“One of the coolest elements, in my mind, of the vintage pieces was the applied logo, the shape of an anchor, that rotated with the movement on the wrist. This had no mechanical merit but was just a natty aesthetic touch!” Povey declared.

The Innovative Captain Cook

The original Captain Cook watch was a game changer in the world of dive watches, designed to withstand the most challenging conditions of underwater exploration. With a durable stainless steel case, a rotating bezel, and 300 meters of water resistance, this watch became an instant classic and set the standard for all future dive watches.

Over the years, Rado continued to innovate and push the boundaries of watchmaking, introducing new features and materials that made the Captain Cook watch line even more impressive. With the introduction of high-tech ceramic in the 1980s, Rado proved that it was not afraid to embrace new technologies. However, with the introduction of Plasma high-tech ceramic, Rado has taken the materials science to another level.

Plasma high-tech ceramic is a cutting-edge material that has taken the world of watchmaking by storm. This advanced material is created by subjecting high-tech ceramic to a high-temperature plasma treatment, which changes the surface properties of the ceramic and gives it a unique metallic shine. The plasma temperatures reach 20,000°C, or nearly four times that found on the Sun’s surface. Just as comparison, high-tech ceramic on the other hand is baked in an oven at “only” 1,450°C.

With its unique metallic shine and exceptional properties, plasma high-tech ceramic is quickly becoming a favorite material among watch enthusiasts and collectors.

2023: Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton

The case is a monobloc construction of matte plasma high-tech ceramic with a turning bezel of rose gold colored PVD-coated stainless steel. The bezel insert features a unique circular brushed plasma high-tech ceramic insert with rose gold lacquered numbers, markers and triangle.

The dial is a minimal array of indexes and hands to keep a clear view of the skeleton movement at work and is treated with Super-LumiNova to enhance readability for low-light conditions. The trademark Rado moving anchor symbol makes its traditional appearance on the dial with a deep-red backdrop. A transparent sapphire crystal caseback gives a view of the skeletonized movement from the back of the timepiece.

Rado’s CEO Adrian Bosshard provided insight into his strategy of product development to The Edge publication, “When you look at the Captain Cook from the 1960s, today’s versions feature the same design, but case sizes are bigger; we have the chance to work with more sophisticated movements and the opportunity to make these products with the most sophisticated technology. This is also the direction I give to my product team, and it’s worked for us.”

Bold and Reliable

The Rado R808 is a Swiss-made automatic movement crafted by experts at ETA’s movements division within the Swatch Group. It features 25 jewels and has a power reserve of up to 80 hours. The R808 movement is known for its accuracy and reliability, making it a popular choice among watch enthusiasts. It also features an antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring that exceeds standard test requirements from three to five positions for higher accuracy, offers exceptional shock resistance and is unaffected by magnetic fields or temperature changes.

With their bold designs, advanced materials, and reliable performance, Rado’s Captain Cook watches are a true testament to the spirit of exploration and discovery. The new Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton is an exciting addition to the iconic line with a beautiful skeleton design, warm tones, and all of the durability and reliability that we’ve come to expect from Rado.

Tech Specs

Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton

Reference: R32148162
Movement: Self-winding caliber R808; 80-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds
Case: 43mm; matte plasma high-tech ceramic, with brushed rose gold colored PVD coated stainless steel bezel, and titanium and sapphire crystal caseback; water resistant to 300m
Dial: Brushed gray with gray tinted sapphire crystal; brushed rose gold colored applied hour markers with white Super-LumiNova
Strap: Plasma high-tech ceramic bracelet; titanium triple folding clasp with Ceramos push-buttons
Price: USD 4,250