They say a classic never dies, but that’s only part of the story. When it comes to longevity, reinvention is key, and if history has taught us anything, it’s that a little innovation and leap of faith can make all the difference. In the case of the Rado Captain Cook, the gamble has paid off.
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Sixty years after the first Captain Cook explorer watch was unveiled, the ‘Master of Materials’ is back at it again, taking the iconic timepiece in a new direction. The foundations of old are still there – the distinct inwards-sloping bezel and ultra-legible design sit foremost, while the dive capabilities make for a handy companion. Where the 2021 edition differs is, unsurprisingly, in its material.
The newly unveiled Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic reinforces the dive-watch design with a high-tech ceramic monobloc case construction. The new case material is scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic, providing enough durability to withstand the elements while still looking the part.
The new design makes the first real update to the Captain Cook range since it was revived back in 2017. Diving, hiking, mountain-biking – the new age explorer demands a new breed of watch and fans of the Swiss brand have been eager to see how a new piece would enter the fold. Ever the innovator, Rado delivered.
Thanks to the new ultra-light case material, Rado could afford to go slightly bigger for the HTC. Despite its 43mm case size, hardened stainless steel screw-down crown and brushed titanium case back, the Captain Cook HTC actually weighs less than its steel or bronze counterparts, providing a vastly different on-wrist experience than you may expect. Peering down, you’ll note the black-tinted sapphire crystal dial, a design feature that is also home to the Rado rotating anchor at 12 o’clock. But it’s inside that you’ll truly see Rado’s legacy at work.
The new Captain Cook HTC is powered by the Rado calibre R734, backed by a strong 80 hours power reserve, and up to 30 bar (300m) water resistance. The calibre also cops a Nivachron hairspring, an addition that protects the timepiece from magnetic fields.
Additionally, the bezel, indexes, and arrow hands are filled with white Super- LumiNova, providing clear visibility in the dark. Evidently, as one of the most well-loved dive watch brands of the 20th century, Rado wasn’t about to let go of tradition, despite pushing for reinvention.
Priced from AUD$5,275, the new Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic is presented in four variations, each carrying a renewed focus on innovation. Sure, legacy is fun, but creating a new classic? That’s a real adventure.
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