Rado types itself the “Grasp of Supplies” so we’re stunned each time the model tells us there’s a new execution of a color in ceramic. It simply appears like Rado should have finished it earlier than – the automated reply to each query about ceramic in watchmaking is Rado, although that’s actually not at all times the case. Severely although, the brand new Captain Cook dinner Excessive-Tech Ceramic Skeleton is now accessible in a brand new matt shade of “late evening blue,” which is so very good-looking that it landed the quilt of World of Watches Malaysia. Earlier than you’ll be able to say ‘late evening what now?’ allow us to clarify.
Ceramic has this characteristic the place getting the exact colors any given producer needs – not simply in watchmaking – is troublesome. Effectively, it may be simpler if one is keen to compromise on materials energy or sturdiness and it could possibly additionally work if one is keen to compromise on the standard of the color. When a watchmaker comparable to Rado can not compromise on both, that’s when one has to push boundaries. Fortunately, Rado has a shared facility with the supplies specialist Comadur, whom we now have written about numerous instances and can go to within the close to future (it’s on the want record). This agency is liable for all of the revolutionary work the group does on sapphire crystals and ceramics.
Including to the sophistication right here is the skeletonised motion in play, Calibre R808, seen by the sapphire dial. Evidently, the motion is a major improve from the unique 1962 Captain Cook dinner mannequin and has all of the cool bits that characteristic strongly in modern calibres. The Calibre R808 features a NivachronTM hairspring, making it immune to magnetic fields, and boasts a formidable 80-hour energy reserve; little question you may be accustomed to this as the automated calibre is hardly new. On this type although, it’s doable to actually see how the aesthetics of the motion, with its meticulous machine ending, fits the attention. You may even watch the mainspring wind up and down, which is likely to be thrilling relying in your horological nerd credentials.
Returning to the case to complete, this isn’t a small watch at 43mm, neither is it skinny (14.6mm), however that’s to be anticipated from a dive watch constructed to have 300m water-resistance. The Captain Cook dinner vary is without doubt one of the few events that Rado goes thick, which is ideal to showcase the vary of ceramic. Serving to to maintain issues on the wrist in fine condition, at the very least once we tried the watch on, is the blue rubber strap. Rado says it’s “sport and adventure-ready,” and it ought to get the job finished by way of weathering humidity and sweat.
Motion: Automated Calibre R808; 80-hour energy reserve
Case: 43mm in high-tech ceramic; waterproof to 300m
Strap: Rubber
Value: SGD 6,550
This text first appeared on WOW’s Summer season 2024 difficulty.
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