Rado is a master of ceramics. After 35 years, Rado was the first to use it in watchmaking. The brand’s approach to the production of ceramics is fascinating unto itself. Rado’s High-Tech Ceramic is the ceramic it uses. In this instance, final ceramic monobloc watch components – cases, bezels and bracelet links – are subject to a plasma oven, where plasma-activated gases fundamentally alter the molecular structure of the ceramic at temperatures of 20,000oC. Once-white ceramic parts are given a metallic shine. Beyond the resulting material’s attractive aesthetic, it also boasts exceptional scratch-resistance and durability, all while managing to be superbly lightweight.
Rado has had a lot of success applying the most innovative materials to a watch that was first manufactured in 1962. Rado has thus become one of only a few watchmakers to have poetically reimagined the past using its current capabilities. The Captain Cook is a classic, and the latest version, the Captain Cook Ceramic High-Tech Skeleton, is a new take on the beloved watch.
The 2023 Captain Cook High Tech Ceramic Skeleton is a monobloc case made of matt plasma high tech ceramic in deep anthracite. This bracelet is made of matt high-tech ceramic links that are individually formed. It also features a titanium three-fold clasp and Ceramos push buttons. This new Captain Cook is distinguished by its rose-gold PVD coated stainless steel, especially on its bezel. The bezel is made of high-tech ceramic, and the dial is decorated with rose-gold lacquered markers, numbers and triangles.
Focusing on the watch face, we see that the brushed grey tinted sapphire crystal of the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton’s dial gives way to a great view of a new skeleton design of the self-winding calibre R808. Further adding to the watch’s rose-gold-coloured accents are its hands and hour markers, with appropriate SuperLuminova application. The R808 is also enhanced by a horizontally brushed plateine and a rosegold minute-wheel bridge that are clearly visible at the center of the dial. The movement has an 80-hour reserve and is equipped with Nivachron, which minimizes the effects of magnetism.
At 43mm, the 2023 Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton’s size remains unchanged and manages to make for yet another great addition to the collection, with a thoughtful pop of colour on an otherwise radically futuristic dive watch.
Movement: Automatic calibre R808 with 80-hour reserve
Case: Ceramic 43mm high-tech ceramic, water resistant to 300m
Strap: High-tech ceramic bracelet with titanium
Price: USD6,500
This article was first seen on WOW’s Summer #69 Issue.
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