Almost a year ago, Rado invited me to visit the EFG Swiss Open Gstaad tennis tournament in Switzerland.
It was a memorable event, and as an avid tennis player and sports enthusiast, I always watch the professionals with interest. One of the standout moments of the event (where Rado is the official timekeeper) was the popularity of the large ceramic Captain Cook models. Although I personally prefer the ceramic Anatom series and the smaller steel versions of the Captain Cook, many guests wore various versions of the 43 mm Captain Cook. That's why I was particularly interested in trying out the new blue Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Chronograph.
Impressions of the Blue Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Chronograph
As soon as the blue Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Chronograph (ref. R32195202) was on my desk, it was impossible not to notice. The watch has a vibrant character that immediately draws attention. The new blue version with rose gold looks even more striking compared to last year's two models: the all-black with rose gold details and the grey with a green ceramic bezel. This new version is perhaps my favorite of the three - I love the combination of the dark blue dial and bezel with grey ceramic. These colors harmonize perfectly, and the rose gold details add sophistication. To see if it truly enhances the impression, I decided to wear the watch.
Technical Specifications of the Blue Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Chronograph
Let's start with the technical details. The case is made of high-tech ceramic measuring 43 × 49.8 × 16.2 mm, with water resistance up to 300 meters. This is a large and hefty diving chronograph that won't hide under a shirt cuff. The dark grey ceramic case is paired with a stainless steel bezel with rose PVD coating and a blue ceramic insert with white diving scale.
The crown and chronograph pushers on the right side of the case are colored in rose gold. The dial is blue with a sunburst effect, giving it a soft and deep shade that pairs well with the bezel. The dial design is classic: three sub-dials are arranged in a 3-6-9 layout, and the date is integrated into the sub-dial at the 6 o'clock position.
Functionally, the running seconds counter is at 3 o'clock, while the 12-hour and 30-minute chronograph counters are at 6 and 9 o'clock, respectively. The date window at 6 o'clock shows a white disc with red numerals.
I was surprised by the red color of the numerals on the white background in the date. The white disc makes sense as it matches the luminescent hour markers in a pink hue, but the red numerals seem like an unusual choice.
Upon closer inspection, it is noticeable that red is also present on the tips of all three hands associated with the chronograph. An interesting detail is the integration of the 300 m / 1000 ft water resistance marking into the sub-dial at 6 o'clock. Above the dial, the signature luminescent Captain Cook hour and minute hands in rose gold, as well as the central chronograph hand with a red tip, stand out.
Rado R801 Movement in the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Chronograph
When you turn the watch over, the Rado R801 caliber is clearly visible through the sapphire crystal on the titanium case back. This is an automatic chronograph based on ETA A31 - a modern version of the ETA 2894. To implement the chronograph function, Rado's watchmakers installed a Dubois Dépraz module on top, increasing the thickness of the movement and, accordingly, the case.
The R801 caliber operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, contains 37 jewels, and provides a power reserve of up to 59 hours. The movement is equipped with an anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring. The finish is quite restrained, but the perlage on the bridges and the matte-brushed anchor-shaped rotor with vertical stripes create visual interest.
Bracelet and Clasp
The look is completed by a ceramic three-link bracelet with matte outer and polished central links. The bracelet features an asymmetrical titanium butterfly clasp.
The main part of the clasp is adorned with the Rado logo, but a micro-adjustment system is absent. Interestingly, the bracelet's appearance emphasizes the overall sophistication of the watch. Although it is less flashy than the rose gold details, the polished central links stand out noticeably when worn.
Wearing the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Chronograph
On the wrist, the bracelet feels soft and comfortable. I am always impressed by the comfort of Rado's ceramic bracelets. Additionally, the bracelet balances the watch on the wrist perfectly. Weighing 169 grams, the Captain Cook Chronograph is quite heavy, yet it is noticeably more comfortable than a steel chronograph of the same size.
Despite the large dimensions, the watch sits well on my 18.5 cm (7.3 inches) wrist. However, they cannot be called modest - with a thickness of 16.2 mm, they make a definite statement. Especially in this color scheme, the watch is hard to miss throughout the day.
Final Impressions of the New Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Chronograph
Overall, wearing the new Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Chronograph was enjoyable. These watches are more of an acquired taste and quite different from what I usually choose, but they provided a pleasant change. The model feels very high quality, the materials are pleasant to touch and comfortable to wear. The only downside is that the polished central links of the bracelet quickly collect fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning throughout the day.
Moreover, operating the watch confirms its high quality: the chronograph buttons work crisply with a satisfying tactile response, inspiring confidence in the product. The price of the new version with the blue dial is €6,500 / US$6,250 / £5,500 / CHF 5,700, comparable to the black and rose model.
After a week of wearing, I understand why the large Captain Cook models are so popular. Although this is not my first choice in the Rado collection, the quality and look make them a great option for those seeking a watch with a strong wrist presence. The Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Chronograph ref. R32195202 offers this in full measure.
Watch Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Chronograph |
| Dial | Blue with luminescent pink-toned indexes, three sub-dials, date window, white print, Rado rotating anchor on a synthetic ruby background |
| Case Material | Grey high-tech ceramic with matte finish, polished bezel and stainless steel elements with rose PVD coating, blue ceramic insert with luminescent markings |
| Case Dimensions | 43 mm (diameter) × 49.8 mm (lug-to-lug) × 16.2 mm (thickness) |
| Glass | Sapphire, box-shaped, with double-sided anti-reflective coating |
| Case Back | Titanium and sapphire crystal |
| Movement | Rado R801 (ETA A31): automatic modular chronograph with manual winding and stop seconds, 28,800 vibrations/hour, 59-hour power reserve, 37 jewels, perlage and Côtes de Genève finish, adjusted in five positions, anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring |
| Water Resistance | 300 meters |
| Strap | Grey ceramic three-link bracelet with matte and polished finish, titanium butterfly clasp |
| Functions | Time (hours, minutes, small seconds), chronograph (12-hour and 30-minute counters, central seconds hand), date, 60-minute diving bezel |
| Price | €6,500 / US$6,250 / £5,500 / CHF 5,700 |