Introducing Rado Unveils Two Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Chronographs

Rado’s Captain Cook line has come a long way since its 1962 debut as a classic diver’s watch with 200 metres of water resistance. The Swiss brand successfully revived the collection in recent years, introducing several editions, including the most recent world timer. This year, the evolution continues with the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Chronograph, a full-ceramic chronograph featuring bold updates in construction, design, and performance.

For the first time, Rado presents a chronograph model in a full monobloc high-tech ceramic case. Measuring 43mm in diameter and 16.2mm in height, it’s a sizable watch that feels lighter than expected, thanks to its ceramic and titanium components. The screw-down pushers and crown are rendered in stainless steel, finished in either rose gold PVD or polished steel depending on the model, while the caseback is crafted from circular-brushed titanium with a sapphire crystal insert. Water resistance is rated at 300 metres.

The chronograph is offered in two versions. One features a matte black ceramic case with a rose gold PVD bezel and a black dial. Its polished ceramic bezel insert is filled with white Super-LumiNova, matching the luminous fill on the rose gold-coloured hands and indices. The second variant comes in matte plasma ceramic with a stainless steel bezel and a dark green dial, accented by rhodium elements and white Super-LumiNova for optimal legibility.

Both models feature Rado’s signature rotating anchor logo at 12 o’clock and a date window at 6 o’clock, now updated with red numerals on a white disc. The chronograph layout includes three sub-dials: a 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock, a 60-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and, for the first time in a Captain Cook chronograph, a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock. All chronograph hands are easily distinguishable by their red-painted tips.

Powering the watch is the calibre R801, a modular automatic chronograph movement based on ETA architecture. It beats at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and features a Nivachron hairspring for enhanced resistance to magnetism. The movement delivers a power reserve of 59 hours. Each model is fitted with an integrated ceramic bracelet in either black or plasma grey, featuring polished centre links and a titanium triple-fold clasp. The retail price is CHF 5,600, approximately AED 24,800.

For more information, visit Rado’s official website.