The Rado Captain Cook Over-Pole Limited Edition is a reintroduction of a classic design, updated with modern mechanics and a refined aesthetic. This timepiece merges a vintage look with contemporary watchmaking technology, making it a notable release for both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts. The watch is a direct homage to the original Over-Pole model released in the 1960s, maintaining its historical roots while incorporating present-day advancements.
The heart of the Captain Cook Over-Pole Limited Edition is the R862 Worldtimer manual-winding movement. This caliber is not merely a nod to tradition but a robust piece of engineering designed for reliability and precision. Operating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), the movement offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve. This extended power reserve means the watch can be left unwound for over three days without losing time, a practical feature for those who may not wear the same watch daily. The movement’s accuracy is enhanced by a state-of-the-art Nivachron hairspring, providing superior resistance to magnetic fields and temperature variations, ensuring consistent performance in diverse conditions. The R862 movement is meticulously tested in five different positions to guarantee its reliability, a testament to Rado’s commitment to quality.
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Visually, the Captain Cook Over-Pole Limited Edition presents a striking presence. The watch features a 39mm stainless steel case with a yellow gold PVD coating, giving it a luxurious yet understated appeal. The case dimensions strike a balance, making the watch substantial enough to be noticed, yet comfortable for everyday wear. The thickness of the case is 10.9mm, contributing to its robust feel without being overly bulky. This case houses a silver-white dial, offering a clean and legible backdrop for the watch's features.
The dial itself is thoughtfully designed, incorporating a date function positioned discreetly, not to disrupt the overall aesthetic harmony. The absence of jewels on the dial maintains a focus on functionality and clarity. The rotating bezel is inscribed with the names of various cities, facilitating the world-time function of the watch. By aligning the current city with the hour hand, the wearer can easily read the time in different time zones using the 24-hour scale around the dial. This feature is not only practical for travelers but also adds a layer of worldly sophistication to the design. Surrounding the clean, off-white dial is a black ring encompassing the cities. The text is a crisp white that states locations like: NOUMEA, MIDWAY, MUMBAI, CAIRO, NEVA, and RADO. Surrounding the outside of that are two rings, the outter is black, and the inside is gold.
Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. This ensures maximum legibility under various lighting conditions, reducing glare and enhancing the visibility of the dial details. The sapphire crystal extends to the case back, allowing a view of the finely decorated movement. Through the transparent case back, one can observe the Côtes-de-Genève surface finishing, blued screws, and gold-colored details, showcasing the craftsmanship involved in the R862 caliber.
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Rado has a storied history in the watchmaking industry, known for its innovative use of materials and design. The brand has consistently pushed boundaries, introducing high-tech ceramics and other advanced materials to the market. The Captain Cook line, initially launched in the 1960s, was designed as a robust and reliable timepiece for divers and explorers. The reintroduction of the Over-Pole model pays tribute to this heritage, embodying the spirit of adventure and exploration that defined the original collection.
One of the standout features of the new Over-Pole is its versatility, largely due to Rado’s EasyClip system. This system allows for quick and effortless swapping of the bracelet, giving the wearer the option to switch between a stylish yellow gold PVD stainless steel bracelet and a rugged brown leather strap. This adaptability makes the watch suitable for a variety of occasions, from formal events to casual outings. The stainless steel bracelet features a three-fold clasp, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The brown leather strap, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed and vintage look, appealing to those who appreciate a classic aesthetic.
The watch is provided with a practical leather pouch for storing the watch and the additional strap, enhancing its travel-friendly nature. This attention to detail underscores Rado's commitment to providing a comprehensive and user-focused experience. Each watch is also accompanied by an official Limited Edition Certificate, adding to its collectibility and exclusivity. The limitation of 1962 pieces is a nod to the year the original Over-Pole was released, further connecting the new model to its historical roots.
The design of the Captain Cook Over-Pole Limited Edition is a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern sophistication. The gold PVD coating gives the watch a warm, inviting hue, while the clean lines and well-proportioned case ensure a contemporary feel. The combination of the silver-white dial, gold accents, and the option of either a metal bracelet or leather strap allows for a high degree of personalization and adaptability.
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The hands and indices are designed for maximum legibility, with a simple yet elegant layout. The date window is subtly integrated, maintaining the dial's uncluttered appearance. The use of Super-LumiNova on the hands and markers ensures visibility in low-light conditions, adding to the watch's practicality. The overall design ethos reflects a commitment to both form and function, resulting in a timepiece that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is useful.
