There’s a brand new concept adding to Rado’s boast to be the Master of Materials – The Art of Skeletonisation. Marketed with fiery imagery and molten lava, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Swiss watchmaker was creating a watch for fans of horror movies. Of course, that’s not the case. Instead, the latest addition to Rado’s skeleton dial collection is a watch with a pretty unique construction. Get this, the case is built from a material forged in an environment where temperatures reach four times those found on the sun. The new Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton has got to be worth a closer look.
In many ways, this eye-catching new release from Rado is the antithesis of what has made the Captain Cook line so successful. Oozing vintage charm and renowned for its simplicity, the Captain Cook is a ’60s watch reworked for a modern audience. This new edition contains the same core DNA – it’s a 300M-rated legitimate dive watch with an automatic movement – but it also features innovative materials and distinctive geometry. It’s big, bold and in the words of Rado, “a natural for the wrists of uncompromising explorers.”
The case of this new gunmetal-coloured watch is constructed from durable and high-tech ceramic with an attractive circular-brushed finish. This is paired with a matching grey bracelet and together they underpin the sombre tone of the watch. The inward-leaning bezel is familiar to fans of the Captain Cook and sports a rose gold PVD coating. It has the ceramic insert we’d expect and the rose gold look continues on the signed crown and the dial’s chapter ring.
While the high-tech ceramic case provides bucketloads of innovation, the skeletonised dial offers more traditional watchmaking prowess. Like other skeleton models in Rado’s catalogue, this model features the ever-reliable Rado Calibre R808 automatic movement. It’s an attractive calibre and is visible through both the front and back of the watch. In a cool touch, the front sapphire crystal has a slightly smoked finish, reinforcing the dark imagery of the watch.
And that’s where this watch is such a winner. It’s a real alternative to the smaller colourful Captain Cook variants. It’s dark and complex but still manages to remain legible and functional. The 43mm case, with a height of 14.6mm, means this stunning new variant will have a real wrist presence and fiery originality. Priced at AUD$7,125, the new Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton is available at selected boutiques now.
Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton
- Reference: R32148162
- Diameter: 43mm
- Height: 14.6mm
- Case: Matt Plasma High-tech Ceramic
- Movement: Rado Calibre R808
- Strap: Plasma High-tech Ceramic
- Water Resistance: 300M
- Price: AUD $7125
