Rado Captain Cook Automatic Chronograph

In the world of horology, where craftsmanship meets precision, the name Rado resonates with an echo of innovation and a legacy of transformation. Tracing its origins to 1917 in the quiet town of Lengnau, Switzerland, RADO initially captured attention under the name Schlup & Co. It wasn't until 1957 that the world was formally introduced to the RADO brand, marking the beginning of an era that would redefine the aesthetics and durability of wristwatches.

RADO's journey is one of bold strides and pioneering efforts. The brand is celebrated for its use of materials that are as avant-garde as they are enduring. High-tech ceramics, sapphire crystal, and high-tech diamond are not just materials but symbols of RADO's philosophy that a watch should remain beautiful for a lifetime. This philosophy is embodied in their Captain Cook series, which blends the intrepid spirit of the 18th-century British explorer with RADO's vision of timekeeping.



The Captain Cook series first saw daylight in the 1960s, an era of exploration and adventure. This was the time when the world was seeking to conquer new frontiers – space was being explored, oceans were being dived deeper, and mountains were being scaled higher. In this context, RADO launched the Captain Cook line, a collection of watches that were robust, readable, and ready for anything. It was an instant classic among adventurers and connoisseurs alike, valued for its no-nonsense approach and its ability to withstand the rigors of the outdoors.

Today, RADO has revisited its iconic series with the Captain Cook Automatic Chronograph. It's a piece that doesn't just tell time; it narrates history, adventure, and the relentless pursuit of innovation. This watch isn't just a timepiece; it's a companion for the modern-day explorers who dare to venture into the unknown, be it the urban jungle or the literal depths of the sea.



Visually, the Captain Cook Automatic Chronograph captures one's gaze with its bold demeanor. The 43 mm polished stainless steel case, complemented by gold-colored elements, exhibits a certain rugged elegance that is hard to miss. It's substantial, yet perfectly balanced on the wrist – a testament to RADO's commitment to comfort and wearability. The case's design is a contemporary nod to the past, featuring a box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, ensuring that not a single second is lost to glare.

The dial is where the Captain Cook Automatic Chronograph truly comes alive. The green to black gradient mimics the ocean's vastness, an homage to the watch's namesake explorer's travels across the seas. It's a canvas that plays with light and perspective, changing hues as it catches different angles of light. The gold-colored applied indexes, filled with white Super-LumiNova®, are not just functional, ensuring legibility in low light, but also add a touch of sophistication that aligns perfectly with the watch's overall aesthetic.

The beating heart of the RADO Captain Cook Automatic Chronograph is its automatic RADO calibre R801 movement. This intricate assembly of gears and springs is a microcosm of mechanical perfection, boasting not just the ability to keep time with unerring accuracy but also a robustness that assures longevity. The 59-hour power reserve means that even after a weekend off the wrist, the watch will be keeping time accurately, ready for the week ahead without the need for a wind.



What's particularly noteworthy about the R801 movement is its antimagnetic Nivachron™ hairspring. In an age where our environments are inundated with magnetic fields from various electronic devices, the Nivachron™ hairspring offers a shield against these potentially disruptive forces, ensuring that the timepiece's precision is uncompromised. It's an innovation that speaks to the needs of the contemporary wearer, who moves through a world where tradition and technology intertwine.

Encasing the R801 movement is a polished stainless steel case, its 43 mm diameter striking a balance between presence and comfort. The choice of stainless steel, often found in the world of high-end watchmaking, is not just for its lustrous appearance but also for its renowned durability. Paired with PVD-coated elements, the case takes on a two-tone appearance that is both modern and versatile, able to complement any attire.

Covering the face of the watch is a box-shaped sapphire crystal, treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides. This choice of material is deliberate, as sapphire crystal ranks only below diamond in hardness, offering unparalleled scratch resistance. The anti-reflective coating is equally important, reducing glare to ensure that the time can be read from any angle, under any lighting condition.



Turning our attention to the watch's dial, the Captain Cook Automatic Chronograph showcases a green to black gradient that is evocative of the deep sea. This visual element not only adds depth to the overall design but also creates a dynamic look that changes under different lighting. The yellow gold-colored applied indexes are not mere decorative features; they are filled with white Super-LumiNova®, a luminescent material that glows in lower light conditions, ensuring legibility no matter the time of day.

The dial also includes a date function, discreetly placed and easily readable, adding to the functionality of the watch. There are no jewels or mother-of-pearl inlays here—this is a watch that speaks the language of utility and purpose, with every element designed to enhance the wearer's experience.

The RADO Captain Cook Automatic Chronograph comes equipped with a water resistance of 30 bar (300 m). This level of water resistance is impressive, particularly for an automatic chronograph, indicating that the watch is not just designed for everyday use but also for the adventurous who may take it underwater.



Adding to the versatility of the Captain Cook Automatic Chronograph is the special packaging that includes two additional straps. The green leather strap with polished yellow gold-colored PVD coating offers a look of refined sophistication, while the green textile NATO style strap lends a more casual, sporty feel. These options allow the wearer to transform the watch's look to suit the occasion.

The RADO Captain Cook Automatic Chronograph is a watch that doesn't just keep time; it keeps pace with the ever-changing world of its wearer. It's a piece built for those who appreciate the meticulousness of Swiss watchmaking, the reliability of modern technology, and the need for a timepiece that can adapt to various lifestyles.