The Captain Cook model is arguably one of Rado's most iconic models. Named after the British explorer, it was released in 1962. The 37mm watch with 200m water resistance was a serious attempt by Rado to support the trend of creating diving watches. Since its re-release in 2017, several Captain Cooks inspired by vintage motifs have been launched. However, in 2021, the brand decided to explore new territories by incorporating one of its key specializations - ceramic cases - into the model. Today, we take a closer look at the Captain Cook High-Tech Plasma Ceramic with its stunning metallic color and blue accents.
While Rado has already used ceramic for the bezels of its signature diving watches, this is the first time the brand's expertise with ceramics is applied to the entire Captain Cook. As expected, it combines symbolic elements of the past with modern design elements. If you are accustomed to what Captain Cook was before the debut of the new ceramic versions, you will notice that the ceramic version still clearly looks like a Captain Cook, yet feels completely different.
HIGH-TECH PLASMA CERAMIC
Starting with the case, the Rado Captain Cook Ceramic is offered in a new, larger size. With a diameter of 43mm and a height of 14.6mm, it's available in four variations. When we were offered to review these watches, we chose to examine the "plasma ceramic" version. This version features a monobloc plasma ceramic case equipped with a hardened stainless steel bezel and a blue ceramic insert. Plasma ceramic is forged in a kiln where gases activated at 20,000°C transform the finished white ceramic into a material with a metallic sheen, without affecting its core properties: lightness, hardness, and comfort. Water resistance is 30ATM or 300m.
On the wrist, these Captain Cook watches are not small, but thanks to the ergonomic design and bracelet integration, they appear smaller than their 43mm diameter would suggest. Considering that the watch is made of ceramic, I was surprised that it feels slightly heavier than I expected. Although the bracelet and case are very light, the movement adds some heft. The watch weighs 153g but remains very comfortable, and the smooth scratch-resistant ceramic surface feels cool and smooth to the touch.
The ceramic bracelet with brightly polished central links and matte outer links is well finished. Finally, the triple-fold titanium clasp is crafted with high precision and operates smoothly.
Another modern touch is the dial. Rado chose a semi-transparent tinted sapphire dial, partially revealing the movement. With its ever-changing reflections, many details can be discovered. As expected, Rado equipped it with the moving anchor symbol at the "12 o'clock" position. Although I didn't take photos of the watch with luminescence, I was truly impressed by the watch's glow at night. Readability remains excellent, and the hands and indices seem to literally float above the tinted sapphire glass. I also agree with Rado's decision to omit the date window in this model. With the sapphire glass over the movement, a date window would have looked awkward in this context.
The tinted sapphire dial and case back reveal the R734 movement based on the "ETA Powermatic" caliber. While most watches in this price range are equipped with classic automatic movements, this automatic movement adds two significant enhancements to its ETA 2824 base. First, thanks to the reduced frequency of 3 Hz and the redesigned kinetic chain, the power reserve is increased to 80 hours. Second, the movement features a Nivachron balance spring, which is immune to magnetic influence. The movement is decorated with mother-of-pearl and Geneva stripes on the rotor.
CONCLUSION
The Rado Captain Cook Plasma Ceramic watch is beautifully crafted and exudes quality. Combining vintage DNA with modern execution and technology, these watches definitely belong to their own class, taking the functional character of the Captain Cook to bolder and more modern territories. As a fan of vintage style, I can assure you that these ceramic Captain Cook watches were a pleasure to wear!
AVAILABILITY AND PRICE
The Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Plasma Ceramic is now available in retail stores, priced at 3,800 Swiss Francs or 3,900 Euros. For more information, please visit www.rado.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - RADO CAPTAIN COOK HIGH-TECH PLASMA CERAMIC
Case: Diameter 43mm x Thickness 14.6mm - 49.8mm lug-to-lug - Monobloc high-tech plasma ceramic case - Unidirectional bezel in hardened stainless steel - Polished blue ceramic insert with 60-minute scale - Titanium case back with black tinted sapphire glass - Screw-down crown in hardened stainless steel - Box-shaped sapphire crystal with AR coating - Water resistance 300 meters
Dial: Black tinted sapphire glass - Applied indices and rhodium-plated hands with white Super-LumiNova - Moving anchor symbol with synthetic ruby plate
Movement: Rado caliber R734 (base Powermatic 80) - Automatic - Skeletonized - 25 jewels - 21,600 vibrations/hour - 80-hour power reserve - Anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring - Hours, minutes, seconds (no date)
Bracelet: Plasma high-tech ceramic bracelet, polished central links, matte outer links, titanium triple-fold clasp
Reference: R32128202
Price: 3,900 EUROS