The Rado Captain Cook collection has always been associated with exploration and adventure, and the Over-Pole Limited Edition continues this tradition. The world-time function, facilitated by the rotating bezel and 24-hour scale, is a practical feature for travelers and adds to the watch’s adventurous spirit. The ability to quickly check the time in different time zones makes it an ideal companion for those who frequently cross borders or have international connections.
The construction of the watch reflects Rado's expertise in material science. The stainless steel case, enhanced with a PVD coating, offers durability and resistance to wear, while maintaining a refined appearance. The use of sapphire crystal, known for its scratch resistance, ensures that the watch remains in excellent condition even with regular use. The water resistance of 10 bar (100 meters) adds another layer of practicality, making the watch suitable for various activities, including swimming and snorkeling.
The Over-Pole is limited to 1962 pieces, enhancing its appeal to collectors. Each watch is individually numbered, with the edition number engraved on the case back, adding a personal touch and reinforcing its exclusivity. The limited production run makes this timepiece a rare find, appealing to those who value uniqueness and heritage. The inclusion of a Limited Edition Certificate further authenticates the watch and adds to its provenance.
The technical specifications of the Captain Cook Over-Pole Limited Edition are a testament to Rado's commitment to quality and innovation. The R862 movement, with its 80-hour power reserve and Nivachron hairspring, represents the pinnacle of modern watchmaking technology. The attention to detail in the movement's finishing, visible through the sapphire case back, highlights the brand's dedication to craftsmanship.
Courtesy of Rado
The Captain Cook Over-Pole Limited Edition is positioned as a premium timepiece, reflecting its quality, features, and limited availability. The combination of a manual-winding movement, world-time function, and versatile design makes it a versatile and desirable watch for a wide range of enthusiasts. Whether worn as a daily companion or a special occasion piece, the Over-Pole is designed to make a statement.
In terms of wearability, the 39mm case size is suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. The watch sits comfortably on the wrist, with a balanced weight distribution that prevents it from feeling too heavy or bulky. The 63.2-gram weight makes it substantial enough to feel luxurious without being cumbersome. The choice between the metal bracelet and leather strap further enhances its comfort and adaptability, allowing the wearer to customize the watch to their preference.
The Rado Captain Cook Over-Pole Limited Edition is a well-rounded timepiece that blends historical significance with modern technology. Its design pays homage to the original 1962 model, while incorporating contemporary features and materials. The watch's versatility, enhanced by the EasyClip system, makes it suitable for a wide range of settings and occasions. The limited production run of 1962 pieces adds to its collectibility and exclusivity, appealing to those who appreciate rare and well-crafted timepieces.
The craftsmanship of the watch is evident in every detail, from the meticulously finished movement to the thoughtfully designed dial and case. The use of high-quality materials, such as sapphire crystal and stainless steel with PVD coating, ensures durability and longevity. The water resistance of 100 meters adds to its practicality, making it a reliable companion for various activities.
The world-time function, facilitated by the rotating bezel and 24-hour scale, is a standout feature that sets the Over-Pole apart from other watches in its class. This functionality, combined with the watch's robust construction and elegant design, makes it an ideal choice for travelers and adventurers. The ability to easily switch between the metal bracelet and leather strap further enhances its versatility, allowing it to adapt to different styles and situations.
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The Over-Pole's design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The silver-white dial, gold accents, and clean layout create a balanced and harmonious look. The date window is subtly integrated, maintaining the dial's uncluttered appearance. The use of Super-LumiNova on the hands and markers ensures visibility in low-light conditions, adding to the watch's practicality. The overall design ethos reflects a commitment to both form and function, resulting in a timepiece that is as beautiful as it is useful.
The Rado Captain Cook Over-Pole Limited Edition is priced at $2,800.00. This price point reflects the watch's premium positioning, taking into account its limited production, high-quality materials, and advanced movement. The watch is available through authorized Rado retailers and online, offering accessibility to a global audience.
Case: Stainless steel / PVD. 39.0 mm diameter, 10.9 mm thickness. Water resistant to 10 bar (100 m). Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides.
Movement: Handwinding, Calibre R862. 80 hours power reserve. Movement Reference: 03.862.031. Features a Nivachron hairspring.
Dial: Silver-White color. Includes a date function.
Strap: Leather and Stainless steel / PVD options. Features Rado's EasyClip system for quick changes.
Price: $2,800.00
Reference Number: R32193018
Notes: Limited Edition of 1962 pieces. Features a world-time function with city names on the bezel. Comes with a leather pouch and Limited Edition Certificate.