremely durable and scratch-resistant substance that is used extensively across the brand’s collections. It is a type of advanced ceramic that is engineered using a combination of ceramic powder and various other elements, such as zirconium oxide. The resulting constituent is extremely hard, lightweight, and hypoallergenic. In short, a great material for watchmaking.
In 2021, Rado introduced its first Captain Cook in high tech ceramic after years of research and development. This year, the brand has extended the Captain Cook product line with a pioneering skeletonized dial that highlights its redesigned R808 movement.
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Often, when watch enthusiasts discuss the building of a collection you will hear calls for a diver, a dress watch, a chronograph, and the like. However, beyond these mainstays, there is also the “conversation piece”—the watch even non-watch people can’t help but find interesting. This is the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton.
This latest timepiece unites the powerful and elemental forces of the mineral realm in a plasma high-tech ceramic creation that is as dependable and accurate, as it is original. The new variation of the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton is a perfect fit for daily adventurers who are looking to celebrate their individuality with something off the beaten path.
The newest iteration of the Captain Cook showcases a plasma high-tech ceramic monobloc case that measures 43mm in diameter, 49.8mm lug to lug, and 14.6mm thick. Aside from being exceptionally resistant to wear, the ceramic has a lovely matte anthracite hue. To accompany the case, Rado have crafted a two-tone ceramic, oyster-style bracelet with outer links that reflect the case finish and a row of lighter-toned, polished links running through the centre. The bracelet is equipped with a titanium deployant clasp and CeramosTM push-buttons.
The uniform matte-finish monobloc case is capped by a circular-brushed high-tech ceramic bezel insert that harmonizes with the tones of the case and the outer links of the bracelet. The 120-click, unidirectional bezel flange which surrounds it has been finished in a warm and luminous rose-gold tone. At the centre of this is the tell-tale box-shaped sapphire crystal–equipped with anti-reflective coating on both sides—that has come to define the collection. Here, the crystal exudes a subtly smoked tint that complements the predominantly deep grey tones of the watch, further accentuating the interplay of the ceramic and rose-gold-coloured elements—including the screw-down crown and its iconic Rado brand anchor logo.
On the flip side, the case-back incorporates its own flat sapphire crystal, granting an unobstructed view of the automatic R808 movement, which features a smart new arrangement of components shaded in varying tones to provide a distinct glimpse of the intricate inner-workings. Noteworthy finishing details include a horizontally-brushed platine and a rose-gold-colored minute-wheel bridge, boldly displayed within the wider dial window. The movement, furnished with an antimagnetic NivachronTM hairspring, has undergone comprehensive testing in five positions—surpassing the customary three. It also offers an impressive power reserve of up to 80 hours.
The dial itself adheres to an intentionally minimalist design, featuring simple geometric indices and hour, minute, and second hands treated with white Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility under low-light conditions. By minimizing visual distractions, the dial allows the observer to savour the captivating spectacle of the skeleton movement. The distinctive Rado rotating-anchor symbol spins away above the brand name in field of deep purple.
Specs
| Case | High Tech Ceramic Monobloc 43mm Diameter 49.8mm Lug to Lug 14.6mm Thick 22mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown 300m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Box Sapphire Crystal /w AR Skeleton Dial Arrow and Sword Hands Applied Indices White Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Rado R808 Regulated in Five Positions 25 Jewels 21 600bph 80-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Ceramic and Titanium Bracelet /w Deployant Clasp |
Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton
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Of Interest
To craft the ceramic for this case, Rado had to fire the ceramic at temperatures approximately four times the levels found on the surface of the sun. Think about that for a minute.
Quibbles
Like all ceramic watches, the surfaces can be a magnet for fingerprints.
Final Thoughts
Before this watch arrived at our studio, I had a chance to check it out at a brand novelty event in Toronto. Admittedly, I am already a big fan of the original Captain Cook model. But the High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton is a visual show stopper. I reached to pick it up before even being invited to do so. The interplay of anthracite and rose-gold is really fetching. The predominantly austere matte finishing of the ceramic, compelling. And, of course, the dial–beneath that smoky crystal–is the pièce de résistance. Rado redesigned the the ETA-based movement used in earlier versions of the Captain Cook expressly to make it more visually appealing.
But beyond aesthetics, the Captain High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton is actually a robust and capable diver. Part of its beefed up profile (previous editions of the Captain Cook measure as small as 37mm) is in service to the watchmaker’s desire for a functional tool watch–something that would pass all shock resistance tests and still offer up 300m of water resistance.
So, in the end, while Rado’s Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton will certainly be a topic of conversation among your friends and colleagues, you can rest assured–thanks to its mix of style and functionality–that it will stay that way for a good long time.
The new Captain Cook retails for $4200USD. Please visit the brand website for more information.
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About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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