Off the Cuff: Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Diver

Imagine an oven capable of firing 20 000°C, keeping in mind that the surface of the sun is ‘only’ about 5600°C. Now drop in a ceramic watch, turn the dial to 1450°C, and leave it there for a week. Clearly, these are not your grandma’s ceramics. These are Rado’s High-Tech Ceramic Plasma Divers.

Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Diver Watch Review — ^{Rado Captain Cook High-tech Ceramic Diver @calibre321}

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Back in July, I had the opportunity to take one diving in Canada’s Fathom Five National Marine Park and, frankly, had a blast (pun only somewhat intended). That olive green iteration came on beautifully crafted rubber strap with fine texturing and a bead-blasted, adjustable clasp that was perfect in the field. But for the last couple of weeks, I’ve had the lovely blue variant featured here on the full ceramic bracelet, and I thought it was time to take an even deeper dive to check it out.

This particular iteration is part of what Rado call their Blue Focus Collection–a loose grouping of watches featuring blue dials. Other timepieces in the collection include the DiaStar Original, the True Square Open Heart, the Captain Cook Chronograph, the True Secret, and the Hyperchrome 1314. Colour, of course–and the method in which it is achieved–is as much a brand focus for Rado as is their cynosure on high-tech ceramic. Consider, for instance Rado’s True Thinline Collection and its re-imagining of the “Les Couleurs Le Corbousier.”

The lovely navy lacquered blue sunray dial of the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Diver summons images of the world’s great waterways. Their changeability and mystery are equally evoked by the double-domed sapphire crystal which plays with light and shape beneath. And framed, as the dial is, by complementary tones of matte plasma ceramic in the bezel, it’s almost as though you are gazing at the broiling seas under mutable skies.

Beyond colour, the dial is a bold design with definite nods to past iterations of the Captain Cook with a mix of applied baton and wedge hour markers, a broad arrow hour hand, and the tell-tale rotating anchor logo. These elements combine for straightfoward legibility, even after dark, with a healthy application of Super-LumiNova.

Its 43mm ceramic case rates 1250 on the Vickers scale–almost ten times harder than stainless steel–and measures 49.8mm lug to lug. It is relatively thick, even for a diver, at 14.6mm; however, this does take into account the high domed crystal. It should be noted, as well, that ceramic wears differently than steel. It is, to begin, much lighter. It is also ‘softer’ to the touch (if that is possible) and when finished in a matte top coat, as much of the watch is, it absorbs light, rather than reflecting it–essentially shrinking the watch visually.

The bracelet, which has the only polish outside the bezel flange, is a three-link fashioned from ceramic, tapering from 22mm at the lugs to 20mm at the clasp. The clasp itself is made from titanium and includes a diver’s extension.

The Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Diver is of monobloc construction and features a screw down crown and solid, embossed case back. These elements help it achieve its ISO 6425 certification and 300m of water resistance.

Under that case back beats the the R763–an ETA-based workhorse that has been upgraded to an 80-hour power reserve and features an anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring. Rado adjusts the movement to five positions for added accuracy.

SPECS

Case	Hig-Tech Ceramic Monobloc 43mm Diameter 49.8mm Lug to Lug 14.6mm Thick 22mm Lug Width 120-click Unidirectional Bezel Screw Down Crown 300m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Box Sapphire Crystal Lacquered Sunray Dial Applied Markers Arrow and Sword Handset Date Window @ 3 Swiss Super-LumiNova
Movement	Rado R763 (ETA C07.611 Base) Regulated to 5 Positions Nivachron Hairspring 25 Jewels 21 600bph 80-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Ceramic Bracelet /w Titanium Deployant Strap

Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Diver

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Of Interest

Rado has been using ceramics for the better part of thirty years. Its partnership with ComaDur–another Swatch brand company who furnishes Rado with ceramic components–has been a fruitful one. ComaDur has been in operation since 1880 (Rado since 1917) when it began manufacturing watch rubies. But today, in conjunction with Rado, it has become the world’s leading expert on high-tech ceramic. Far more than other common watchmaking materials, ceramics are extremely difficult to manufacture. They cannot be stamped or machined like steel for instance. All aspects must be created and formed directly into the mold. As such, each ceramic component requires two weeks to construct, regardless of the component’s size or complexity.

Quibbles

Fingerprints can be an issue, particularly on the polished portions of the ceramic bracelet. Ultimately, this is a small price to pay, I suppose, for almost an unscratchable object.

Final Thoughts

The Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Diver is a watch that effortlessly blends the vintage charm of its progenitor with the modern functionality of a technologically advanced timepiece. It’s a watch that will appeal to those who appreciate classic design elements but also demand the performance of a contemporary dive watch. With its striking looks, robust build, and Swiss craftsmanship, the Captain Cook Diver is a timepiece that can confidently accompany you on your underwater adventures or complement your everyday style.

When compared to other ceramic offerings on the market, it is also highly competitive. Whether you’re an avid diver or simply a watch enthusiast looking for a versatile and eye-catching timepiece, the Rado Captain Cook is a worthy addition to your collection. If you haven’t experienced ceramic in hand, do yourself a favour.

The Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Diver retails for $3350USD ($4500CAD) on rubber and $3700USD ($5000CAD) on the ceramic bracelet. Please visit the brand website for more information.